how to cope

What is Agoraphobia? Agoraphobia comprises two words of Greek origin. “Agora” means “open or public space” and “phobos” means fear. Thus, agoraphobia is a type of anxiety disorder that refers to the fear of open or public spaces, where you feel you won’t receive any help or can’t escape.  If you experience agoraphobia, you may feel helpless and trapped in public spaces or in crowds. You may feel like there would be no one to help you if something happens to you. You may also feel like you will lose control in public spaces.  Eventually, to avoid these overwhelming fears, you may avoid public spaces. You may also avoid going out of your house. This can negatively affect your personal relationships, work, or school. Agoraphobia is a scary, difficult experience for those who go through it. Yet, people many people are unaware of this disorder and its connection to panic attacks. This article explores this relationship between agoraphobia and panic attacks. We talk about why it is important to identify agoraphobia, and the consequences of neglecting it. We will also guide you through some ways through which you can manage agoraphobia.  Symptoms of Agoraphobia Agoraphobia is a form of anxiety disorder. Therefore, when you think about or visit public or open spaces, you may experience extreme anxiety. Agoraphobia symptoms often overlap with symptoms of anxiety and a panic, making it difficult to make sense of. If you are experiencing agoraphobia, you may notice the following symptoms when you are in, or imagine being in open, public spaces: Fear of losing control in a public space  Fear of not receiving help when needed  Fear of being trapped in a public space Fear of being away from home Fear of being in crowded and open spaces These fears can be suffocating and overwhelming for you. As a result, you may experience feelings of anxiety and panic.  Sometimes, the fear can be extreme, and can result in a panic attack. Due to the persistent and extreme anxiety, you may begin to avoid stepping out of your home. Going out alone to do everyday tasks can seem terrifying without a companion. And thus, you may spend most of your time at home as your fear holds you back. What Are The Common Triggers For Agoraphobia? There is a misconception that agoraphobia happens only in public spaces. There are other situations that can trigger agoraphobia as well. Agoraphobia manifests often in places such as: Shops, theaters, malls, hospitals, restaurants Public Transport Crowded Spaces A line or queue  Enclosed spaces such as elevators or cubicles These situations can trigger a panic attack, or can cause anxiety symptoms like shaking, sweating, nausea, rapid heartbeat, and shallow breathing. In a world that constantly requires you to step out of your home to get tasks done, it may be difficult for you to manage things like school, work, travel, or visits to the hospital.  What Is The Relationship Between Agoraphobia And Panic Attacks? There is a strong relationship between agoraphobia and panic attacks. Agoraphobia can often arise as a result of repeated panic attacks. Experiencing frequent panic attacks, especially in public spaces, can make you fear having a panic attack in public again.  You may worry about not receiving help, or losing control in public. These fears can bring up feelings of helplessness and embarrassment. Sometimes, the fear of having a panic attack in public can be intense enough to trigger another panic attack. This creates a vicious and endless cycle. Therefore, the anxiety about having a panic attack becomes even more difficult to manage than the actual panic attack. You may become highly sensitive to any situation that could potentially lead to another panic attack.  This sensitivity can make you avoid being in public spaces, thus leading to agoraphobia.  The core of agoraphobia and panic attacks are anxiety. It is therefore important to handle the underlying anxiety in order to manage the symptoms of the anxiety disorder. Working with the anxiety and its root cause will subsequently reduce the panic and the agoraphobia.  Are your anxieties holding you back? Counseling can be a great tool for you to manage and overcome agoraphobia and lead a happy, stress-free life. We are here for you. Book an Appointment Managing Agoraphobia Treating Agoraphobia and other anxiety disorders have a lot to do with regulating the nervous system, and addressing the underlying anxiety.  But, How do we regulate our nervous system? Some of the best ways to do this is to: Adopt a self-care practice: Incorporate meditation, mild exercise, and mindfulness into your everyday life. These practices can reduce your stress levels, heart rate, and release happy hormones into your body. They are simple, yet effective, ways to heal from within and manage your anxiety.  Go for Therapy: Therapy is a great way to seek professional guidance to manage agoraphobia. Therapists can work with you to understand the underlying patterns of thinking that contribute towards your fear of public spaces.  The ideal way to treat agoraphobia would be a combination of a good self-care and self-help regime, counseling, and medications, if required. By using these techniques and with time, you will be able to manage agoraphobia and lead a joyful life.  Counseling And Therapy For Agoraphobia At Inner Space, we believe that managing agoraphobia requires a multi-dimensional approach. Therefore, our therapists help you observe the underlying patterns of negative thoughts and beliefs, and regulate your nervous system and body through relaxation and somatic therapies.  It is important to find the right therapist to help you through an anxiety disorder, such as agoraphobia. Going for counseling can help you learn ways to manage everyday stress and reduce symptoms.  Anxiety disorders can be a tough experience to go through. However, with the right support, you can manage agoraphobia and live your life with ease. Self-Help Techniques For Agoraphobia There are numerous self-help techniques you can do by yourself to manage some symptoms of agoraphobia. Performing these techniques, along with therapy and/or medication, can improve your ability to manage the