Tuesday, April 12, 2011

What is Agoraphobia?

The definition of agoraphobia is a fear of open spaces.  To be more specific Agoraphobia is a fear of experiencing severe anxiety in public. Doctors used to think that Agoraphobia was a fear all on its own, but recently studies have shown a direct link from anxiety disorder and panic attacks with the fear of public spaces.



If you start avoiding places that you think may trigger a panic attack you are unknowingly causing your own agoraphobia.  At its worst it can cause you to rarely ever leave the safety of your home and even start to miss important life moments like weddings, parties and friendly get togethers from the fear of having an embarrassing panic attack in front of all your loved ones.

If left untreated Agoraphobia will only get worse.  According to the Mayo Clinic here are the symptoms of agoraphobia:

  • Fear of losing control in public
  • Inability to leave your house for long periods (house bound)
  • Fear of being alone
  • Fear of being in a crowded area (I.e. the mall, sports arena, concert, etc.)
  • Feel completely dependent on others
  • A sense of unreality (depersonalization)
  • Sense of helplessness
  • Fear of places that would be hard to “escape” like a train, car or elevator

The symptoms of agoraphobia will slowly make you fear your everyday life.  Normal daily activities like running errands or doing some light shopping for supplies can seem terrifying.
What Causes Agoraphobia?

In short, anxiety.  People that suffer from panic attacks on a regular basis are the majority of all the agoraphobic individuals on the planet.  Its believed that the fear of having a severe and embarrassing panic attack in public in front of a bunch of strangers is what leads to these irrational fears.

Is There Treatment for Agoraphobia?

Medications have been known to make your symptoms less severe, but you have to keep in mind that pretty much all anxiety related medications are habit forming and addictive.  If you do decide to try medication be sure to keep in contact with your doctor and only take medications prescribed to you and only the prescribed amount.  Safety first!

On top of the withdrawal you will probably feel when taken off the medications you may also notice that you have trouble sleeping or even using the bathroom.  Be sure to tell your doctor about anything that does not seem right while on the meds.

A better more natural treatment for agoraphobia is to attack it at the source: your anxiety.  If you suffer from panic attacks they are probably why you have this public phobia to begin with.  Dealing with panic and anxiety is the best way to stop agoraphobia.  Medications will only mask the problem.

Have you Heard About Panic Away?

This is the #1 rated program for stopping panic attacks and ending (that’s right ENDING) general anxiety.  The “one step move” is a brilliant cognitive technique that you can use anytime and ANYWHERE to immediately regain your composure and stop the flow of panic. 

The One step move is your secret weapon to ending your panic attacks instantly and the rest of the course helps you to eliminate your general anxiety.  This is that slightly anxious feeling that slowly simmers to work up to an inevitable panic attack.  Ending this ever present anxiety is the best treatment for agoraphobia.

So what are you waiting for?  Don’t sit back and just hope that your problem will go away, make it go away, for good!  Check out Panic Away for yourself right now.  You’ll be glad you did.

Click Here for a FREE video on Panic Away and claim your FREE 7 part series on How to Stop Panic Attacks and General Anxiety.