There is a misconception that agoraphobia is simply a fear of going outside — but it’s much more than that. Agoraphobia is a complex phobia which according to Anxiety UK ‘manifests itself as a collection of inter-linked conditions’.
The charity says many agoraphobics also fear being left alone, dislike being in a situation where they feel trapped and claustrophobic, and have a fear of travelling away from their ‘safe’ place.
Agoraphobia can occur anywhere – on public transport, in a busy shop or restaurant, at work, at social events, and more.
People who suffer from agoraphobia will often experience feelings similar to anxiety or panic attacks when in triggering situations. For instance, they might start to sweat or feel ridiculously hot, have a rapid heartbeat, rapid breathing, chest pain, dizziness and even fainting.
A lot of people with agoraphobia need someone they trust to leave their home or safe place with them.
Most people with agoraphobia employ avoidance tactics to make sure they don’t have to face situations that make them feel anxious or stressed.
That could mean ordering groceries online instead of going to the supermarket, or ordering food into their home instead of going to a restaurant.
Agoraphobia is a form of panic disorder and it’s unclear why exactly panic disorders develop.
They are thought to be a faulty fight/flight response, where your brain reacts to stress through a panic attack instead of running or defending itself.
However, there are people who are more at risk of developing agoraphobia — this includes people who have experienced substance or alcohol abuse, childhood trauma, experience of stressful events, being in an unhappy relationship, a history of other mental illnesses, and trauma associated with being outside or in a crowded place.
With a global pandemic happening right now, agoraphobia can be even more horrific to live with — and it could mean that we will see a rise in agoraphobia cases in the coming months.
With so many people forced to stay indoors for so long, it would only be natural for some people (such as those with health anxiety) to develop a fear of going back outside again.
That’s why it’s vital to know where to get help for yourself or someone you care about if you or they start experiencing symptoms related to agoraphobia.
The ADAA has some great tips on looking after yourself while living with agoraphobia — especially during a time like this.
They say: ‘Reframe your increased symptoms as your body’s typical and accidental response to mass hysteria, sudden restrictions on lifestyle and your ability to be sensitive and empathize with your fellow humans.
‘Radically decrease your exposure to anxiety-provoking media and conversations. Do not pay attention to the “COVID count” and ask your friends and family to refrain from these types of discussions or sharing their most frightening information.
‘Make time to slow your body down by using meditation, relaxation, diaphragmatic breathing, relaxation yoga, or prayer. Your body needs help being reminded that it can ratchet down to a resting state so it can get out of alarm mode. Do this when you wake up and then twice more throughout the day. Your goal is to keep your body from getting stuck in perpetual high idle mode.’
They also advise you to practice breathing if you feel a panic attack coming, and to remind yourself that your panic attack is a ‘false alarm’. They add: ‘It may feel awful, but nothing bad is happening to your body. Panic attacks are physically harmless and do not increase the risk of heart attack, stroke or going insane.’
Medical treatment is also an option for agoraphobia, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and talking therapy.
There are various treatments and therapeutic techniques that can help people manage agoraphobia and regain control over their anxiety.
These treatments are also often available remotely, so you can access them from somewhere where you feel safe.
It might take time, but if this is something that you’re struggling with, know that help is available and you won’t always feel like this.
