Agoraphobia
What is Agoraphobia?
The word Agoraphobia translates as “fear of the marketplace.”
Most people think that agoraphobia is a fear of public places and open spaces but it also includes several other related fears:
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Fear of entering shops or sports arenas
- Fear of travelling alone on trains, buses, aeroplanes or other forms of travel
- Anxiety caused by being unable to reach a place of safety quickly (e.g. home)
- In severe cases, you might only feel safe at home
It is now thought that agoraphobia develops as a complication of panic attacks.
If you are agoraphobic, you are afraid of having a panic attack in a situation where it would be difficult or embarrassing to escape from. You may also be afraid of having a panic attack in a place where you would not be able to get help.
Panic attacks are a common feature of agoraphobia. A panic attack is an unpredictable attack of intense fear and anxiety. Because panic attacks can be unpredictable, sufferers often worry about them happening when they have to go to a public place. This can cause the person to start avoiding any situation where a panic attack might happen.
How Do You Tackle Agoraphobia?
Agoraphobia, panic attacks, anxiety and stress are all closely related illnesses. I found that tackling my agoraphobia was the same as tackling my stress.
When I was recovering I found an excellent book In Stillness Conquer Fear: Overcoming Anxiety, Panic Attacks and Agoraphobia . A lady who had suffered from agoraphobia for many years wrote it. I recommend that you read it as it had a major effect on my recovery. There is more information on the Useful Books page of this website.
Also my low cost Book shows you the simple techniques that helped me recover from stress, anxiety, panic attacks and agoraphobia. It will help you get your life back to where you want it to be.
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