Avoiding the effects of a panic is a major reason why you want to know how to overcome agoraphobia fast. If you cannot overcome it, you end up getting scared of rather usual living spaces such as shopping malls and public transport. Smaller spaces present even bigger problems.
Medical care providers often encounter the question of, ‘is agoraphobia a disability?’ Agoraphobia, just as any other phobia affects your psychological being. It impacts on your ability to carry out some tasks. Phobias are often seen by psychologists as disabilities. Agoraphobia is no exception. Sadly this anxiety disorder often ends up unreported and unaddressed. Many of the people with phobia devise ways of staying away from the situations they are phobic too.
Agoraphobia Meaning
Agoraphobia is a mix of two words; one Greek and the other English. In old direct translation, it means fear of the marketplace. Agoraphobia is also sometimes called Claustrophobia. Health practitioners define agoraphobia as an anxiety disorder. The disorder causes you to have fear of situations and places where you might feel trapped. Once you feel trapped, you get panic attack.
Why Do You Get Agoraphobia?
The panic attack is believed to be the cause of agoraphobia. Once you have had one panic attack, you are likely to later develop agoraphobia.
How to Know If You Have Agoraphobia?
There are a number of classical signs of agoraphobia. Diagnosis looks for fear of being alone, being among crowds or in a line such as a waiting line. With agoraphobia, enclosed spaces are a terrifying idea for you. Movie theatres will be a no go zone for you. Other symptoms of agoraphobia are
- Elevators and small stores are places you will often find you rather avoid.
- Open spaces including playgrounds and parking lots with crowd might be a terrifying venture for you sometimes.
- Out of Proportion fear
Taking an Agoraphobia Test
Testing for agoraphobia is based on how the individual feels during their panic attack. Usually, the heart rate goes up. There is often trouble breathing and you feel choked. You will feel chest pressure and possibly some pain too. Sweating may happen when you are having a panic attack. You might also feel a loss of control and a fear of dying.
Agoraphobia is diagnosed based on
- The symptoms it presents
- The signs it shows
- An interview with a qualified mental health practitioner
Physical exams that you may be asked to undergo as part of agoraphobia diagnosis are important. They help medical professionals attending to you rule out other possible causes. There is a published criterion for the diagnosis by the American Psychiatric Association.
How to Overcome Agoraphobia Fast?
Overcoming agoraphobia is an easy process with your attendant therapist. A psychologist will guide you on how to overcome agoraphobia. As you get better at overcoming your phobia, you will be able to enjoy more out of life.
Having agoraphobia is not a life-threatening phobia. The most that happens is you avoid situations where you feel stifled. If your agoraphobia affects a part of your social life, it is best to seek the assistance of a qualified medical practitioner. You should not let agoraphobia make your world smaller.
If you have agoraphobia, there are two ways to go about it. You might want to take medication as part of your process of overcoming agoraphobia. Others choose to not have medication included in their agoraphobia treatment process. There are successful cases of people who have overcome agoraphobia without medication.
Agoraphobia manifests itself as a panic attack. There are a number of things you can do to help you overcome your agoraphobia. First, you should find a focus item and look at it while thinking about it. This keeps your mind away from what is causing you to feel agoraphobic. It will additionally help you breathe easier.
Control your breathing to make it slow, deep and gentle. This helps slow your heart rate and gives you a grip on your agoraphobia. Breathe in through your nose, and out through your mouth. The anxiety you are experiencing usually subsides in a few minutes. Other methods of controlling anxiety that will help you on how to overcome agoraphobia fast are
- Closing your eyes and picturing a happy place.
- Count to five with every breath you take in, and with every breath out.
- Relax your muscles.
- Take a benzodiazepine prescribed by your doctor.
Agoraphobia Treatment Plan
Management and treatment of agoraphobia is a process. It takes time and therapy sessions with a medical professional. Joining support groups is encouraged and recommended by therapists. A therapist will guide you in your treatment process. Having a treatment plan is good. Your therapist will have one for you. You are allowed to add some input into the plan. A few simple milestones are a great way to start. Having a good agoraphobia treatment plan helps you keep track of your agoraphobia treatment progress.
Medically Reviewed By
Professionally, a trained Microbiologist and Plant operator, Eustace is an experienced health content writer who is passionate about helping people lead a healthy life.
