Agoraphobia And Its Connection To Panic Attacks

Agoraphobia is a condition that manifests itself in a number of ways. One who is suffering from the condition can have a fear of open spaces, of crowds, of driving, or just being in an unfamiliar setting. Generally, though, what it comes down to is the person is afraid of being outside of their "safe zone.”

The reason for this is the fear having a panic attack in a situation where they do not have access to support or help from a trusted source. Generally, a person's safe zone is their own home. Sometimes, however, it can be someplace like their work office or something similar as well.

There are certainly varying degrees of Agoraphobia. Some feel a general anxiety when not in their safe zone, but they manage to live a relatively functional life. On the other end of the spectrum, some people are so paralyzed by the fear of having a panic attack that they nearly never leave their safe zone, even for the simplest of errands.

The thought process is the same, regardless of the severity. The person worries that if they were to have a panic attack while out in an unfamiliar situation; who would take care of them? Some sufferers feel comforted that any other humans are around at any time because that means they can get help in the case of a panic attack. Some, however, only trust a small support circle.

These concerns can lead to some interesting behavior. One technique to cope employed by some agoraphobia sufferers is mapping out their neighborhood, literally or mentally. This way they know that when they're out and about, they know where all the fire stations, hospitals, doctors offices, or friends or relatives houses are. This makes them feel more secure because they feel they can find help if they experience a panic attack.

This only works, of course, for those who feel they can trust anyone to help them. For those who only trust a small circle of friends or relatives, being out at all is a problem because everyone they encounter is a stranger. For these individuals agoraphobia can truly become what seems like a hopeless situation. If a person has a support network they may not leave their safe zone for months or even years at a time.

Fortunately, however, panic attacks are largely a learned response to certain situations or sensations. Because of this, much success has been had with techniques that teach the individual to unlearn those responses. So, indeed, the situation is not as hopeless as it may seem.

By: Christopher R. Williams

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For more information on techniques to end panic attacks and anxiety, visit anxietyfix.com. Christopher R. Williams was a long-time panic attack sufferer who finally found the secret to living anxiety free.