About Agoraphobia

Agoraphobia is a type of anxiety disorder. A person with agoraphobia is afraid to leave an environment in which they know or feel safe. In severe cases, people with agoraphobia see their home as their only safe environment. They cannot leave the house for days, months, or years. Translated, agoraphobia means 'fear of the market'. In general, crowded public places (supermarkets, shopping malls, trams, trains, planes, airports, etc.) are the worst. However, any public place, including a quiet church or an empty park, can seem intimidating to someone with agoraphobia.

Agoraphobia usually begins as a mild fear of a particular event, place, or situation, and over time expands to a general fear of standing in front of an audience. Mental health experts believe that agoraphobia is rooted in fear of the physical and mental sensations of fear, and often in panic or loss of control, or embarrassment. A person with agoraphobia does not want to go to 'dangerous' places for fear of triggering an anxiety or panic attack.

Agoraphobia develops over time

Agoraphobia is usually triggered by a stressful event - for example, someone loses their job or a relationship ends. They become stressed and limit their contact with the outside world (this is called 'preventive behavior'). Over time, they may see more public places 'off limits' before being confined to their homes.

In other cases, a stressful life event triggers a panic attack. Because panic attacks are so unpleasant, a person fears many situations and places and may avoid situations or places that might trigger another attack until they can no longer be avoided.

Diagnosis of agoraphobia

Diagnosis is usually based on the symptoms reported by the patient. However, your doctor may do a series of medical tests to make sure your symptoms are not due to an underlying physical illness. Your doctor may recommend referral to a psychologist or psychiatrist for further evaluation and treatment.

Treatment of agoraphobia

Agoraphobia responds well to treatment. The treatment options provided by the doctor or therapist depend on your situation and preferences, but as follows.

• Drug courses such as antidepressants or anti-anxiety
• Cognitive behavioral therapy and impressive therapy
• Consulting and chat therapy
• rest
• Support group

To learn by autolearning.

Self-help technique for managing square phobia

The key to overcoming a square phobia is to learn how to manage anxiety symptoms and gradually expose yourself to a situation you fear.

Follow your doctor's or therapist's guidance, but the general suggestion for help is as follows.

Breathe slowly - Hypernamia (breathing too fast and shallow) can make panic attacks worse. Consciously slow your breathing. With each inhalation, focus on expanding your abdomen, not your chest.

Use relaxation techniques - Learning to relax can include methods such as meditation, deep muscle relaxation, or regular exercise. You may need to experiment to find the relaxation method that works best for you.

Learn about your condition - To overcome agoraphobia, you need to understand how fear affects your body and mind.

Change your lifestyle - Limiting or avoiding caffeine, alcohol and certain medications can help. Regular exercise is known to burn stress chemicals and reduce anxiety levels. Consult your doctor for more information and advice.

Increase exposure gradually. This includes exposure to fearful environments in a controlled manner. This will help you see that nothing bad will happen. They usually choose the least threatening environment first, get support from a trusted friend or therapist, and use slow breathing and other learned techniques to manage anxiety. Fear of a place or situation is reduced with regular practice. This method is also called systemic desensitization. It is important to get guidance from a mental health professional.

Where can I get help?

• doctor
• clinical psychologist
• decrease
• local public health center