Agoraphobia Can Be Overcome

Agoraphobia is a misunderstood term. One definition says it's a fear of the marketplace, while another says it's the fear of open spaces. The real problem is the fear of getting a panic attack, so we learn to avoid.

Sometimes panic attacks happen more in a specific situation, so we avoid it. The list of places grows. Personally, even when I didn't experience physical sensations, the fearful thoughts were there. For me, losing control and having NO control were huge issues.

It can be debilitating. In extreme cases, a sufferer may be confined to just a room. In my case, I developed a 'safe zone'. If I pushed beyond, I became terrified. I needed a 'companion' for further outings.

Escape

We agoraphobics are always looking for ways of escape, aren't we? I try to sit near exits and my personal favorite - I always like to be in the back row at the cinema. I hated to have people sit behind me.

I hated feeling insecure, of feeling trapped. I hated to be "its" prisoner. I felt as if my mind had been 'raped'. Something was forced on me which I did not want. I was left traumatized.

When I did my therapy, I set myself a target. Yet, I always chickened out and ran back home even though my destination was closer! DO NOT make this mistake. It is vital for your recovery.

Agoraphobia has a sneaky way of creeping into your life. Get help quickly. It gets worse with time. Therapy will require facing your fears knowingly. How many people like to feel terror? Yet, to get well, you need to do it.

Change your thoughts

Agoraphobia changes your thinking. You must try to change it back. You will have a lot of "what if" thoughts. This has to stop. You can change thinking patterns with practice.

Most doctors are not trained to deal with mental issues. This is why many suffer for years, going from doctor to doctor, before getting help. Mental problems aren't viewed with the same 'sympathy' as physical handicaps.

Panic and agoraphobia can ruin or strain relationships. It's very hard for anyone to understand. It is viewed as 'our fault'. We sufferers are supposed to 'snap out of it'.

Don't use alcohol

Never use alcohol as part of your therapy. I did and although it does work by giving you courage, it's the wrong way to do it. You depend on it. You could end up an alcoholic. You now have a new problem.

I fell into the 'alcohol' trap. I want to prevent you from falling into it as well. There are other alternatives that are just as effective which you can use.

Make no mistake, this condition is treatable. You can and will get better. It takes time, effort and practice, but it can be done. Stay positive and concentrate on your goal. You can do it!

Here's a site with some really good information that you will find helpful. It deals with this condition as well as many other issues which you will probably be able to relate to. To learn more, please visit this site by clicking here.

Agoraphobia: A Recovered Victim's Perspective Agoraphobia: A Recovered Victim's Perspective

From Panic to Peace of Mind: Overcoming Panic and Agoraphobia From Panic to Peace of Mind: Overcoming Panic and Agoraphobia

Fight or Flight: Overcoming Panic and Agoraphobia Heart palpitations, shortness of breath, the conviction that one is about to die--these are among the classic signs of a panic attack. This evocative video lucidly portrays the experience of panic disorder with agoraphobia and shows how cognitive-behavioral treatment can help. Anxiety experts and CBT specialists Dr. Ronald M. Rapee and Dr. Lisa Lampe provide a clear, step-by-step overview of treatment, while personal accounts from patients illuminate both the difficulties and achievements of the recovery process.

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