Agoraphobia is a debilitating condition which many people associate with a fear of open spaces. In reality, it is much more complex than simply a fear of being outside. Agoraphobia is a term that is used to describe anxiety of being in a situation where escape could be difficult—or being trapped without help if a situation goes wrong. The condition is often intricately linked to panic disorder with many of the same physical feelings occurring with agoraphobics.
A person with agoraphobia may be fearful of enclosed spaces or being amongst a crowd of people, or they may find the thought of travelling on public transport very distressing. The anxiety can become so overwhelming that severe agoraphobics may feel unable to leave their own home.
The symptoms of agoraphobia can be classed in three ways:
- Physical symptoms – rapid heartbeat, hyperventilation, nausea, chest pain, feeling sweaty or hot, feeling faint or dizzy and panic attacks.
- Emotional symptoms – that a panic attack may be life-threatening, feeling unable to escape from a situation that provokes stressful reactions, fear and embarrassment
- Behavioural symptoms – avoiding a situation that could cause panic, refusal or fear in leaving the house or only leaving home with a person they trust.
The symptoms of agoraphobia have the potential to severely limit the sufferer’s ability to lead a healthy and productive life. Agoraphobia is often termed as a ‘progressive phobia’ and may eventually lead to a fear of leaving the house.
Sufferers may also find it increasingly challenging to hold down a job, enjoy social occasions or complete everyday tasks such as going to the shops or taking the dog for a walk.
How CBT can help overcome agoraphobia
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based treatment that has allowed many agoraphobics to live a more fulfilling life. Often, a person may find it difficult to talk to someone about their feelings and behaviours, but a professional CBT counsellor will be supportive and understanding of your concerns.
A qualified therapist will help their client to understand the worrying thoughts or unhelpful behaviours they display when they are in a situation that could trigger their condition. By exploring thought patterns such as ‘I am going to have a panic attack if I leave this house’ and understanding how behaviours such as avoidance or escape contribute to the issue, the sufferer can begin to make positive changes to their lifestyle.
Cognitive behavioural therapy focuses on teaching clients a specific set of skills to better tolerate their anxiety by challenging unhelpful thoughts and behaviours.
The next step to overcoming agoraphobia is to develop healthy coping strategies to adapt the negative behaviours. The client will learn new skills to guide them through their anxiety and reduce their stress levels to help them effectively cope with their agoraphobic symptoms.
Effective CBT will help a person make positive changes to the way they live. Through talking therapy, gradual and controlled exposure to their fears and the tools to challenge and adapt their negative behaviours, clients will learn that they can work, socialise and resume everyday activities.
Professional help for agoraphobia is available
It’s important to remember that help is available. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Interventions Manchester, is a reputable CBT Practice which has treated a diverse range of clients experiencing agoraphobia.
If a person feels homebound because of their agoraphobia, it’s good to know that our practice provides initial consultations and further therapy sessions in an online environment, making it easier and more manageable for our clients to make the first – and often hardest – step towards seeking help.
The practice supports clients in their journey to challenge their condition, adapt their negative thoughts, rethink their attitude towards the world around them and move towards a more fulfilling life.
Agoraphobia can drastically shrink a person’s world, but with professional help, it can be managed and overcome to help them open the doors to a wider world.
