KNOW THIS PHOBIA? AGORAPHOBIA

Even perfect people use pencils with erasers.

Agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder characterized by anxiety in situations where it is perceived to be difficult or embarrassing to escape.


I have always suspected that correctness is the last refuge of those who have nothing to say.

These situations can include, but are not limited to, wide open spaces, and uncontrollable social situations such as airports, and on bridges. People may go to great lengths to avoid those situations, in severe cases becoming unable to leave their home or safe haven.

The more perfect a thing is, the more susceptible to good and bad treatment it is.

The primary fear of someone suffering with Agoraphobia, is experiencing a panic attack in a crowded public place surrounded by unfamiliar faces and no escape routes or help in sight.

Somehow people don't like cold, precise, perfect people who, in order not to speak wrong, never speak at all, and in order not to do wrong, never do anything.

A panic attack can be a terrifying experience where the heart races and it may be difficult to maintain normal breathing patterns. The sudden feeling of dizziness can often make a person feel like they are about to pass out or that they are having a heart attack.

Nothing would be done at all if one waited until one could do it so well that no one could find fault with it.

Agoraphobia is commonly misunderstood as a fear of open or public spaces. In reality, it is not actually these spaces that are feared, but rather the threat of having a panic attack or panic symptoms in one of these settings.

Striving to better, oft we mar what's well.

An individual with Agoraphobia experiences this extreme anxiety which often results in an intense fear of leaving one’s comfort zone and often results in isolation

Perfection is our goal, excellence will be tolerated.

Somehow and willingly we can put fear away and forget about heart attacks by simply eradicating Agoraphobia from our systems. The first scary question is how do I do this?

● One step at a time!
Set small attainable goals and get comfortable with them before moving on to the next step.

● Familiarize yourself with unknown situations before diving into them.
For example, if you know you have a function to attend, go and look around the venue beforehand so that it is not altogether unknown.

● Some people find running a particularly useful way of facing their Agoraphobia - as it’s almost impossible to have a panic attack while running.
Disguised as a jogger, nobody will notice your anxious breathlessness as unusual. While it may literally seem that you are running away from your fears, you will be doing the exact opposite! An added bonus is that while you jog your body will release happiness producing hormones at the same time, leaving you with a sense of accomplishment and relaxation.

● Keep a journal, talk to a “safe person”, or find another positive means for expressing your emotions.
As with many psychological conditions, Agoraphobia is often entangled in deep emotions, insecurities and thoughts that need to be explored and dealt with.

● Keep reminding yourself of the reality of your situation.
While this may be easier said than done, try to focus on the realistic outcomes of your anxiety situation. When catastrophic thoughts are running through your mind try yelling a focus-phrase (out loud or in your head) such as “STOP IT” or “ENOUGH NOW!” that will help to bring you back into the present. Your panic will soon pass and even if you have to push past a few people to get outside, they probably won’t notice. Remember that panic is not physically harmful!

● Empower yourself in other areas in your life.
Take up a hobby, sporting activity, or interesting course. The confidence you gain in these areas will spill over into other aspects of you life.

● Become an expert!
Learn all there is to know about Agoraphobia. There are multiple self-help books, internet resources and support groups that will
help you understand your condition more fully and provide helpful
guidance.

● Live a healthy life-style!
Eating a well balanced diet, getting enough
sleep and relaxation time and regular exercise can help reduce anxiety and stress.

Faultily faultless, icily regular, splendidly null, dead perfection; no more.