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In this video we’re going to talk about agoraphobia, some common misconceptions, and what kind of treatment works. By the end of the video you’ll learn 5 steps to overcoming agoraphobia, and you’ll hear from someone who did it.
A lot of people think that agoraphobia is fear of leaving the house, or fear of bridges or crowded places - and at first glance, that’s what it looks like. People with agoraphobia either avoid going to these places or they still go out, but the whole time they’re full of anxiety, terrified but forcing themselves to get out.
But here’s the thing, the more I listen to the experiences of people with agoraphobia, it’s not the places that scare them, it’s not the mall or the bridge or the elevator. Drew Linsalata, former agoraphobia sufferer and host of The Anxious Truth podcast said “You’re not afraid of the outdoors or the highway, you’re afraid of what will happen when you are there. You’re afraid of how you might feel when you go into those places.”
They are afraid they will have a panic attack
They’re afraid they’ll have anxious feelings, pass out, and they won't be able to deal with that.
They’re afraid they’ll vomit or soil themselves, and they won’t be able to manage the embarrassment.
They’re afraid that a panic or anxiety attack is actually a medical emergency, and if they aren’t with someone who will keep them safe, they won’t be able to handle it.
Agoraphobia is intense fear of becoming overwhelmed, anxious, or having physical sensations and not being able to escape or get help.
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Therapy in a Nutshell and the information provided by Emma McAdam are solely intended for informational and entertainment purposes and are not a substitute for advice, diagnosis, or treatment regarding medical or mental health conditions. Although Emma McAdam is a licensed marriage and family therapist, the views expressed on this site or any related content should not be taken for medical or psychiatric advice. Always consult your physician before making any decisions related to your physical or mental health.
In therapy I use a combination of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Systems Theory, positive psychology, and a bio-psycho-social approach to treating mental illness and other challenges we all face in life. The ideas from my videos are frequently adapted from multiple sources. Many of them come from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, especially the work of Steven Hayes, Jason Luoma, and Russ Harris. The sections on stress and the mind-body connection derive from the work of Stephen Porges (the Polyvagal theory), Peter Levine (Somatic Experiencing) Francine Shapiro (EMDR), and Bessel Van Der Kolk. I also rely heavily on the work of the Arbinger institute for my overall understanding of our ability to choose our life's direction.
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