What is Agoraphobia?

The fear of traveling is the common definition of agoraphobia. This can be a serious condition in which a person isn't able to leave the home at all or it can be a mild disorder in which a person can't travel more than a few hours away from home. When a person attempts to go beyond what is considered their "safe" boundaries then they go into an agoraphobia panic attack.

Starting by taking baby steps is the best way a person can slow their agoraphobia panic attacks. To finally master their fears the individual must set specific goals to overcome their panic attacks. Family and friends are the best people to help a person through this process.

To the sufferers themselves, an agoraphobia panic attack is very frustrating. This is because an agoraphobic attack is often less rational than a typical panic attack.

A fear of public places, especially those where there is a large gathering of people such as a grocery store can develop from social anxiety. An individual who suffers from general panic disorder can become embarrassed of their disorder, which can then cause a fear of traveling and suffering a panic attack in public.

The only way for a person to overcome these attacks is to push their limits, which makes treatment of agoraphobia panic attacks difficult. Before getting better many agoraphobics tend to get worse for this reason. Since all an individual has to do is stay within their "safe" zone they tend to ignore their agoraphobic problem. However, while the problem can be easy to ignore it is a stifling symptom that comes from a chronic panic disorder.

Little by little, agoraphobia can be overcome.  It takes time and a lot of patience. This is one time the person with this disorder must learn to turn to someone trusted to help them through.