Agoraphobia - It's not a fear of Spiders!
Are you nervous about being away from home?
Do you dread trips, long drives, or crowds?
Are simple tasks like buying groceries, sitting in traffic, or waiting in line making you very edgy?
Do you often feel very tense or “trapped” in meetings, movies, even in church?
Do you have panic attacks?
You may benefit from discussing these symptoms with a licensed psychologist.
The above symptoms are common signs of Agoraphobia. Agoraphobia is a concern about being away from home, stuck (in traffic, in line, or on a bridge, for example), and momentarily being away from your comfort zone. Some people confuse the term Agoraphobia with the term Arachnophobia (fear of spiders), or the term Acrophobia (fear of heights).
The above symptoms are common signs of Agoraphobia. Agoraphobia is a concern about being away from home, stuck (in traffic, in line, or on a bridge, for example), and momentarily being away from your comfort zone. Some people confuse the term Agoraphobia with the term Arachnophobia (fear of spiders), or the term Acrophobia (fear of heights).
Agoraphobia can be debilitating. What often starts as a feeling of “just not wanting to go out” or being a “homebody,” can lead to a person becoming more and more uncomfortable when away from home, more and more concerned about having panic attacks or getting sick while out. Eventually, a person may feel unable to leave the house, and unable to work, socialize, travel, complete chores or errands, or even to attend church.
Therapy is very effective for most agoraphobia. Dr. Latiolais focuses on helping you learn:
- Why you get anxious in crowds, trips, or social situations
- Specific strategies to decrease, and eventually gain control over, your anxiety
- Simple techniques that make a big difference in your confidence and comfort level
- How to gradually face your fears to promote lasting change, without dependence on medications or lengthy therapy.