What Is Agoraphobia? CBT Kenya

Agoraphobia is a rare type of anxiety disorder. If you have it, your fears keep you from getting out into the world. You avoid certain places and situations because you think you’ll feel trapped and not be able to get help. Consider an individual who has a panic attack while waiting in line at a grocery store. This experience may cause them to significantly worry about having another attack.

They may deem grocery stores as a trigger for panic, as well as potentially dangerous and humiliating. Given that they just experienced a panic attack, they may have particularly low self-efficacy in terms of their ability to cope with anxiety. Therefore, instead of enduring the anxiety associated with stores, they vow to never grocery shop in-person, which results in the development of agoraphobia.

Is there a treatment for agoraphobia?

• Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, involves meeting with a therapist or other mental health professional on a regular basis. This gives you the opportunity to talk about your fears and any issues that may be contributing to your fears.
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most common form of psychotherapy used to treat people with agoraphobia. CBT can help you understand the distorted feelings and views associated with agoraphobia. It can also teach you how to work through stressful situations by replacing the distorted thoughts with healthy thoughts.
• Exposure therapy can also help you overcome your fears. In this type of therapy, you’re gently and slowly exposed to the situations or places you fear. This may make your fear diminish over time.
• Lifestyle changes won’t necessarily treat agoraphobia, but they may help reduce everyday anxiety. You may want to try:
  • exercising regularly to increase the production of brain chemicals that make you feel happier and more relaxed.
  • eating a healthy diet that consists of whole grains, vegetables, and lean protein so you feel better overall.
  • practicing daily meditation or deep breathing exercises to reduce anxiety and fight the onset of panic attacks.

How does Agoraphobia impact someone’s life?

Agoraphobia can be difficult to cope with for both the person experiencing it directly and their loved ones or caregivers. If you have agoraphobia, it’s possible you experience low self-esteem. It is common for those with agoraphobia to feel self-critical, or disappointed in themselves, especially if they want to participate in activities or go to places but are inhibited by their phobia.

In addition, if you or someone you know has agoraphobia, it’s best to be on the lookout for signs of anxiety and depression. Coping with a phobia can be a challenge in everyday life and in the long term. It’s important that mental health effects produced by agoraphobia are also addressed.

What Is the Outlook for People with Agoraphobia?

The right combination of medication and therapy can help manage agoraphobia and make living with it easier. A few other things to keep in mind:

• Get help when you need it. Family and friends can help you work through your fears, and a support group lets you connect with people who are going through the same things you are.
• Manage anxiety and stress. Talk with your therapist about ways to calm yourself and find relaxation techniques that work for you.
• Follow your doctor’s guidance. It’s really important to take medication as directed and keep your therapy appointments. Stay in touch with your health team so they can do their best for you.

A word from CBT Kenya

Aside from the symptoms and manifestations of agoraphobia listed here, there are many ways you might find yourself feeling and reacting to stimuli around you. Remember that you deserve to feel comfortable performing your everyday activities without disruption. If you experience agoraphobia or any related symptoms, be sure to express your concerns to a health care professional. There are many paths to recovery and you will be able to find the one that works best for you.

Getting professional help does not mean you are weak or broken. It’s choosing to get better and take care of yourself. CBT-Kenya (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy-Kenya) counseling center offers counseling and therapy sessions for persons from all walks of life. We focus on helping clients gain insight into themselves by going through a healing process. Our purpose is to help you to achieve your therapeutic and life goals, to improve the quality of your life and to help you to build strong relationships in your life. Get in touch or book an appointment on +254 739 935 333, +254 756 454 585 or info@cbtkenya.org.