People suffering from anxiety disorders such as agoraphobia and social phobia experience panic symptoms that are caused by certain situations. Social anxiety is a condition where a person has extreme fears of social situations such as introducing themselves to a new class and even making a call to a stranger. Their fear of embarrassing themselves is so strong that they will try and avoid these situations at all costs.
In some cases this disorder is found to be caused by a genetic factor and might exist in several members in a family. Professionals have come to the conclusion that social anxiety is a learned habit which can affect anyone. Very shy children and those that suffer abuse are at a greater risk of developing social anxiety disorder. Adults are still at risk of developing this disorder through learned negative habits.
Agoraphobia is a relatively common condition that for reasons unknown affect twice the amount of women as men. Sufferers of agoraphobia are terrified of panic attacks occurring in public places. Some typical triggers for panic attacks are places with lots of people and nowhere to escape. Being at a group seminar, waiting at a bus stop and even going to the supermarket can trigger attacks.
This disorder sometime gets mistaken as social anxiety for obvious reasons. Doctors once believed that panic attacks were only associated with panic disorder. However many studies have shown that people with agoraphobia do not necessarily have a history of panic disorder.
People with panic disorder experience panic attacks out of the blue and have no forewarning. Unlike agoraphobia Panic symptoms trigger when the sufferer experiences a fear associated with their condition such as going to the supermarket. At the beginning, symptoms may be slight such as hot flashes, tingling sensations and trembling.
These symptoms might escalate and the sufferer might experience extreme fear, embarrassment and sensations such as derealization. In extreme cases people with agoraphobia stay at home for months at a time without stepping out. You can imagine how difficult life can be.
Daily routine is restricted and most sufferers feel alone and highly depressed. Agoraphobes find it difficult to build relationships and hold a job. Sufferers are at an increased risk of developing depression. A high proportion of male sufferers turn to alcohol as a way to cope with panic symptoms.
Even though anxiety disorders are highly under recognized there is Anxiety help and treatment. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is being increasingly used over medicine. Changes to lifestyle to improve overall health can make difference too. Also self help techniques including EFT, visualization and relaxation techniques very helpful.
People who have agoraphobia might not be able to venture out and find help. This dilemma means that potentially thousands or millions are not treated. However, it’s important to seek professional anxiety help for proper diagnosis and effective treatment. Ask a family member to go with you for support.
Behavioral therapy might include techniques to help you adjust to your fears over time. Old behaviors can be replaced by new positive ones this way. Support groups are also available and can be a helpful addition to therapy. Getting support and supporting other sufferers can make one feel less alone. If that seems daunting, anxiety forums on the internet also exist.
