Anxiety disorders can be downright devilish. Have you ever felt like the world is closing in on you, quite literally, like you’re being squashed down into a space far too small to accommodate you? Have you ever felt cold chills in the middle of a crowd or even in an open area, wide open, nothing but you and the sky? Have you felt like other people can’t relate to how you’re feeling; to them, what you’re going through is abnormal and weird?
Agoraphobia often shows up in seemingly unexpected places or, rather, seemingly opposite places. People who deal with agoraphobia generally suffer from fears of:
- Leaving home alone
- Using public transportation systems, like buses, trains or subway systems
- Enclosed spaces, such as movie theaters, elevators or small stores
- Open spaces, such as parking lots, bridges or mall
- Crowds or waiting in line
So how is it that being alone, or being in a crowd, triggers the same panicky feeling? Or that being in an enclosed space or one that’s wide open generates the same anxiety? Is it really the same anxiety, or is it different? It sure feels the same.
Agoraphobia covers all of these fears and then some. While it may seem like they are very different fears (wide open spaces and enclosed spaces, for example), they are all rooted deeply in the anxiety disorder spectrum. They are all related in that they all cause the same response: panic or anxiety attacks.
Anxiety disorders can spell disaster for those who suffer from them, and it can be incredibly difficult to relate to people who aren’t affected. It’s hard to explain how you can feel like the world is closing in on you when you’re in the middle of an open field, or like you are isolated and completely helpless in a crowd of people. It can be paralyzing sometimes, and when there isn’t anyone around you who can understand, that just makes it so much worse. Those who suffer from agoraphobia and other anxiety disorders don’t have to continue to suffer.
Blair Wellness Group understands the severity and complexity of your condition. We know how hard it can be even to leave the safe haven of your home. We’re here to work with you and provide you with treatment options specifically tailored to you. Our concierge-style services ensure that every patient is treated with the utmost care, respect and discretion. You’re not like anyone else in the world, so why would your treatment be like anyone else’s? We tailor your treatment to your needs and goals so that you can face your condition and get back out into the world again.
At Blair Wellness Group, we realize that agoraphobia can be an embarrassing, terrifying and destructive condition. It may take significant amounts of time and work for improvement to occur. We have seen cases of extraordinary success, however, and we are determined to do everything we can to help treat your condition. Dr. Blair utilizes a variety of therapeutic techniques including CBT, DBT and Gestalt treatments to craft an interdisciplinary approach to patient care. She is a resolute psychologist with advanced experience in managing anxiety disorders and related illnesses and conditions, and relishes the opportunity to assist new patients moving forward on their treatment paths.
At Blair Wellness Group, we always treat you like the unique individual that you are, with care tailored specifically to your needs, goals and lifestyle. We are here to support you through your journey of recovery from agoraphobia. Recovery is possible, and life holds such great promise and potential for you. We hope you’ll contact us soon to schedule your appointment with the Blair Wellness Group.
