Agoraphobia is the fear of being in open or crowded public places outside of one's comfort zone like home. People with agoraphobia feel isolated and exposed in public, with a sense that others are watching them. They worry about having a panic attack in public and not receiving needed assistance or being able to get to safety. Treatments include cognitive behavioral therapy and a combination of medications and psychotherapy. Maintaining physical and emotional health through diet can also help.

1. AGORAPHOBIA

2. What is Agorophobia?Agoraphobia is the fear of open spaces or of being in crowded‚ public places such as shopping malls, grocery stores, train stations, restaurants — really anywhere that is out of a person’s comfort zone such as their home.

4. Vicious cycle

5. Ironically, the thinking behind agoraphobia is one based on a feeling of isolation, despite being out in public. It’s a feeling of “all eyes on you” You feel of separated from those who are “normal”. It’s a feeling of being exposed. “If a Panic Attack occurs…Who’s going to look after me?How will I get the assistance that I need? What will people think when I freak out in front of them? How will I get to a hospital if I pass out? How will I get home if I feel too anxious to drive?

7. LightheadednessTrouble breathingDizzinessExcessive sweatingRapid heart rateFlushingNauseaUpset stomach or diarrheaChest painFeeling a loss of controlTrouble swallowing

8. TREATMENTSCognitive behavioural therapy.A combination of medications and psychotherapy can helpEating healthy can help to improve the emotional health.

10. THANKS