Title:
Why Most People with Agoraphobia Take a Year or More to Start Recovery
Summary
Agoraphobia is the fear of having a panic attack in open or public places. Understanding agoraphobia is the first step toward recovery. However, the average person with agoraphobia takes at least one full year to get diagnosed and even longer to learn enough about agoraphobia to start recovering. This article discusses the reasons why and offers a website as a resource for learning about agoraphobia.
Keywords
agoraphobia, panic attack, psychological disorder, anxiety disorder, panic disorder
Article Body
Understanding agoraphobia is the first step toward recovery. However, the average person with agoraphobia takes at least one full year to get diagnosed and even longer to learn enough about agoraphobia to start recovering.
Most people go through a period of denial. If finally faced with a diagnosis of a psychological disorder like agoraphobia, the human reaction is to throw up defenses and deny it. Most of us dont think of ourselves as the type of person who would have a "mental problem" or "psychological disorder." Psychological problems carry a stigma in society that physical illnesses and injuries do not.
The average person tends to consider a psychological disorder as personal weakness or lack of will power. People are more likely to treat a psychological disorder like agoraphobia as your fault than they would in the case of a physical illness or injury. If you were diagnosed with cancer, no one would stand over your bed during chemotherapy and question your will power, work ethic, or desire to go to work or school. But try having agoraphobia. People will do exactly that. Since no one wants to be viewed that way, it is hard for most people to admit to anyone they have agoraphobia.
Most people are reluctant to seek treatment for a psychological disorder because of the stigma. Even people who are able to admit to themselves that they have a psychological disorder might still have trouble admitting it to anyone else. Its hard enough to try to explain irrational fear and panic attacks to your friends and family, and even harder to seek out professional help.
A word to the wise - the best course of action to take if you start experiencing panic attacks or the symptoms of agoraphobia is:
- See a doctor to rule out medical problems.
- Consult a mental health professional to get a diagnosis and/or begin treatment.
Most people are reluctant to seek treatment for a psychological disorder because of the stigma. Even people who are able to admit to themselves that they have a psychological disorder might still have trouble admitting it to anyone else. Its hard enough to try to explain irrational fear and panic attacks to your friends and family, and even harder to seek out professional help.
- Learn everything you can about your disorder.
Knowledge is the first step to recovery and the sooner you get started on your recovery from agoraphobia the faster it will be.
On the flip side, the longer it takes you to get diagnosed and admit that you have a disorder - the more agoraphobia has a chance to take root, and the more difficult your recovery may be.
Most people are reluctant to seek treatment for a psychological disorder because of the stigma. Even people who are able to admit to themselves that they have a psychological disorder might still have trouble admitting it to anyone else. Its hard enough to try to explain irrational fear and panic attacks to your friends and family, and even harder to seek out professional help.
If you suspect that you or someone you know might have agoraphobia, dont take a year to start learning everything you can about it. Start today. You can learn more by reading or asking questions on The Agoraphobia Resource Center website at: www.agoraphobia.ws