I'm dealing with a minor case of agoraphobia. And am trying to deal with it before it gets worst. Damn. Just thinking about getting on that crowded ass bus makes me wanna scream..See I just moved into a new neighborhood, in order to get to the bus I have to walk 10 blocks, scary, stand at the bus stop on busy ass 38Th street and get on a bus that has been pretty full since the natural gas explosion at the bus terminal, buses are running on a Saturday schedule, if they run at all. I waited, after class for at least 2 hours for a bus that didn't come. Well when it did finally come they told me the shit was too full for me to board and kept it moving. Imagine how pissed I was. Cold as hell, raining. Fu*& that..Hostile feelings rolling around in my stomach. I'm sure my counselor will understand but how can I stop this before it gets debilitating. Ugh..Found an article in 'All U' today..
Agoraphobia is a Greek word that means fear of the marketplace; but its meaning in English is fear of open spaces, or even of leaving the house. The phobia often arises as a result of panic attacks. People who suffer from it are scared of going anyplace where they might have an attack and be away from help or embarrassed by their behavior. The disorder is more common in women, though experts aren't sure why. Research has shown the best treatment is repeated exposure to the place or activity that causes distress. Multiple studies have found a lasting decrease in symptoms among patients who faced their fear.
Crud
but essentially, you force yourself to do the thing you dread, over and over again. The key is to ease yourself into the situation, expose yourself to your fear for a minute or two, then add on a few minutes with each subsequent visit. For example, if you're afraid to go to the mall, first find a trusted friend or family member to drive you there and simply park in the parking lot.........
I haven't gotten near this bad yet..
Another time, go to the entrance and look in. Then come back on a different day and walk a few yards inside the building-say, to the first intersection or main hallway. Later, you can try heading farther inside, then enter a store and so on. Once you complete each step with a friend, start over and do them on your own-you must get to the point where you can do it alone to fully overcome the fear. Keep in mind that you're more likely to be successful if you use the technique while also going to see a cognitive behavioral therapist, who can keep you from becoming discouraged..
More on Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia
Agoraphobia is a Greek word that means fear of the marketplace; but its meaning in English is fear of open spaces, or even of leaving the house. The phobia often arises as a result of panic attacks. People who suffer from it are scared of going anyplace where they might have an attack and be away from help or embarrassed by their behavior. The disorder is more common in women, though experts aren't sure why. Research has shown the best treatment is repeated exposure to the place or activity that causes distress. Multiple studies have found a lasting decrease in symptoms among patients who faced their fear.
Crud
but essentially, you force yourself to do the thing you dread, over and over again. The key is to ease yourself into the situation, expose yourself to your fear for a minute or two, then add on a few minutes with each subsequent visit. For example, if you're afraid to go to the mall, first find a trusted friend or family member to drive you there and simply park in the parking lot.........
I haven't gotten near this bad yet..
Another time, go to the entrance and look in. Then come back on a different day and walk a few yards inside the building-say, to the first intersection or main hallway. Later, you can try heading farther inside, then enter a store and so on. Once you complete each step with a friend, start over and do them on your own-you must get to the point where you can do it alone to fully overcome the fear. Keep in mind that you're more likely to be successful if you use the technique while also going to see a cognitive behavioral therapist, who can keep you from becoming discouraged..
More on Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia
