Having a partner with agoraphobia can be challenging, as can being a person who’s struggling with a mental health condition.
Agoraphobia is often a difficult condition to manage, and many people have trouble understanding why this disorder occurs, what to do about it, or whether recovery is even possible.
It is, and if your partner has agoraphobia, keep reading to find out more about his or her condition, the symptoms they experience, and what you can do to help them achieve better mental health overall.
What is Agoraphobia?
Agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder characterized by fear and avoidance toward places or situations that have the potential to cause an individual to panic. These situations may be either current or upcoming and may lead to feelings of helplessness, embarrassment, or the belief that one is trapped.
For example, a person who suffers from agoraphobia may be afraid of being in crowded places, large and open areas, or using public transportation systems. The reason behind the individual’s fears may be related to worries about becoming lost, sustaining an injury, or being unable to locate a restroom during an emergency.
This fear triggers anxiety due to the individual’s belief or observation that escape is either impossible or difficult. To combat the overwhelming negative feelings that develop due to agoraphobia, an individual might choose to avoid triggering situations and places altogether.
Many people with agoraphobia struggle to feel safe or comfortable in public places or locations they’re not familiar with. For some, bringing a trusted companion with them helps ease some of the anxiety they experience, but for others, it may be difficult to leave home regardless of who goes with them.
What Causes Agoraphobia?
The exact cause of agoraphobia hasn’t been determined, but many medical professionals associate this disorder with panic disorder. Panic disorder is characterized by intense bouts of fear for no real reason, and according to researchers, approximately ⅓ of people who live with panic disorder eventually develop agoraphobia.
Risk Factors for Agoraphobia
Though the cause of this disorder isn’t fully defined, there are several factors that can increase an individual’s risk of developing agoraphobia. Common risk factors include:
- Other existing phobias
- Having panic attacks
- Fearing future panic attacks
- Stressful life events
- Having a family member with agoraphobia
- Living with an existing anxiety disorder
Agoraphobia Symptoms
It’s perfectly natural to feel afraid or overwhelmed on occasion, but for someone with agoraphobia, fear or worry becomes a constant presence in their lives. It’s so pervasive that it interferes with the individual’s daily life and can leave them feeling afraid or stressed for much of their waking life.
Symptoms of agoraphobia are similar to those experienced by individuals with panic disorder or panic attacks. These symptoms include the following when an individual is either approaching a stressful event or they’re currently involved in a situation where they don’t feel safe.
- Rapid heart rate
- Sudden chills or flushing
- Sweating
- Upset stomach
- Dizziness
- Trouble breathing
- Chest pain
- Trembling
- Excessive fear
For individuals who live with panic disorder on top of agoraphobia, the symptoms they experience can differ slightly from those experienced by individuals whose agoraphobia exists as a standalone condition.
These symptoms include:
- Feeling like they’re choking
- Numbness or tingling
- Lightheadedness
- Feeling out of one’s own control
- The belief that the individual is dying, or fear of dying
Supporting Your Partner
If you have a partner who suffers from agoraphobia, you might be wondering about the steps you can take to show support and be a good ally. These thoughts coming to mind is already the first step, as you clearly care about this person and want to do what’s in your power to help them get through their hardest days.
Follow these tips to enhance your ability to support your partner if he, she, or they are struggling with agoraphobia.
Educate Yourself
It’s incredibly difficult to truly understand what another person is going through if you don’t experience the same issues firsthand. However, educating yourself about agoraphobia by researching the disorder and exploring the resources available to you is a great supplement.
Learn as much as you can about agoraphobia by visiting reputable websites and reading medical literature associated with agoraphobia and panic disorder.
Avoid Making Assumptions
A person living with agoraphobia is often going to be misunderstood by others, and despite your best efforts, you might not understand how they feel or what they experience. As such, you should avoid making assumptions about your partner’s condition. This includes believing that your partner is exaggerating his or her symptoms, being dramatic, or using agoraphobia as an excuse to avoid events they just don’t want to attend.
Check Your Language
In addition to avoiding assumptions about your partner’s condition, it’s essential to consider the things you say before you say them. Making unhelpful comments or complaining about your partner’s current inability to overcome their fears can compound their negative feelings and lead them to feel isolated and burdensome.
Use encouraging language to help your partner take steps toward recovery, and if he or she fails, remain positive and accepting.
Be Patient
Like any mental health condition, agoraphobia isn’t going to resolve itself overnight. Your partner needs you to be patient with them, and avoid rushing them to take steps they’re not ready for. You can encourage them, but take “no” for an answer when they express reluctance.
Ask Questions
Interacting with your partner should help you learn more about his or her condition. Each person who suffers from agoraphobia is a unique individual, and to help your partner most effectively, you need to meet them where they are. Ask questions about their symptoms, triggers, feelings, and physical responses.
When your partner is feeling particularly anxious, check in and ask them what you can do to help. Keep an open line of communication so that your partner knows that you’re always available to talk or offer assistance when they need you.
Advocate
In addition to being your partner’s ally behind closed doors, showing support publicly is essential. For example, if you’re out of the house together and your partner starts becoming anxious, be in their corner. Show them you’re right there to help and if the situation becomes overwhelming for them, help your partner get to safety no matter what anyone else has to say about your sudden departure.
Additionally, if your partner has decided that it’s time to seek treatment, support their efforts, get involved with their recovery, and encourage them to maintain their momentum throughout the journey toward better mental health.
Agoraphobia is an incredibly difficult and often misunderstood disorder that can make people who have it feel completely alone. Establishing trust with your partner and letting them know that you’re going to do everything you can to ensure their health and safety is immensely beneficial.
If you know or suspect that your partner is struggling with the effects of agoraphobia, you’re welcome to reach out to one of our therapists at DK Therapy. Our experienced therapists are here to support your partner (as well as yourself) throughout the road to recovery and anxiety management. Contact our office to schedule an appointment. You can also book online here. You can also view information about a helpful therapy called EMDR which many of of therapists are trained to provide.
