Agoraphobia Treatment: Avoiding Panic & Decreasing Anxiety

Dr. G teaches 2 tips that help her patients move through anxiety to have a better quality of life, whether they have anxiety, panic, or agoraphobia.

Brooke Goldner, M.D.

[daequarantiello]

Thank you so much! I’ve been dealing with anxiety since I was 8 years old, I’m 23 now.. I’ve had such a battle with this for the last 15 years now. From being able to go into certain places and enjoying life, to not being able to go to certain places like the mall or a walk in the park. I’ve just started taking medication but I believe that I don’t need them and that I can do this on my own. It’s always changing what I can and can not do this anxiety. I’ve learned throughout the years, only recently what you just said. When I feel one coming on I’ll recognize it, then I’ll call my parents or someone I know I can talk to, and distract myself with a game. It’s beconing a problem with when I sleep now. Now I’m afraid that when I fall asleep, if I wake up in the middle of the night I feel the panic coming on, that’s when it happens now. Because I feel trapped for whatever reason, like “I’ll havw to drive to the hospital if I have a panic attack tonight” “will I get there and freak out? Can I calm myself down” that’s what I’m dealing with right now. I hope this doesn’t last long.

[SvenskaXSuomi]

Thank you for these tips. I've been struggling with agoraphobia since I was 17 (now 22) and it's such a struggle day-to-day. I don't have a full grasp on it, but I am able to go outside of my home to some extent. I absolutely do not like being outdoors and in open areas, but anywhere in doors is either a hit or miss depending on the levels of anxiety that day for me.

What I'm learning lately is that in order to have a decent grasp on your agoraphobia/anxiety is to keep working at it and to keep on top of it. What I mean by that is just to gradually expose yourself to the uncomfortable situation (in my case the outdoors) and challenge yourself when you feel like you've made progress. I did this by walking around my neighborhood for a few minutes at a time and then gradually upping the ante as I got less anxious. Be sure to reward yourself as well, and remind yourself that nothing bad will happen to you after every session.

I hate to admit, but I have been slacking on keeping up with my walks and I can feel it. So much anxiety, even just doing errands to the store.

I will try to put these tips to good use on my next venture out!

[patriciaferrini]

You know it is the first psychotherapsy who sayes that. Very powerful.

[CreativelyKim]

The DARE for anxiety book saved my life. I started having panic attacks this past Summer and agoraphobia quickly followed. Barry‘ s method has helped SO many people overcome their fear and anxiety and be able to ENGAGE with life again. He also has a phone app you can use when you need, to help get you through a panic attack, or help with worrisome thoughts. There’s even help with breathing techniques and insomnia. It truly changed the game for me. THANK YOU, for all that you do, Dr.G! Please post more testimonial videos! I come back, when I’m feeling discouraged. They give me hope!

[FromPanictoParis]

Thanks for sharing ! I understand this kind of suffering ! I've been dealing with it for a long time, and I am no longer willing to accept it ! I am going to heal every part of myself 🙏🏽 thank you kind soul

[whoamiguy]

hi, just wanted to comment on your video. I've read in other places that distraction/avoidance isn't the way to go. That is more a band aid solution and doesn't necessarily address the root problem. You are supposed to change the way you think so that when feeling panic/anxiety, you are able to cope with it. If you just distract yourself, you could end up feeling the symptoms again.

[LarryBanks]

Lord I thank you for sharing this video it is not easy having Agoraphobia I think I had it for a year and its terrible sometimes its difficult to go places at one point I was scared to get out of my house and when I did I only could go so far like to the store that is right around the corner from me. I hate it I have to ask my mother to take me places and if she do I only can go so far I will def try these tips and see if they help thank you again.

[starluna]

I have been looking for someone like u♡ i can see u love ur job and open minded and care for others! I'm watching your videos. keep them rolling! ! ;)

[susanlerner]

I don't have agoraphobia. but I do get anxiety. I say thank you and I let you go with love. but I love the idea of rewarding myself with a positive distraction. I like James Gordon and carpool karaoke.

[JonnyQ]

When I don't think about leaving the house as a "scary thing" I can just leave, now if let my brain tell me "don't leave danger" I start to get dizzy, and sweaty. Eating foods that calms me down also helps me leave the front door, if I'm hungry or slightly hungry I can't leave, or even if someone says "hey, where are you going you ?" knowing that I have anxiety I can't leave it seems to trigger my anxiety, than I go in to "danger do not leave" mode.

[SunilKumarplanet]

मुझे भी यह समस्या थी और मैंने Planet Ayurveda के साथ अपना इलाज शुरू किया। अब मैं ठीक हूं। तो, अगर किसी को इस तरह की समस्या या किसी अन्य स्वास्थ्य संबंधी समस्या का सामना करना पड़ रहा है। आपको Planet Ayurveda जाना चाहिए।

[Gisele]

Very good tips and I 'd like to try! But when you can't find anything pleasurable anymore, what do you do? Thanks from Brazil

[jessicaburke]

“The Happiness Trap” explains this more in depth

[atahmas]

Great video, do you find that your patients with agoraphobia are taking psychiatric meds? I have two brothers that are and both are facing anxiety from open spaces. Curious if fears were escalated due to side effects of those meds.

[eduardosolana]

Thank you! Will let you know how it goes:)

[IK-fggw]

ma whats difference between psychiatrist and psychologist

[lastylehustle]

Thanks for sharing these tips Dr.G . I will definitely try them. Just suscribed to your channel. Will check back for more videos. Happy New Year !!

[bbc]

just go to your happy place and tell your amygdalla you are loved then repeat happy puppy and butterflies ten times as you close your eyes and breath and in and out

[mercuryxyz]

Good way to handle this genetic disorder. It can also control psychological anxiety disorders short term until the psychologist gets to the root of the cause of their anxiety disorder

[lupitavallejo]

I have panic attacks anxiety since 1996 been taking on and off activan and antidepressant medications 😞😢
Know that I've been diagnosed with Lupus i have even more anxiety and heart palpitations What can i do i need help!!! I've been with psychologists psychiatry therapies during this to long period off time 😣😞awful
Thank you dr. G for helping so many u have a beautiful soul💖🙏