I have agoraphobia Which is fear of large crowds, How can i make it stop!!!?

Question

When im in a crowd i feal very up tight and dizzy, I feel like im going insane and i dont know how to make it stop! Please help me!

Answer 1

I have it too, but hardly anyone knows. It strikes out of nowhere. I was at a yard sale a few weekends ago and it struck like a panic attack. I found that trying to desensitize myself didn't work because even after this much time, I don't know what triggers it.

The best thing that you can do is to be kind to yourself. Sure, meds may help, but they also might make you lose your edge for the appropriate things you need focus for.

I find that seeking an enclosed space to sit down really helps--a restroom, or my car, or any other quiet place away from the crowd.

There's also a calming yoga exercise you can do. When standing, put your weight on your right leg, placing your right hand against a wall for support. Cross your left ankle over your right shin [left foot off the ground] and take several slow deep breaths. You won't look like a stork--it can be done in a subtle way.

Best of luck to you. Remember that you're in charge of where you go and what you do, and it's not possible to be comfortable everywhere. It just may be that you have a heightened awareness of danger---a primal thing that dates back thousands of years--and open spaces or crowds triggers that ancient fear.

Answer 2

Large crowds in cramped areas make me a bit uncomfortable too. The only way to deal with any phobia is to expose yourself to the thing causing you fear until you realize it's no such a big deal any more. It helps if you learn some relaxation exercises too. Expose yourself to smaller crowds, use your relaxation techniques if you get tense, and then see how it goes. If you can handle it, try larger crowds using the same technique. The psychological term for this is "systematic desensitization." You might want to consult a psychologist to help you through this process. Basically, he or she would go through the same process: teach you relaxation techniques and then slowly expose you the thing that you fear in larger and larger doses.

Answer 3

Do you have a person that you feel safe with? Go out with this person. Also, go out alone just a little bit every day. Set limited goals for yourself such as the front door, the grocery store. You don't need to go grocery shopping just go there. When you start to feel anxious ask yourself why? Don't try to take on the world too quickly. It will take awhile. Also you can try seeing a psychologist and possibly a psychiatrists for medication but, leave the meds as a last resort. The meds are terrible!

Answer 4

Well, you can see a doctor or a psychiatrist. That might help.

But if you want a less extreme solution, i suggest that you go step by step.

Try sociallizing yourself with a few people at a time.

When you feel more comfortable, then you can move on to bigger groups of people.

But if that doesn't work, then maybe you should go see a doctor.

Answer 5

Avoid large crowds.... I have a similar thing when people crowd me I feel trapped and get all like (don't know how to explain it). Sometimes what helps me is knowing the entrances and exits.

Answer 6

well it is a hard phobia. you can get some anxiety meds and that will help a bit. i would recommend going into small crowds and working your way up slowly to where you get more comfy. I wish you well in your endevour of trying to get over this phobia as it is a hard one to do.

Answer 7

Just visit a Psychiatrist, you need medication but all phobias get cured.