Confessions

Childhood nostalgia is scientifically proven to provide comfort for any given hardship.

At least, I think it is.

I’m currently going through a rough patch with my heart and I decided to put on a classic cartoon to ease some of my discomforts: Scooby-Doo, Where are You?

As I was watching America’s beloved mystery solvers, I noticed something that was quite clear beforehand: Scooby and Shaggy are ruled by fear, no matter how comical it may be. They are often faced with battling ghosties and “things that go bump in the night.” Their friends are often brave but they typically opt for satirical fear. Funny as it may be, it’s ironic that I would be watching this while researching this week’s mental illness topic.

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Agoraphobia:

What is it?¹

-Agoraphobia can be succinctly summarized by saying it is the “fear of fear.” In other words, Agoraphobia is the relentless avoidance of all panic attacks and any substance associated with previous incidents. Those suffering from this disease spend their lives avoiding any place, person, or thing that may make them feel unsafe or prone to an anxiety attack.

What causes it?¹

-Most of those who suffer from this disease likely developed it after a primary anxiety attack. High levels of stress can also be a factor. Agoraphobia, in its nature, highly resembles Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and elements of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. You can find our article on PTSD here and be sure to look out for an article detailing the effects of OCD.

What are the symptoms?²

-Due to its highly restrictive nature, Agoraphobia can be easily identified. Here are the major symptoms associated with this illness:

-Fear of being alone in any situation

-Fear of being in crowded places

-Fear of losing control in a public place

-Fear of being in places where it may be hard to leave, such as an elevator or train

-Inability to leave your home (housebound) or only able to leave it if someone else goes with you

-Sense of helplessness

-Overdependence on others

-Other symptoms can also resemble that of a panic attack. Click here for our full rundown of anxiety disorder symptoms.

How is it treated?¹

-Psychotherapy

-Medical Treatments

-Faith, prayer, and meditation

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While we may laugh at comical bits of animated characters shivering with fear, such illnesses such as anxiety or agoraphobia are no laughing matter. Those suffering live lives paralyzed by fear and it can be extremely difficult to overcome. Agoraphobia may never be able to be cured but it can certainly be remedied. Those suffering could develop behaviors and mindsets to live a life unhindered by the horrible effects of this anxiety disorder.

Thank you for joining us! Check back all week for various articles, updates, and then next Monday for our newest installment! We’ll be covering Obsessive Compulsive Disorders.

Citations:

–Mayo Clinic: PTSD¹

–ADAA: Agoraphobia²

**This is not a professional opinion. All information has been researched and cited. Responsibility falls upon the reader and will not fall back upon the author and/or this blog.**