The most common manifestation of panic disorder or agoraphobia is found in social situations, but there are at least 3 different variants that need to be distinguished, only one of which can be technically labelled agoraphobia:
– circumstances where the sufferer is expected to perform a task on a regular basis for a third party, or to face a social or professional. The situation in question can be considered somewhat stressful to any individual, but the response of a panic disorder agoraphobe will blow out of proportions. Some people react this way from the day they faced the social situation in question; some react normally for a certain period of time and end up with panic disorder type manifestations. For instance, going to work daily generates a certain amount of stress for most people. Among them, a great proportion would tell you that their stress gives them that extra boost of attention and energy they need to complete their task properly and in time, which is the purpose of stress biologically. Others will end up in a state of panic. Some people will only go to this extreme after 20 of 30 years of a given routine.
– direct exposition to criticism or judgement from another individual or group, voluntary or not. Public speaking, direct conflict, public presentations are examples all examples of situations where panic manifests easily in some individuals, although most people are able to handle them without reaching this state. The trigger is more obvious than in the previous situation, but it is not by nature supposed to end up in panic.
– direct exposition to a group of individuals without direct contact or interaction. This situation is not supposed to cause any form of stress. Yet, certain people are specifically sensible to crowds and enter in a panic state when confronted to one. Only in that case can a panic state be labelled agoraphobia.
The starting point the three types of panic is to be considered in its uniqueness because some people react to one but not the others, and the right diagnostic is very important in many regards. Nonetheless there an emotional common ground to all 3 panic states that has repercussions on how to deal with them in the long run.
The paleo-cortex, the most primitive part of the brain dealing with instincts and survival reacts to an event that should involve survival or defense. The panic reaction is the result of switching to the survival mode in situations that don’t require such a drastic measure. This can happen for a number of reason which do not fit into the topic of this article. The important thing here is that this inappropriate reaction can be diminished and eventually disappear by working on these causes and by implementing one or a few techniques that allow you to become more aware of your emotions and domesticate them.
Keep in mind that what works best can’t and won’t come in the form of a magic formula. The common denominator between techniques that work is that they allow panic sufferers to take a step back from themselves and become more aware of their emotions and what causes them in the long run. Another important aspect is the y can be used to settle down during a panic attack. The sole condition for overcoming panic is to commit to using these techniques on a regular basis to improve the way you handle your environment and your emotions. You might have to combine these techniques with medication. Just make sure you don’t rely solely on chemicals that only deal with symptoms and can cause damage to your body. It is a known and proven fact today that sophrology, HRV (heart rate variability), yoga or meditation, among others are effective in treating many panic disorders including agoraphobia, won’t harm you in any way, and are available for free or at very reasonable prices.
One thing to remember about the various techniques available to panic sufferers is that they are tools that can be put to great use for a wide variety of purposes, way beyond stress. Your life can benefit greatly from the perspective you gain from understanding yourself more completely and more precisely. Many former anxiety sufferers changed their lives dramatically because they ended up changing some beliefs and pursuing valeurs that they used to neglect. Of course, you don’t have to make your anxiety treatment endeavors a spiritual experience, but keep in mind that your anxiety can be overcome and turn out giving you opportunities to live a better life.
Let a former panic disorder agoraphobia sufferer explain to you his winning strategies and remedies at PanicDisorderAgoraphobia.org. This blog specializes in agoraphobia treatment. Learn more now!