Agoraphobia - The Fear of being around people

[Brem]

Agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder where you have a fear of being in social situations where there is a crowd/group of people. I think in a way I am a bit agoraphobic, because I don't like to be around a lot of people, though I can usually handle it, I just prefer not to be around a lot of people at once. I have a friend who is severely agoraphobic, in the sense he doesn't even leave his house. He does on rare occasions, but I hear it's hard for him to do so.

Does anyone here have it as well? Or do you know someone who does? Maybe a friend or family member?

 

[Shree]

Agoraphobia is often misunderstood as just fear of open spaces, but it can also mean fear of being in situations where escape feels difficult, including being around people. Someone with it might avoid crowds, public transport, or even social gatherings. I’ve read that it’s often linked to panic disorder, where the fear of having an attack in public makes people withdraw. Treatment usually involves therapy like CBT, gradual exposure, and sometimes medication. It can be really limiting, but with the right support, people can slowly regain confidence in social or public settings.

 

[Brem]

Agoraphobia is often misunderstood as just fear of open spaces, but it can also mean fear of being in situations where escape feels difficult, including being around people. Someone with it might avoid crowds, public transport, or even social gatherings. I’ve read that it’s often linked to panic disorder, where the fear of having an attack in public makes people withdraw. Treatment usually involves therapy like CBT, gradual exposure, and sometimes medication. It can be really limiting, but with the right support, people can slowly regain confidence in social or public settings.

Yeah there's a lot to it. I think it stems a lot from being around people for the most part, and of course not being able to find that escape away from all the crowds. I think there are levels to it too. Some people might be able to venture out of their house, but may not be able to go to crowded areas. My friend doesn't usually leave his house unless he absolutely has to, and I believe he gets really bad anxiety and stress the longer he is around groups of people.

 

[Master-one]

I have heard about this disorder for the first time. The fact remains that humans are social being and we should remain around people. However, this disorder seem to be quite opposite of that. People suffering from this disorder would remain in isolation for a long time.

 

[Fidelia]

I had agoraphobia as a teenager evolving into an adult. That's because I had parents that were overprotective. They always told me how humans were bad and dangerous. I grew up fearing where people populated. I stayed at home more. But I had to break free from that because I was in business.

 

[HikerShawn]

I used to have it.

I couldn't talk, look at people, I'd shake... It was bad.

Then I started making YouTube videos. Talking into a camera all the time. Developed an audience who I knew was watching my videos.

Did my first public speaking and it was horrible LOL

Did my second and it was okay.

Now, I can do it any time. I have no more fear of it at all. In fact, I get a rush talking to a crowd of strangers.

 

[Hazel]

Does anyone here have it as well? Or do you know someone who does? Maybe a friend or family member?

I’ve heard about agoraphobia but don’t know much. How does it usually start? Can it develop suddenly or gradually? Are there common triggers, and what kinds of therapy or support are most effective?

 

[JennyorAlice]

Because of my job, I feel like I don't like being around a bunch of people. I prefer to stay home and read one of the many books that are on my shelves. I also might enjoy playing the occasional video game or watching a movie.