How Agoraphobia Affects My Life

Those who suffer from agoraphobia alone or panic disorder with agoraphobia know too well the debilitating symptoms associated with this anxiety disorder. Agoraphobics live under a constant state of dread as though there is something "fundamentally wrong with the universe and stepping out the door will invite the wrongness in," says our guest, Kelly Brumbelow.

Agoraphobia forces sufferers to avoid panic attack triggers related to people, places and things. Over time and without treatment, the triggers can become quite extensive until the agoraphobic's movements are limited to only a few safe places.

Those Closest to You May Not Understand Agoraphobia

Friends and family often do not understand agoraphobia. They offer unhelpful suggestions such as, "You need to choose to get out and do better!" without understanding the disconnect between their loved one's emotions and mind. Kelly says many people have no idea what it's like when "your mind starts to betray you." Although, rationally, he understands how agoraphobia affects his life, he is unable to soothe the emotions that overtake him.

Effects of Agoraphobia

Kelly Brumbelow's world began shrinking due to agoraphobia soon after college. Now he leaves his apartment once or twice a week, mostly for doctor appointments and household shopping. Kelly hopes that he and his doctor will continue finding ways to improve his condition enabling Kelly to "expand the envelope" he lives in over time.

Kelly discusses his medical treatment and the effects agoraphobia has on his life and relationships on this edition of the Healthy Place Mental Health TV Show.

Share Your Experience with Agoraphobia

How does agoraphobia affect your life? We invite you to call and share your thoughts and experiences with us at 1-888-883-8045. (Info about Sharing Your Mental Health Experience here.) You can also leave your comments below.