The fear of open spaces is called agoraphobia. It is a type of anxiety disorder that causes an intense fear of being in situations where escape might be difficult or that help wouldn’t be available if things go wrong. People with agoraphobia may be scared of:
- Traveling on public transportation
- Being in large, open areas
- Being in crowded places
- Standing in line
- Being outside their home on their own
The exact cause of agoraphobia is unknown, but it is thought to be caused by a combination of factors, including:
- Genetics: People with a family history of anxiety disorders are more likely to develop agoraphobia.
- Brain chemistry: People with agoraphobia may have imbalances in certain brain chemicals, such as serotonin and norepinephrine.
- Life experiences: Traumatic or stressful life events, such as a panic attack, can trigger agoraphobia.
The symptoms of agoraphobia can vary from person to person, but they may include:
- Panic attacks
- Anxiety
- Fear of being trapped or helpless
- Dizziness
- Sweating
- Trembling
- Chest pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Nausea
- Feeling faint
- Feeling like you’re going crazy
If you think you or someone you know may have agoraphobia, it is important to seek professional help. There are effective treatments available, such as psychotherapy and medication.
Here are some of the reasons why people may develop a fear of open spaces:
- Past trauma: A person who has had a traumatic experience in an open space, such as a panic attack or a mugging, may develop a fear of open spaces as a result.
- Genetics: There is some evidence that agoraphobia may be caused by genetics. If you have a family history of anxiety disorders, you are more likely to develop agoraphobia yourself.
- Learning: People can learn to fear open spaces through a process called classical conditioning. This is when a person associates a neutral stimulus (such as being in an open space) with a negative stimulus (such as a panic attack).
- Cognitive factors: People with agoraphobia may have negative thoughts about open spaces, such as “I’m going to have a panic attack” or “I’m going to get hurt.” These thoughts can make the fear worse.
If you are struggling with a fear of open spaces, there are things you can do to cope. Here are some tips:
- Talk to a therapist: A therapist can help you understand your fear and develop coping strategies.
- Take medication: Medication can help reduce anxiety and panic attacks.
- Gradually expose yourself to open spaces: This is called exposure therapy. Start by exposing yourself to small, manageable amounts of open space and gradually increase the amount of time you spend in open spaces.
- Join a support group: Talking to other people who have agoraphobia can help you feel less alone and learn coping strategies.
With treatment, most people with agoraphobia can learn to manage their fear and live a normal life.