Is Anxiety Linked to Agoraphobia and Claustrophobia?

Yes, anxiety, agoraphobia, and claustrophobia are all linked. In this article we'll look at the relationship between the three terms.

Anxiety 

Anxiety is your body's natural response to stress. When you worry and your heart rate goes up or maybe you perspire more while thinking about something that makes you nervous, those are signs of anxiety.

We have anxiety for a reason. Anxiety has the evolutionary benefit of getting you ready for action, typically fight or flight. You will run faster or fight harder with that extra shot of adrenalin.

However, if your anxiety prevents you from sleeping, or working, or going out, or otherwise interferes with your daily functions and routines, then you have a problem with anxiety and sometimes what's called an anxiety disorder.

Agoraphobia

Agoraphobia is one type of anxiety disorder. It's having too much anxiety over the specific case of leaving your familiar and "safe" environment like your home.

Sometimes agoraphobia starts as social anxiety or just the anxiety over being around others. But it can evolve into something more restricting where you have an overwhelming fear of going anywhere.

Claustrophobia

Claustrophobia is another different types of anxiety disorder. It's too much anxiety or an overwhelming fear of confined spaces.

Claustrophobia can mean different things to different people. For some it might be terrible to go swimming because you can't get out of the water fast enough. For others it might be triggered by sitting in a booth at a restaurant where it's not easy to get up from the table.

Whatever your type of anxiety is, if it's interfering with your day-to-day life, then counselling may help.

If you are having problems with anxiety, agoraphobia, or claustrophobia, get in touch with us. We can help.

Kuldip Counselling and Consulting has two convenient locations in Surrey and Langley. They offer counselling services and compassionate therapy in the areas of addictions counselling, and family and marriage counselling.

If you have any questions about this article or would like to schedule an appointment,
please call (604) 764-9575.