Agoraphobia - The Fear of being around people

Brem · Aug 28, 2025

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 · Aug 30, 2025

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 · Sep 5, 2025

Shree said:
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.

Agoraphobia - The Fear of being around people

Brem

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Shree

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Brem

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