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.