Living with panic disorder or agoraphobia can be difficult, but you can take steps to support your friend or loved as they cope with their symptoms. You may find the following tips helpful. The fear that a person with agoraphobia experiences is not just nervousness or feeling a little anxious. It is part of a biological and psychological process that is far beyond these limits and is often life-changing. Learn all that you can about these conditions. You can gather information from reputable websites, educational and self-help books, and brochures from a therapist’s or doctor’s office. Your increased knowledge can help improve your communication with your loved one. Let them come to you on their own time when they are ready to open up about their condition. Try to be there to listen as they share their progress, symptoms, struggles, and setbacks. At times you may find it difficult to relate to their experience with panic disorder, but you can always build trust and support towards their recovery by being a shoulder to lean on. Understand that there are many treatment options available for your loved one with panic disorder. No single treatment method is right forever person. they may choose to try therapy, medication, self-help, or even a combination of these options. This is not manipulation. These behaviors are common because the basis of the fear is not actually the restaurant or other feared activity. The fear and avoidance come from the fear itself. In other words, your loved one actually fears the frightening symptoms of having a panic attack. These symptoms can vary from day to day, or even morning to night, because of biological, psychological and environmental influences.
