The pandemic and agoraphobia are tied together in more ways than one. Interestingly, people who suffer from agoraphobia, also known as a fear of wide-open spaces, may have inadvertently got a reprieve during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since we’ve been forced to stay at home, those who suffer from social anxiety or a fear of wide-open spaces have actually reported feeling calmer. However, as we return to normal, people with phobias are increasingly anxious about what the future holds.
Fear of Returning to Normal
Not everyone is looking forward to getting back out into the world when COVID-19 is behind us. Even though the available vaccines are extremely effective, there are many who have a fear of a return to normal activities. The idea of exposing ourselves to large groups of people, or even returning to the office can trigger anxiety in some. While some of the vaccines are over 93% effective, it does not stop many from assuming they will fall into that small percentage of people who get sick.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Whether it’s a fear of crowds, a fear of germs, or a fear of open spaces, mental health professionals often suggest cognitive behavioral therapy. This often includes talk therapy, exposure therapy, and in some cases antianxiety medication. Unfortunately, cognitive behavioral therapy can take months, if not years to work, and medications often only mask the symptoms.
Hypnotherapy for Agoraphobia
Hypnotherapy is an extremely fast and effective way to manage anxiety. In hypnosis suggestions are given to reduce stress and prevent catastrophic thoughts. Because hypnosis is relaxing, it helps to calm those who suffer from anxiety and panic disorder. Hypnotherapy helps to shift a patient’s perspective so they see things the way they truly are, and from a positive perspective. It simply reframes the phobia so that clients can experience relief.
The Hypnotic trance state
A hypnotherapist guides their clients into a hypnotic trance state through the use of confusion techniques, diaphragmatic breathing, and imagining different settings. The client is awake and attentive, yet relaxed and open to positive suggestions. The traumatic event that caused the fear will often come up spontaneously during hypnosis. The hypnotherapist will then help the patient to let it go.
Scientific Studies
Scientific data supports the use of hypnosis for reducing stress and anxiety. Additionally, studies show that the use of hypnosis, used in conjunction with cognitive behavioral therapy, was found to be 75% more effective. Finally, hypnotherapy has been proven to reduce stress.
The Pandemic and Agoraphobia
Whether it’s a fear of getting sick or anxiety related to open spaces, hypnotherapy can be a fast-acting solution. If cognitive behavioral therapy alone is not working, hypnosis for panic disorder and anxiety is an option to consider. Don’t let the pandemic and agoraphobia hold you back from living a full life. Hypnotherapy can free you of your fears and help you return to a normal life.