Agoraphobic dealing with PTSD Support Group

I ran across this article that describes an "Agoraphobic Cluster"! I had never heard of this and it was very interesting. I had no idea that having several issues that are covered under the umbrella of Agoraphobia even existed! Here is the article

Agoraphobia is the fear of being trapped in a situation that would be difficult or impossible to escape if a panic attack occurs. Unlike many phobias, agoraphobia tends to cluster around specific types of situations. Agoraphobia clusters may include shopping, driving, or public transportation.

Agoraphobia is a progressive illness and, without treatment, may grow to include additional clusters. Eventually, many people with untreated agoraphobia become unable to leave home at all.

Agoraphobia cluster is a colloquial, not clinical, term.

Examples: Marsha suffered severe agoraphobia. Her symptoms clustered around shopping and driving, but Marsha was able to attend classes without fear.

The question is...can you identify your agoraphobic cluster?

hmm very interesting topic!

-public transportation

-stores, unless it is a nice antique shop, or electronics place

-the sidewalk

-around more than one person, maybe two

-large buildings

-CHURCH-the worst

-parks

-well mostly any public places

so looking forward to seeing others!

oh, and places i know someone who i know lives by, works by etc

I have a long list -

* going to the store (especially if I need to buy milk)

* malls

* loud and busy restaurants (like Cheesecake factory)

* Church - I'm not sure why either because I attend a bible class at a different church and I am fine with it. Maybe because of the weekly exposure

* unexpected conversation

* paperwork

My number one! Anything having to do with the assault and Workers Compensation

I was thinking....could part of my cluster be my lack of assertiveness? In a sense, when I have been assertive in the past...I was hurt physially, emotionally and, in a sense, mentally tortured. The cycle is, take action with good intentions, action is perceived by some as bad intentions, they react emotionally and I react with guilt and shame.

HM....I think this may be another topic.

I will have to add

* assertiveness (lack of!) has created a cluster of avoidance

Mine really just has to do with small places where I feel everybody and everything is around me and i'm in everybody's way........and large supermarkets, or places with a LOT of people where I feel like I can't breathe. I need my own space, to breathe

So, in a sense, your cluster includes claustrophobic tendencies

Yeah. Usually when I have space to breathe (or take a "time out" and go outside as my mom and I call it now) I can kinda calm myself down. Not all the way by a long shot, but after I take a "time out" I feel less like throwing up or running away.

Wanted to bring this up for others to see. Curious about your clusters. Also, helped me to think about it for myself. Hopefully for you as well.

Anything that doesn't have a quick and immediate escape route, crowds....I started crying at a gathering I was talked into going to when I didn't feel like I could get up and leave during a performance and dinner, can't believe i even signed on for that one, couldn't even hide, how embarrassing. I can hardly stand to even talk about it. I'd rather be perfect.