Systematic Desensitization for Agoraphobia

Living with Agoraphobia

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Living with Agoraphobia

Desensitization Awareness Letter

There are many situations that people challenged with anxiety and agoraphobia have to face that might be made easier if other people, such as doctors, dentists, restaurant owners etc. were aware of our dilemma. The "Dear Person Letter" is a tool you can use (you can alter it to fit your personal needs and/or preferences) to let others know about your situation and apprehensions in the hope that they'll work with you to help you accomplish certain tasks. The letter may go something like this:

Dear Dr. ____

I would like to take this opportunity to tell you something about myself. I have an anxiety disorder known as Agoraphobia. It's a challenge that even in this day and age, not too many people know much about. It's a type of "nervous" condition that often causes panic attacks.

Although 1 in 100 persons are challenged with Agoraphobia, few people have a true understanding of the condition. It's sometimes embarrassing for me to talk about it, but it's very important to me that you're aware of it, hence this letter.

Agoraphobia is similar to claustrophobia, except that panic attacks are triggered by many causes such as crowds, distance from home, dentists, bridges, bright lights and loud noises. I can neither anticipate nor control these attacks. Therefore, I often avoid situations which might arouse this extremely uncomfortable, sometimes terrifying, and always embarrassing reaction.

I am seeking help for this problem and am making progress, but I still have some reactions. At this point, I've made some progress and want to make even more, but I still need a way out of situations that are frightening to me. I've found that when I feel I have permission to leave an uncomfortable situation and know people will understand, I can do better.

It is extremely important to me to feel free to leave any given situation at any time, no matter how innocuous the situation may appear. I don't ask that you understand my condition, but I would appreciate your understanding of my predicament. (You can fill in here what your specific needs are in the situation.--.i.e. to come to the office several times before the actual appointment to familiarize yourself with it etc.)

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In telling you this, I'm not soliciting your sympathy, but I would like your moral support as I work toward recovery. I realize that the way I confront the problem may be confusing and even seem inappropriate. Be assured I desperately tried other ways, but am convinced the approach I am using now is the only one that will work. By your acceptance you will be working with me.

Thank you very much for your cooperation,

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