We do n’t spill about this enough .

Agoraphobia (ag-uh-ruh-FOE-be-uh) is defined as a type of anxiety disorder thatinvolvesfear and avoidance of places or situations that might cause panic and feelings of being trapped, helpless, or embarrassed.

Recently, it’s come to our attention because the main character in the upcoming thriller sci-fi filmLatencyhas acute agoraphobia, and despite her well-meaning bestie trying to encourage her out of the apartment, we learn that it just doesn’t work like that.

Ifyoulive with agoraphobia, are there things you wish people knew about it that aren’t widely understood?

Perhaps you’d like your loved ones to know that you can’t “just get over it” or “just go outside” and that your feelings stem from severe anxiety.

Maybe you’d like the general public to know that agoraphobia isn’t just about being scared to leave the house and can manifest in many different ways.

Or maybe there are ways you’ve learned to manage your symptoms that you’d like to share with others struggling through something similar.

Young woman crouches in a dimly lit hallway, leaning against a green door. A small cardboard package is placed on the floor beside her

A person sitting on a chair in a room facing sideways, with three closed doors and a rug on the floor

A woman sits by a window, appearing upset with her hands covering her face

A person's hands are clasped together, resting on their lap, with the individual wearing dark jeans.

Person in an orange shirt stands against greenery with pink flowers, eyes closed, appearing tranquil