Katherine Chemodurow Kelley, MD
IMPORTANT NOTICE: All patients will be transitioning to the AdvancedMD Patient Portal on Thursday, June 1st, 2023. Patients will still be able to message their providers and office staff, pay their bills, and access important documents through the AMD patient portal.
Please visit our FAQ page with links and resources to assist patients during this transition.
Katherine Chemodurow Kelley, MD
Agoraphobia After Quarantine
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, people with agoraphobia may notice that their symptoms worsen unexpectedly. Though some people with agoraphobia feel relief as the rest of the world stays at home more, others may feel significantly more anxious.
If you live with agoraphobia, it’s important for you to know how the pandemic could affect you, ways to manage your symptoms, and what co-existing conditions to beware of.
How the Global Pandemic May Affect People with Agoraphobia
Like many others, people with agoraphobia are experiencing high levels of uncertainty and fear regarding COVID-19 and the economic fallout of it. Furthermore, a large disruption in your routine could make people feel more anxious. In some people with agoraphobia, these feelings can cause worsening symptoms.
While shutdowns and quarantine aim to keep people safe, they can also cause people with mental health disorders to get cut off from vital support systems, including loved ones, therapists, and psychiatric professionals. PCPA seeks to limit these disruptions by providing online psychiatry and therapy appointments.
Managing the Symptoms of Agoraphobia
As quarantine lifts, it’s important for people with agoraphobia to pay close attention to their symptoms and take precautions to manage those symptoms. A few important steps to take include:
Take medications as prescribed, and set reminders if needed
Get plenty of rest with good sleep hygiene
Eat a balanced diet
Get regular exercise
Make online appointments with a licensed therapist
Consider adjustments to your medications if needed
If your medications are not enough to manage your changing symptoms, an online appointment with a qualified psychiatrist can help.
Lookout for Symptoms of Co-Existing Conditions
People with agoraphobia can sometimes develop other mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety disorders, and substance abuse disorder. During times of extreme stress, this can become an even more significant threat. Be sure to get help if you see symptoms of these or other mental health disorders.
Book an Online Appointment
Whether your agoraphobia symptoms worsen, you develop symptoms of an additional disorder, or you just need extra help getting through this, PCPA is here for you. We offer online therapy and psychiatry appointments to get you the help you need without leaving the safety of home. Contact us today to get started.
Disclaimer: The posts on this blog are for informational purposes only and do not replace direct care from your mental health care provider. Contact your mental health care provider for specific questions or concerns about your own mental health. All posts are copyrighted, and the views expressed on this blog are representative of the opinions of Pacific Coast Psychiatric Associates (PCPA) as an organization.