Mental health and psychiatric disorders

Agoraphobia

A person experiences anxiety about places or situations where escape or help might be difficult.
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About

Agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder where a person fears being in places or situations where escape might be difficult or help might not be available. This can lead to avoiding public places, crowds, or even leaving home, depending on the severity.

This condition is often invisible.

Many disabilities, including this one, may not have outward signs—people can be significantly impacted even if they appear “fine” on the outside.

Common Challenges

  • Difficulty travelling to or from work, especially using public transport
  • Avoidance of crowded or unfamiliar environments
  • Panic attacks triggered by work settings or commute
  • Social withdrawal or limited interaction with colleagues
  • Increased stress or anxiety in unpredictable or open spaces
  • Trouble attending meetings or events held off-site or in public

Practitioner Help

  • Explore remote or home-based job options
  • Build gradual exposure plans with mental health professionals
  • Help develop coping strategies for anxiety and panic
  • Encourage part-time or flexible work schedules to start
  • Support with transport planning or travel training
  • Assist with self-advocacy and explaining needs to employers

Common Accommodations

  • Option to attend meetings virtually
  • Permission for the employee to take short breaks if needed
  • Flexible working hours or part-time work
  • Flexible work hours (for managing health conditions)
  • A quiet or low-sensory workspace
  • Gradual return-to-work or exposure-based re-entry plans
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Notes

Agoraphobia can range from mild discomfort to complete avoidance of leaving home. With appropriate support and understanding from employers, many people with agoraphobia can work successfully in flexible, accommodating environments.

Resources

  • Agoraphobia | healthdirect
  • Signs-and-Symptoms-of-Anxiety-fact-sheet.pdf
  • Agoraphobia - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic
Mental health and psychiatric disorders

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