Agoraphobia is a type of anxiety disorder that causes people to avoid any situation that might evoke a sense of panic. Typical phobic situations for people suffering from agoraphobia include driving, shopping, crowded places, traveling, standing in line, being alone and attending meetings and social gatherings. Faced with these anxious situations, the person feels embarrassed, helpless or trapped in overwhelming panic. Agoraphobia can have a tremendous impact on a person’s life – but it is important to remember that no one battling this anxiety disorder is alone.
More Common Than You Think
Many people suffer from this severe anxiety condition – and to different extents. Some people become completely housebound, while others function normally but with great difficulty. Functioning agoraphobics often attempt to hide their discomfort – and some do this so well that people from the outside looking in are left completely unaware of the medical condition. If you suffer from agoraphobia and feel embarrassed, helpless or trapped by panic, understand that plenty of people feel the way you do. In fact, there are even famous people with agoraphobia that you probably never knew about.
Famous People with Agoraphobia
1. Kim Basinger
Actress Kim Basinger made her condition public and is thus one of the biggest names among famous people with agoraphobia. Basinger found her severe agoraphobia difficult to understand and stayed home for long periods as a result. Basinger cried on a near daily basis.
2. Donny Osmond
Donny Osmond, the once teenage heartthrob also suffered from this severe anxiety disorder. In fact, Osmond also suffered bouts of social anxiety and depression in his lifetime. Anxiety disorders tend to run in families – and the Osmonds are a perfect example. Donny’s older brother Merrill and sister Marie both battled depression.
3. Billy Bob Thornton
Billy Bob Thornton admits that he is sometimes afraid to go out. Thornton may have what is considered to be a mild case of agoraphobia.
4. Woody Allen
Woody Allen suffers from not only agoraphobia but also claustrophobia. Allen has spent many years in psychoanalysis.
5. Sigmund Freud
Sigmund Freud, “the father of psychoanalysis” also suffered from agoraphobia. Many would agree that his case was not without a sense of irony.
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