About 1.3 % of adults in the United States live with agoraphobia. This is about the same number of people who live with Generalized Anxiety Disorder, which is more common and understood. New pandemic-driven social patterns, including the rise of remote work and contactless home deliveries may worsen agoraphobia in some sufferers.
Agoraphobia garnered significant media attention in the beginning of 2023, when Prince Harry bravely disclosed his personal struggle with the condition in his new book.
“I was an agoraphobe,” he wrote in Spare. “Which was nearly impossible given my public role.” He also recalls how he “nearly fainted” during one speech that ‘couldn’t be avoided or canceled.
His candid revelation not only shed light on the often-overlooked challenges faced by individuals dealing with agoraphobia but also sparked important conversations surrounding mental health on a global scale. Prince Harry’s openness about his own experiences served as a powerful reminder that mental health issues can affect anyone, regardless of their status or background, and inspired many to seek help and support for their own mental well-being. His willingness to share his journey has not only helped reduce the stigma associated with agoraphobia but has also encouraged greater empathy and understanding of the complexities of mental health, ultimately leading to a more compassionate and informed society.
As with many mental health disorders, the myths surrounding agoraphobia make it more difficult for people with the disorder to get treatment. They may believe they do not need help because their symptoms are not what they see on television. Or they could find that others will think they are “crazy,” so they never find out how to overcome agoraphobia. Spreading awareness about agoraphobia and busting the myths can help.