Symptom 5. Dependency on Safe Person: The Anchor in the Storm
For many with agoraphobia, there’s often a ‘safe person,’ someone whose mere presence offers a semblance of security. This isn’t about emotional dependency; it’s a coping mechanism, where this individual becomes a beacon of safety amidst perceived threats.
Having a safe person around can make seemingly insurmountable tasks more manageable. For instance, venturing into crowded places or even attending events becomes more doable. The mere presence of this individual acts as a shield against potential panic triggers.
But this dependency has multiple layers. On one side, there’s gratitude towards this individual for being the anchor. On the other, there’s guilt, a feeling of being a burden. It’s a dichotomy that can weigh heavily on the person with agoraphobia.
For the ‘safe person,’ this role, while rewarding, can also be taxing. They become the primary support system, always on standby to offer assistance. This dynamic, while forged from love and understanding, requires careful navigation to ensure it doesn’t veer into codependency. (5)
