Large crowds can intensify feelings of anxiety, particularly at significant events such as festivals, concerts, or the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Dr. Asim Shah, a professor and executive vice chair in the Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Baylor College of Medicine, provides insights on managing crowd anxiety.
“Crowd anxiety, or enochlophobia, is a form of social anxiety,” stated Dr. Shah. “It occurs when people have an intense or irrational fear of large crowds or gatherings.”
Symptoms of enochlophobia include feeling unable to escape from a crowd and avoiding social places due to this anxiety. Physical symptoms may involve shortness of breath, palpitations, and sweating.
Dr. Shah notes that anxiety is the most common psychiatric condition, affecting millions annually with crowd anxiety being more prevalent among women and often impacting younger individuals in their late teens and early 20s.
Exposure therapy is one method used to treat enochlophobia by gradually desensitizing individuals to crowds. “If someone is anxious about going to a big crowd like the rodeo, take them to smaller crowds to begin with, then increase that proportion little by little so they can be in bigger crowds,” Shah explained.
Cognitive behavioral therapy also proves beneficial by focusing on replacing negative thoughts with positive ones. Medications can also aid in treating social anxiety if therapy alone does not suffice.
Planning ahead is crucial for those attending crowded events. Preparing by locating exits and routes, practicing deep breathing exercises and mindfulness, understanding personal triggers, and bringing along a calming companion are recommended strategies.
“If you’re at a concert, the front might have more of a crowd, while the middle or back could have fewer people. Find the areas within the crowd that have less people,” advised Shah.
Individuals experiencing crowd anxiety should avoid unpredictable actions and plan for all scenarios before entering crowds. If noise is bothersome, earplugs are suggested alongside sunglasses for managing sensory overload. Taking breaks at quieter locations like cafeterias or gift shops can help decompress.
Deep breathing exercises are practical anywhere including crowded environments. Engaging in positive talks with loved ones may further alleviate anxiety.
“If you feel these things aren’t working, try to get help before you go, whether that is therapy or medication. Be prepared before you enter the situation and don’t ignore it thinking you can handle it,” emphasized Shah.
