Happy Fourth of July! Many of you will head out for a night of barbecue, fireworks and fun. However, if you suffer from certain phobias, the holiday may bring anxiety and fear, driving you to hide out in the house watching movies rather than participating in the celebration.

If you feel this way, you are not alone. Thousands of Americans suffer from phobias that can make holiday events difficult if not impossible. Social phobia and agoraphobia, as well as fears of loud noises, the dark or fireworks are just a few of the situations that can limit participation in these events.

So what are your Fourth of July plans? Will you be heading out to a local celebration or staying home? If you have a phobia that is keeping you at home, what are you planning to do instead? I invite you to join the discussion in our forums.

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