I heard Massachusetts Street was insane after our Jayhawks won the championship game. I heard there were people hanging from light poles, climbing buildings, high-fiving cops and streaking. I wish I could say that I'd seen all this happen (yes, even the streaking), but I can't, because the crowd of people freaked me out so much that I had to leave before I even reached the action past 10th Street.

My friend and I linked our arms as we trekked toward Mass. Street, hoping that would limit our chances of being separated. As we walked, we encountered a few scattered groups of people, and I remember thinking to myself, “Maybe I will be able to handle this.” But when we reached the bulk of the crowd, I realized I was horribly mistaken.

As we got into the thick of it, I was surrounded by sweaty, drunk people. I had no control over my path because we were wedged between people who were all stronger and taller and more intoxicated than I was. I had to get out, and so my friend and I left the festivities early and made our way back home.

I’ve never been officially diagnosed with agoraphobia (the fear of being unable to escape a crowded place), but I sure fit the description.

Read Deepa’s story about different kinds of phobias and how you can try to overcome them, or at least decrease their negative affects on your daily life.

I hate having such a debilitating phobia, but what I hate even more is that I allow it to dictate my life. I’ve stopped going to concerts at large venues, I don’t attend crowded house parties (but that’s probably for the better), and I can’t imagine going to any more big celebrations, which means no Times Square at New Year’s.