Public transport

[polarbearx]

I've bought tickets to see an artist I really like in February but I have really bad anxiety with public transport. I start to sweat a lot and feel like I'm going to faint, I am also worried about getting lost.

For years I deprived myself of events like concerts because of my anxiety but then I'd end up feeling lonely and depressed because I missed out. I don't really socialise or have friends so will probably end up going to the gig with my mum, which is kind of embarrassing but also a relief because at least I feel comfortable with her and she can take charge with the travelling.

Does anybody else have this issue with public transport or have any tips on how I can start to overcome it? I did manage to go on a bus alone 6 months ago but haven't done it since and I feel like trains are a whole other beast.

[Kittycalm]

Are you worried because of the fear of an accident, or because of the crowd?
I don't really understand, because where I live we drive everywhere.
I become really afraid in airplanes, because I feel like I have no control of what is happening.
I just wonder what is freaking you out specifically.

[polarbearx]

I get claustrophobic, like I said I start to sweat and I feel like everybody's going to look at me like I'm a weirdo and it's going to be really obvious that I don't belong there and I don't know what I'm doing. I'm also afraid of getting lost, looking like an idiot and getting stuck somewhere alone and starting to panic. The last time I went on a train it ended in tears, I broke down in a Costa coffee and I don't want a repeat of that.

[t0rt01se36]

Hello polarbear.

Firstly, you are not alone with your anxiety and claustrophobia issues. I am the same.

I have missed out on so many concerts and shows, because they've been at an Arena and I suffer from claustrophobia.

Travelling - if you can buy a cd in advance, or already have one, of the artist you are going to see, buy it and listen to the music, whilst you are travelling.
Plan the route in advance and look at streetview, online, if you are unfamiliar of the area that you are going to.

Anxiety - don't let your anxious thoughts make you avoid going to the concert. I know what it's like to be anxious and panicky, before and during the concert, but overall, it's best to go and hopefully have a good time, than regret not going. The atmosphere will push away your anxious thoughts and you could always go to the foyer or loo, if need be. If there's a support act that you are not interested in, you can calm down, away from crowds, while they're on stage.

Claustrophobia - Not sure how I can help you on that one apart from advising not to stand near to the front. The thousands of people in an arena, put me off going and when I've been to a smaller venue, if I've got a standing ticket, I walk around like a lost sole. When I have sat at a show, it has made me panic.

Good luck! I am sure you will have a good time and wonder why you got so anxious. Just remember that anxiety is just thoughts and isn't going to harm you and I sense how much you really want to go, so you should do all you can, to do so.

Who are you going to see, if you don't mind me asking?

[polarbearx]

Thanks for the reply :)

I'm usually okay once I'm in the venue because I'm excited about seeing the band, it's the travelling that's the problem really.

I'm going to see Desaparecidos and Conor Oberst, I decided I would try to brave in 2013 so I've got two gigs in the same month. Might not have been the best idea haha but I figured if I could do one, I could do the other. I'm determined to go, just need to stop worrying about it!

[gregcool]

Polarbear..When isuffered this What i used to do before the event, was..a week before i would close my eyes every day for about 20 min and imagin the whole thing hapning in my head.you have to really focus hard.make it as real as you can in your mind..and put yourself through the whole event,,,from getting dressed to the whole jurney...and the doors shutting on the train or bus.going through tunnels.try to make yourself familler with the WHOLE THING..every day for a good week..because what you are doing is taking away the Anxiety on the day of actually going..you are getting yourself to excperiance the event in advance and in saftey..on the day you go I bet it wont feel a shock and nearvs because you would have spent a whole week going through it in your mind..It really does work..But ! You do have to focus when doing it at home and it will work for you...

[polarbearx]

Thanks for that advice, I'll definitely try it. I don't know why I didn't think of visualisation before, our minds are so strong.

[Kittycalm]

I get stressed out too when I fear that everyone will be looking at me. Chances are, they're not. I like to go to concerts a lot. I get really nervous, but once the music starts, I kind of lose myself. It is the best kind of relief for me. I hope that you have a good time. Let it all out. It can be spiritual.

[KCam11]

Im so glad I found this thread! I have a concert on Friday and am petrified to go. I had my first panic attack in years at one a few months ago and am worried about going back!

[Lilyblue]

My anxiety stops me from going to some gigs. I took my mum to one not long ago, took my diazepam with me but I didn't need any. Even managed to go on bus. The excitement must of room my mind of it. I still can't use trains without my mum or medication