valeriej
28-11-06, 13:26
Not sure about this being social phobia but I can't think what else it is.
I am avoiding using the stairs at work (don't do lifts - claustaphobic) during busy times because I get panicky when someone else is on the stairs. I can do going down because I know I'm leaving but even then I'm shaky, going up is the problem.
Take yesterday for instance. I went to see the work counsellor who is in another building. She suggested doing it in stages and breaking it down. So when I got back to my office building I walked up the 1st flight went on to the floor itself and looked out of the window for a bit. I started walking up to the 2nd floor and although I had music on I heard someone on the stairs below (I couldn't even see that person) and I started panicking, getting all hot and breathless and wanting to get out and feeling I couldn't. I managed to calm myself down by sipping some water and really concentrating on my music but was rooted to the spot for a few seconds before I made it to the 2nd floor where again I went on to the floor. I made it okay up to the 3rd floor where my desk is - no-one was around.
I seem to be okay on the floor in open plan but even if I'm in the toilets (in the cubicle) and someone comes in I start to get anxious.
Do you think this is social phobia of some sort? I thought I was getting panicky on the stairs because I was breathless from the stairs (I am not fit) but I wasn't even out of breath walking from the 1st as I'd had a rest and was only half way up to the 2nd floor. I'll have to discuss this with the work counsellor on the 11th and I see the doctor tomorrow.
Thanks for letting me ramble.
Valerie
I am avoiding using the stairs at work (don't do lifts - claustaphobic) during busy times because I get panicky when someone else is on the stairs. I can do going down because I know I'm leaving but even then I'm shaky, going up is the problem.
Take yesterday for instance. I went to see the work counsellor who is in another building. She suggested doing it in stages and breaking it down. So when I got back to my office building I walked up the 1st flight went on to the floor itself and looked out of the window for a bit. I started walking up to the 2nd floor and although I had music on I heard someone on the stairs below (I couldn't even see that person) and I started panicking, getting all hot and breathless and wanting to get out and feeling I couldn't. I managed to calm myself down by sipping some water and really concentrating on my music but was rooted to the spot for a few seconds before I made it to the 2nd floor where again I went on to the floor. I made it okay up to the 3rd floor where my desk is - no-one was around.
I seem to be okay on the floor in open plan but even if I'm in the toilets (in the cubicle) and someone comes in I start to get anxious.
Do you think this is social phobia of some sort? I thought I was getting panicky on the stairs because I was breathless from the stairs (I am not fit) but I wasn't even out of breath walking from the 1st as I'd had a rest and was only half way up to the 2nd floor. I'll have to discuss this with the work counsellor on the 11th and I see the doctor tomorrow.
Thanks for letting me ramble.
Valerie