help in crowded situations

[charli90]

Hi
I am wondering if any of you can give me some advice about how to cope in crowded situations such as shopping centres, towns, parties etc. As I am only 15 its a major part of teenage life and I have already struggled with school and exams (because of sitting in a huge hall filled with people.) Everytime I seem to think about going out I always feel as though I will throw up in public and this stops me going. I have little confidence in myself and I feel as though I will majorly embarass myself if i suddenly became ill and that worries me. Often if I try and go I will end up having a panic attack and feel faint and dizzy, my friends seem to think that I am just attention seeking or something as I seem to always moan about things. Just I need alot of reassurance and they don't seem to understand this.
Does anyone have any ideas how to cope with crowded situation or does any one have the same problem?

Charli x

[wendy]

Hi Charli

Sorry to hear you are struggling, I suffer badly with feeling faint and dizzy and find some places such as supermarkets or pubs difficult, end up working myself up and having a panic.

Despite my numerous faint feelings however I have never yet fainted!! I find that the Bach Flower remedies help take the edge off this feeling, I use Cherry plum, Aspen & Rock Rose.

Do you have a close friend or a parent you could talk through you feelings with? This is nothing to be ashamed off and with some support you will overcome these feelings - If you want the send me a PM to talk things over then please feel free, a lot of people will help you here,

Wendy x

[wendy]

Forgot to mention to you to look at the books mentioned on this site (I got hold of a couple from the local libray and am finding them very good)

[trac67]

Hi Charli,

The best way is to keep telling yourself that nothing bad is going to happen to you, and to beleive it.

Try these links all about feeling faint and dizzy and see if they help :

Spaciness (http://www.nomorepanic.co.uk/showthread.php?t=2696)
Light Headed (http://www.nomorepanic.co.uk/showthread.php?t=2951)
dizzyness (http://www.nomorepanic.co.uk/showthread.php?t=3062)
Jules31 (http://www.nomorepanic.co.uk/showthread.php?t=310)
Light Headed (http://www.nomorepanic.co.uk/showthread.php?t=2951)
Very dizzy (http://www.nomorepanic.co.uk/showthread.php?t=3743)
help :( (http://www.nomorepanic.co.uk/showthread.php?t=3742)
vertigo, diziness (http://www.nomorepanic.co.uk/showthread.php?t=4877)
Vertigo type sensations (http://www.nomorepanic.co.uk/showthread.php?t=5669)
New to this site and need some advice :( (http://www.nomorepanic.co.uk/showthread.php?t=5961)
Is my head normal??? (http://www.nomorepanic.co.uk/showthread.php?t=6731)
Anxiety + Panic + Stress + Dizziness + some relief (http://www.nomorepanic.co.uk/showthread.php?t=6338)
Dizziness - I hate it, any help? (http://www.nomorepanic.co.uk/showthread.php?t=6854)

Take care

Trac xx

'Live your life with arms wide open, today is where your book begins, the rest is still unwritten'

[nomorepanic]

Have you heard of rescue remedy and tried that?

A bottle of water is always good as well.

Distraction is the main key - focus on something and try not to think about being shut in.

Nicola

[kirgray]

Hi :D

I understand how you feel Charlie, I too suffer with this, especially in crowded places i.e. supermarket especially in a super long que!!. I also feel insecure if nothing is around me like even a shelf or something as feel like will pass out.

Ive had counselling about this and my counsellor said what could be the worse thing that would happen if you did pass out, people would help imagine what you would do if someone passed out you wouldnt laugh at them you would help and be concerned......for years I have worried that I would pass out or vomit.....and yet strangley I never have!!!!!!:D

You have to learn to tell yourself it wont happen it is just a feeling....i'll have to put that into practise myself now LOL

Take it easy

X :D X K

[Piglet]

Something Meg said really helped me with this one about being in a crowded place.

Like you I have always viewed a crowd with slight panic (well a lot of panic really) because I thought how embaressing to have a panic attack in front of all these people but Meg has turned this on its head, as her thoughts were that having people around her meant that help was on hand if she needed it.

I did two big shopping trips with my daughter last week and kept thinking to myself if I have a panic attack its ok these people will help me so its good that they are here.

Thank you Meg, a small step for mankind ......

Piglet xx

"Supposing a tree fell down, Pooh, when we were underneath it?" said Piglet.
"Supposing it didn't," said Pooh after careful thought.

[charli90]

Hey guys
Thanks for the advice. I will try and use it when I next get stuck in a crowded place.

Charli xxx