Panic while in large stores.

[Leighakay]

Does anyone else suffer from going into big store like Walmart? My anxiety recently started acting up again while going shopping in Walmart and I panicked so bad I had to leave the store and stop shopping. I felt as if I could pass out. It sounds silly but it's becoming a real issue here lately. What helps calm you down? I hope this passes soon.

[JAYnLA]

Oh, this is so common you wouldn't believe it. I went through a year of feeling like I would lose my bowels in supermarkets or Costco. I just kept going and dealing with it and it got better. I remember having to use my cart basically as a walker because my balance was so off. It was terrifying - but the way out of it is through it. Keep going and BREATHE. Say to yourself, "Well, it feels like the worst is about to happen but it never does so it won't this time either." In time your anxiety will lessen. I've heard from so many people that these large spaces with so much visual stimulation sets off their anxiety - you could not be less alone.

[Leighakay in reply to JAYnLA]

Thank you SO much for the reply! It means so much to me! I find it hard to relate to anyone in my life about this subject and I feel as though no one takes me seriously about it. Thank you for the great advice. I hope to put it to work soon. I'm really hoping this passes. I've dealt with this before unfortunately and I was hoping to not have to deal with it again. I should add I am almost 4 month pregnant and maybe my hormones are coming into play with the anxiety idk.

[JAYnLA in reply to Leighakay]

Yes, your anxiety is probably getting some hormonal assistance right now. I'd use that to tell myself how very temporary this will be and that you've been through it before and you can do it again. One foot in front of the other, Leigh. When it's rough, that's how we get through it. Step by step. You don't have to act like 'superwoman' - you're already her.

[Agora1]

Hi Leighakay, I think shopping the big box stores was always one of my

triggers. I believe for me it was too much stimulation of the high ceilings,

racks and shelves of clothes not knowing which way to look, fluorescent

lighting and buzzing sound a big factor and also found out there is a spray

on the clothes that can affect someone who is sensitive to chemicals.

Put all of that with anxious thoughts and it can become a disaster.

However...my desire for shopping was stronger than the scary symptoms.

Once I started filling my cart, there was no way I wanted to leave all that

and run out of the store. Anxiety was not going to win. That is when I

learned how "deep breathing" my way through the store could alleviate

the feeling that could overcome me.

I would start my deep breathing the minute I entered the store. Always

took a cart so that it would make me feel more grounded. Had water

with me as well as some gum or mints. The chewing action can help release

some of the tension in the jaws reducing stress.

When in check out line, keep deep breathing as you count down from 10 to 1 slowly.

With each exhale bring your shoulders down from your ears. You're almost

to the register. (That's when I usually pick up a candy bar as my reward)

Yes.... I did it. The drive home is easier because of the accomplishment and also

new clothes. It takes practice, never giving up and gets easier each time.

Good Luck with your next visit to Walmart. Maybe try going in for one or two

specific things so you are not going up and down the aisles. In time you will

get more comfortable and can increase you shopping time. xx

[JAYnLA in reply to Agora1]

"However...my desire for shopping was stronger than the scary symptoms." It's not going to get better than that tonight. This made me so happy.

[Agora1 in reply to JAYnLA]

Jay, I swear that I hadn't read your response before writing mine. But once

again our journey with anxiety is similar. I can tell that you think as I do.

Anxiety is a mind game. Games were meant to win. I won and so can

anyone else if they remember that anxiety is not the problem. It's our

response to anxiety that is.

[JAYnLA in reply to Agora1]

Do you think Dr. Weekes is looking down on us and smiling?

[Agora1 in reply to JAYnLA]

I'm sure of that Jay. She is proud x

Turning in for the night. Goodnight my friend!