Panic at the Movie Theater!(long story)

I struggled with anxiety and panic attacks a while ago and I just wanted to share my experience because it really affected me and in hopes that those still struggling with anxiety/panic attacks don't feel solitary. I had just gone to my first therapy session and felt somewhat better because of hope. My older sister invited me to go watch a movie with her a calm movie nothing Annabelle like. In fact it was actually pg. Anyways I felt like I could cope with my anxiety and panic attacks which felt could happen any instance despite feeling very weak because of the anxiety. I started to have more and more trouble as I sat there trying to enjoy the only time with my sister (I don't see her often) it became harder and harder to catch my breath and my chest muscles felt very sore from trying to get a full breath of air. I endured it for what felt like a long time (actually like 20 mins). No matter how much mental power I tried to use to control myself I ended up having to abruptly stand up during the film and go out into the dark corridor to feel calmer. I bawled silently as I realized how abnormal this was and how pathetic I felt that I could not even watch a movie like a normal person. With time and distracting myself I have got ten much better. Please share similar experiences as I much want to listen to all.

[Agora1]

Hi Garfield24, you are not alone in experiencing those feelings while in a movie

theater. There is basically just too much stimulation for our mind to absorb.

First you have the high ceilings, surround a sound at a high volume. You have

darkness all around you and when the screen lights up, both the light coming from

it and the size of the screen overpower our thoughts. Our eyes are sensitive to the

flickering of the screen as well as subliminal messages flashing that you can't see.

Our ears start to vibrate with the immense loudness. Before long we can get very

uncomfortable and that's when our anxiety symptoms start taking over.

So, it's not so much what you are watching although I wouldn't recommend Annabelle

at the theater but anything and everything is just so exaggerated. I'm glad you are

settled down now. xx

[All_alone in reply to Agora1]

Interesting summation on the movie theater. I'm really not a movie person because of how loud it is , almost deafening. The last movie I went to I actually took a pair of ear plugs and used them. I was able to hear the movie without the deafening loudness.

[Hidden in reply to Agora1]

Thank you I appreciate it

[Bigbread]

I just posted my experience of a similar situation. I hope it helps to see another person’s take. Cheers