Crowds.

[keptainicandozatt]

Lately,my fear of crowds have been increasing. I didn't use to be afraid of crowds.Think it just happened all of a sudden.Especially when I'm in a really crowded train during rush hour.

I've been unemployed for two months and I've come to associate "home" as a safe haven. After my first panic attack,I'm more unwilling to step outside because it feels like something bad might happen. Nauseous. I feel like there's not enough air and most of all,I'm afraid of panicking in front of everyone.

Anyone has any tips on how to overcome this? I've been extra anxious lately (even at home) after my panic attack and haven't ventured beyond my neighbourhood since then.

[Hidden]

If you reinforce your fear of going out you'll end up with serious agrophobia and you don't want that !!. Fight it or just let the feelings of fear flow. You'll feel.more weird around people because you're not around them much now you're unemployed. Go for walks or venture out to a library or shop.

[keptainicandozatt in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for answering!Yeah,I'll try!I've been going for walks but mostly around my neighbourhood and the park..nothing beyond that.I still feel nervous and a little anxious..but you're right.I know I need to fight it.

[Hidden in reply to keptainicandozatt]

You should see if anywhere local has any kind of course that you enjoy doing, I've done loads. Chances are you find like minded people and it will help you mix more, even a class on self defense. You've got to push yourself ! I've done pottery, stained glass window design, German, cooking loads and loads. You'll have a bit of a laugh too. Do it !!

[keptainicandozatt in reply to Hidden]

I'll keep that in mind!I signed up for a class which is slightly further away from I stay.So...fingers crossed.Seriously,if I could walk everywhere,I would.

[Stressalot in reply to keptainicandozatt]

Hi I know how it is when your used to dealing with the outside world and loads of people, I somehow could block people out and as long as I had made a memory plan in my head what I needed to get say from the shop or town then I could manage, maybe if you do something like this just little steps at a time, it's true the more you stay in the harder it is to get back into doing daily things, it's good your going to your neighbours house because at least it's out of your comfort zone, don't put pressure on yourself this can make your anxiety about going out increase do things at your own pace, mind over matter you need to change your thought pattern instead of the negative thoughts ruling you try saying to yourself I can do this I know I'm going to be ok , negative thoughts are much easier to listen to because that's what we are used to it's a challenge but challenging yourself will make you a stronger person and then you are in control of your own life everyone is different but anxiety is the same it will try to rule you, I hope you find your way of beating this horrible fear and take back control all the best for the future I know it's easier said than done but trying is what keeps us going in life, you can do this take care.

[keptainicandozatt in reply to Stressalot]

Hi,thanks for this! I'm slowly starting to "socialize" again and I took a step forward by heading out to the gym instead of exercising at home.It was a bit nerve wracking at first,but I made it!I'm going to try and go somewhere a little further tomorrow so...wish me luck.I hope to be able to beat this anxious feeling each time I'm further away from home!