Panic Attacks

[nowwaitaminute]

Since being diagnosed with SAD 7 years ago, I can’t sit in a movie theatre without the start of a panic attack. I always manage to calm myself down and I know I can leave if I need to but it keeps happening?

[DisneyMom3]

I have the same problem. I haven’t been to the movies in years... it was mine and my husbands favorite thing to do together. This year we decided to go see the new Halloween movie... I had 3 panic attacks during it where I was so close to getting up and leaving. I just tried to direct my mind and attention to the movie and not that I felt like I was having a heart attack and had to run out. It was not a fun feeling.

[Agora1 in reply to DisneyMom3]

Then again DisneyMom, probably not the best movie to see when

having anxiety. 3 panic attacks later and you got through it. You did

well. xx

[DisneyMom3 in reply to Agora1]

Haha, it would seem that way! But I actually really enjoy scary movies

[Hidden]

I used to have it as well (that’s why I no longer watch horror movies in the cinema). It’s no longer the case but I do get anxious before going to the cinema. For me, it is because the cinema is big, there’re a lot of people there and very loud. One thing I could not have managed to overcome is I can’t sit in the middle anymore, I should always have an aisle seat as i know I can leave at any time.

[valachia-t]

Hi, nowwaitamintue. I experience the same thing. I also get a bad feeling in crowds, large spaces, standing in lines as well. My doctor diagnosed me with Agoraphobia.

[Eualex in reply to valachia-t]

What are your symptoms in markets and in lines to pay for shoppings? I have this problem too and i feel like i pass out. It's a very nasty feeling . I had run from market few times. I halve also pvc's and pac's. And i pratice exposure but not very succesfull. I feel this way 24/7.

[Agora1 in reply to Eualex]

Eualex, that use to be the hardest thing for me at one time. I had also

run from the market as well, that is until I started using deep breathing.

From the time I walked in until I was waiting in line, I would be deep breathing

and exhaling slowly. When standing in line, I've found that rocking back and

forth from one foot to another helps as well as going up on your toes and back

down. Moving the muscles helps lower the adrenaline.

Chewing on gum can help relax you as well. It won't always be like that.

I now not only stand in line but allow others with few items go in front of

me. Times really change once we are back in control. xx

[DisneyMom3 in reply to Eualex]

I also feel faint! When I’m in a store I get blurry vision and a tension headache.. then waiting in line I’m for sure I’m going to pass out! It’s not as bad when I’m with someone but it still happens.

[Calm_mama]

Lean in to the panic. Go to the movies and ask for a panic attack. Practice having fabulous panic attacks- electric, vibrant, exciting, wild panic attacks. It's adrenaline- a harmless chemical that is part of the human experience. The same chemical that comes with intense excitement (think scary roller coaster ride!) The more you lean in, this the less intense the attacks become. Over time they disappear for most people- because you will have lost your fear of the panic. And that's how anxiety works. The more you understand it, the more you want it, or at least stop fearing it, the more it goes away. Anxiety is a paradox like that!

[Finglas-Boy]

My TBI left me an unstable epileptic & each time I suffer the pre-episode aura I panic very much. I think it's down to the sudden feeling of losing total control.