Feeling anxious in public: Recently I have... - Anxiety Support

Anxiety Support

53,073 members49,185 posts

Feeling anxious in public

Leighakay profile image
9 Replies

Recently I have started feeling very anxious and panicky in public again. My son's 3rd birthday party is in a couple of days and I'm worried I will struggle with it. We are having it at our local bowling alley and I have about 20 or so people coming. I've been worrying myself sick over how I will ever manage to be there and I dont want to miss this special time. Does anyone have any advice on what to do to help calm my nerves for this special day for my son? Thank you in advance! :)

Written by
Leighakay profile image
Leighakay
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
9 Replies
JAYnLA profile image
JAYnLA

Maybe this will help. I've noticed that, almost without exception, the dread of an event is worse than the event itself. After about 15 minutes in most situations I'm able to calm down enough to actually be present for it. If you've also had this experience (as I have, repeatedly), maybe it can help to soothe a bit of your anticipatory anxiety.

Leighakay profile image
Leighakay in reply to JAYnLA

For me it's being out of my comfort zone and being around so many people. It just makes me so nervous and lately I've been worried about having a panic attack in a public place. I just hate this feeling and want to be able to live a normal life.

JAYnLA profile image
JAYnLA in reply to Leighakay

I hear you. Have you ever had the experience I'm describing (of staying in a situation and it gradually becoming okay)?

Leighakay profile image
Leighakay in reply to JAYnLA

Yes, it's hit and miss with lately. Sounds like the flooding technique. Have you ever heard of it? I always psych myself out when I'm around a bunch of people.

JAYnLA profile image
JAYnLA in reply to Leighakay

I have heard of flooding. Some therapists think it can be re-traumatizing but others think getting through it all of the way to the other side is what heals. I sometimes get so dizzy in crowds it's insane - I've just learned to hold on to something discretely.

Katnessx profile image
Katnessx

Hey so sorry you feel this way, can totally relate I’m the same! I agree with JAYnLA it’s so much worse and intense for days in the run up but after 20 mins on the day I seem to calm a little. For me personally I try to cope with breathing techniques, have you tried rescue remedy? Sometimes that can take the edge off. Maybe chamomile tea? That helps soothe the mind a little. Sending you big hugs I know it’s horrible! Hope your little one has a great birthday and you manage okay x

Leighakay profile image
Leighakay in reply to Katnessx

Thanks. I haven't tried rescue remedy. I'm not even sure what that is so I will have to research it.

Katnessx profile image
Katnessx in reply to Leighakay

It’s from Holland & Barrett (in UK) you can get it as a liquid or pastilles, they just help take the edge off things sometimes. I used to use it for driving lessons :-)

Leighakay profile image
Leighakay in reply to Katnessx

Oh okay. I'd it safe for pregnancy? I'm currently 4 months pregnant.

You may also like...

Feeling sick when eating in public?

Whenever I have to eat in public, I have the fear of getting sick and throwing u . This is not in...

Feel so anxious again

absolutely beside myself can’t seem to calm down I’m so worried Nat

Feeling so anxious & sick

here in a while because things have been going okay until now, I'm anxious and I can feel the...

Feeling anxious

past few days been feeling really anxious and panicky ,I have to go on train ,my son is going to...

feeling very anxious tonight

and alone this evening. I used to play games and have a few smokes in the evenings, Ive smoked...