I’ve always hated going into grocery stores ever since I was a kid, I usually get really anxious and easily irritated. I’ve also worked in one for about 3 years in a pretty bad city, (don’t wanna use the word ghetto, but that’s honestly the easiest way to describe it), and I ended up quitting after being physically assaulted by a customer, so I think that added more fuel to the fire. It’s like now every time I walk into a store, my entire mood changes and I’m immediately on the defense. I’m trying my hardest to break out of this mentality.
Does anyone else hate going into grocery stores? - OCD Support
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Does anyone else hate going into grocery stores?
Written by
Aromley_
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Hi
I was thinking that you can try to stay inside for 5 minutes, then the next time its 10, you get the drift. May work - gentle exposure to a problem. In the end it wont matter how long you stay, it should be ok.
Be well
max
I have this problem with shopping altogether! I am agoraphobic and have to fight the panic when I go out, and I can feel trapped in a store. I avoid really big supermarkets.
Being assaulted is bound to add to your feeling anxious. It's a traumatic experience anyway, and it got you where you are particularly vulnerable.
I have to pace myself about how often I shop and when and where. If I overdo it I get very panicky so I try to decide what I want and get as much as i can in one go. Mostly it's the journey to the shop that is the worst of it.
I don't think there's an easy way to get out of feeling like this. If there was, I'd be using it! Try to make the trips as stress free as you can. Think of what you need from a store, use the most hassle free method of getting there, go in and get what you need. Buy a small treat for yourself on each shopping expedition, if this helps. Try to enjoy browsing and make the experience as pleasurable as possible. Avoid the very big shops if they make you feel more anxious. Try to go, if possible, when it's least crowded so you don't have to queue.
Don't overdo the trips to the shop unless you feel up to them. Buy little and often, or do a big shop every so often, whichever is easiest for you. Resist the temptation to get other people to do your shopping.
That’s great advice Sally, thank you.
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