Stress Center Peer Support

Does anyone else feel "stuck" at various times, and start to feel the anxious panicky feelings? For example, if I am at work, and waiting on someone who is taking a while, (even if it is justified, maybe an hour or an hour and a half), I can't just leave them, and I feel stuck there, and I start to panic. Or if I'm standing around with a group of friends who are talking, and I feel I can't leave, the same thing happens. It happens in any situation where I feel I can't leave. Any suggestions?

Estherbunny, I know exactly what you're talking about. It was happening to me all the time. I couldn't escape. I wanted to say "shut up" and stop talking, I'm gonna go crazy right now!

I think I've come to understand that it's a control thing. When we feel "stuck", we feel no way out. When it happens lately, I do excuse myself. At work I'll say to the person, "I've got to get back to my office my project is waiting for me". If I'm at the grocery store or somewhere else where I run into someone, I'll exchange small talk for a moment and then say, "Nice to see you, but I've gotta run, I have an appointment". I find this gives me back my control over the moment, and I feel free.

I hope some of these suggestions help you. Good luck and take care.

Donna

oh boy, this is me for sure, I go through this everyday at work! I must try and not do it either! I always feel like I may be being rude if I can't stay a listen to what someone says to me I will for now on just go, thanks for the post!

That happens to me all the time. It's one of my biggest issues. I have to drive everywhere I go because I always need an "out". It's scary but you have to know that nothing is really there to harm you. If you need to, just walk away from the group and take a few minutes to relax and calm down and then go back and join everyone. If you feel embarassed, just pretend you have a phone call and need to have some privacy for a minute.

Good luck

Gina

What a cute dog you have there Gina. This is one of my biggest issues, if I find myself feeling stuck, I freak. So I tell myself things like: I can leave anytime, I can excuse myself to go to the bathroom, I can get up and walk.