Stress Center Peer Support

Hey friends, My name is Andy and for about a good 5 years now I've been struggling with anxiety, and I've realized the hardest part for me to deal with other than driving on the highway, is being in a large crowd, and usually having to sit down. For example, my family is very religious, and eventhough I've kind of fallen off the wagon as it pertains to religion, I still go to Church on Christmas. Well this past Christmas, the church was packed. My family, instead of standing in the back, which I preferred, wanted to sit in the middle of the church. The place was packed and from the very first few minutes there I felt very uneasy. My hands get all clammy and I believe I begin to sweat a bit. I really felt like I was going to pass out a few times. Once this happens I begin to feel very overwhelmed and lean foward all the way in my sitting posture and honestly, just try to look at the ground and get my mind off things. This isn't the only place it happens either. I went to a Mets game this summer too, and the overabundance of ppl seemed to overwhelm me and I seem to get panic attacks. Can someone please help with some possible advice? Does anyone else get this?

andrew36

You are not alone, our numbers are legion! I fought this condition for many years and pretty much controlled it. I was always anxious in crowds or anywhere I could not control my coming and going. Are you involved in the course? The tools are here to make your life much better. If I had these tools years ago I could have avoided much misery.

Hey Codger thanks for the reply! No, I'm not in the course yet but I'm really considering it. It's so awesome to know I'm not alone. I thought like I was the only one in these large crowds that felt like this. The worst thing about it is, where most occasions permit it, I grab a beer or two, and I feel a little better. I know this isn't good, but this makes me think obviously that it's more mental than anything else. I'm def. leaning towards enrolling in the course though! Thanks again!

You aren't alone. At first I thought I wasn't a good Christian because it was mainly happening in Church, but then I noticed it in movie theaters and anywhere I'd have to sit in an audience type situation.

I always make sure I sit in the aisle seat, that does help. I used to "go along with the crowd" and sit in the middle of a row and then get anxious and ibs symptoms and have to leave to go to the bathroom, then come back and feel the ibs again. It was pretty bad. Now though, I will sit in an aisle that isn't too far from the exit, so that the anxiety isn't bad knowing I had an escape plan. Obviously that's not a cure but sitting in an aisle definitely helps to keep the anxiety down.

If I do feel a panic attack coming on, I now practice the steps to avoid an attack from the program.

Hi Andrew--

Yes, I used to get all of the symptoms you mentioned. It's agoraphobia, social anxiety, panic attacks--all of that. Hated being around crowds, or anything social. Mine started at age 13, and when I was your age I was still struggling through it. I can understand how hard it's probably been for you.

I'm a Christian too, and like you, I know what it's like to not want to sit in the middle of the aisle! Before I got well, I did the same thing Shifrah did--always sat on the end of the aisle, and usually toward the back of the room.

In fact, even though I'm well now, and have no problems sitting in the middle--I still prefer the end of the aisle. Just a habit! I've even influenced people without panic attacks to like the end sear--it is easier to get out.

It sounds like you're going to get the program. Great! Don't delay. God cares for you and is providing the help you need through it. Stay connected to this forum, and let me know how you're doing, or if you need help:)