anxiety in crowds?

arcane · 01-14-2006, 11:03 PM

I don't believe I am agoraphobic because I don't have panic attacks. But in crowds (such as today at target) I get extremely anxious and just want to leave. There are so many people to dodge and it's just not very enjoyable. Is this normal?

SnowFlower · 01-14-2006, 11:20 PM

I have had panic and anxiety attacks lately and found myself not wanting to go in anywhere anymore as I got in line and lots of people and starting sweating and getting anxious. Wish I could help you more but I know how you feel. Hugs

nicole47 · 01-14-2006, 11:26 PM

I don't know if it's normal or not, but I get that too. I think it's called ochlophobia or something like that. When I did my anxiety therapy (for test anxiety and specific anxiety related to graduate school, which was interfering with my quality of life) they asked if it bothered me, but since I no longer have to go to high school dances, it really doesn't because I can just avoid crowds. Sometimes I'll feel trapped (christmas shopping, for example), but I can usually escape and feel better right away. Since I said it wasn't interfering with my quality of life much they said it wasn't a problem and didn't need treatment, but if it was then I could get help for it. So I would say if it really bothers you, seek treatment (I recommend cognitive behavioral therapy) but if it doesn't, don't worry about it. The choice is up to you.

Irene O'Hara · 01-15-2006, 12:45 AM

I developed agoraphobia years ago and have been getting on ok. But in the past year since coming off the pill I have been having a bad time and I feel anxious at times. This really got to me as I felt as if I was regressing backwards but thinking on it I get quite anxious but not really have panic attacks. So I understand what you are going through.

Irene

sleepydumpling · 01-15-2006, 01:16 AM

I'm not agoraphobic either, but I really don't like crowds. I don't so much panic as just get angsty and VERY cranky! Nervous is more the word than panic.

Binxsmommy · 01-15-2006, 01:35 AM

I deal with this alot. I HATE going to places Ie: walmart/target and now even Publix there all to busy for me. The first thing I hate is the parking sitution wether you avhe 2 get 1 things or 100 things you gotta park 9 miles away. But once I get inside it's a whole nother issues. People and I don't get along to well. I get anxious and hurry thgouh the store and grab what I need and checkout in like garden/automotive and get back to my car and feel "safe" again. I usually go to walmart in the middle of the night if necessary. Funny thing is if ANYONE is w/ me I'm ok. But if I'm by myself forget it! Anxiety city.

So I think it is kinda normal because we look at it more like a nusiance then an enjoyable shopping experience. Sorry I ranted through your thread but I believe to a certain extent it is normal.

barneyb · 01-15-2006, 01:52 AM

I have dealt with this too. I do have a panic disorder, but don't usually have a full scale attack in a store. It's more this claustrophobic feeling -- like there are too many people -- and I find myself getting very short-tempered and anxious. When the panic disorder flared up recently, I was getting agorophobic, which is what drove me back to the dr. The day I literally could NOT make myself go in Target was the day I knew it was out of control; I LOVE Target. Klonopin got me in the door again and after a few stress-free visits I'm able to shop to my heart's content without meds or stress.

I know this feeling sucks -- I hope you're able to deal with it and enjoy life without restrictions again soon.

maycontainnuts · 01-15-2006, 06:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Irene O'Hara

I developed agoraphobia years ago and have been getting on ok. But in the past year since coming off the pill I have been having a bad time and I feel anxious at times. This really got to me as I felt as if I was regressing backwards but thinking on it I get quite anxious but not really have panic attacks. So I understand what you are going through.

Irene

I have dealt with agoraphobia on and off for the past few years. I am doing a lot better lately and I hope it stays that way. I am taking my first on campus class this semester (until now all my other classes have been online). I don't have as many panic attacks, either. I used to get them over school related things or I would get them in places like Walmart. Actually I used to even be so bad that sometimes I would even not come out of my ROOM and go into the rest of the house.

I was wondering if you all are less anxious in these types of situations when someone else is with you? I absolutely hate the idea of going anywhere unfamiliar to me by myself. I am less likely to be anxious if someone comes with me (although it does not always prevent a panic attack).

barneyb · 01-15-2006, 09:31 PM

I'm more anxious if someone IS with me -- if I'm alone, then no one else will know that I have/had this problem.