Walmart & Anxiety

I wonder how many of us have anxiety in Walmart?  I have been practicing exposure training (having [panic attacks) purposely by going into Walmart and making myself stay in the store for 45 minutes to an hour.  It is hell I tell you.  So, if you see anybody freaking out in the spice ailse, that would be me!  

[JSGeare]

Panic or not, I personally think Walmart is about the worst place anyone can ever be at any time. This is a definite "drag me kicking and screaming" kind of place. I grit my teeth, pretend no one else is in there and race through the aisles getting my groceries. And that long wait at the register -oi!

People who think all human life is beautiful have never BEEN to Walmart.

So, that guy you see in the Waynesboro, VA, or Staunton VA Walmart rushing around like its a fire drill?

That would be me.

[spade22]

you are not alone!

[cj29]

WalMart has alot of people and there is alot going on.  In my experience, confronting your fears like you are doing, is a great technique towards dealing with this.  I am concerned with my heart and bp so I run 45-55 minutes a day to prove that I am okay; I hate it, but I do it.  I applaud you for the courage to face your fears; I know it is not easy!

[gentle51]

Shoot I go Walmart at 5:00a.m to avoid the crowds. The other occasions I must go I hide out in the departments with less people and dodge from department to department. Of course I push my husband out to do recon for me.  So 5:00a.m. is my best choice.

[fuzzy882]

Personally, I love going to Wally World, I go to break the bordem of the snow and freezing cold.  What is it about the place that seems to bother so many people???

[shelzmike]

The reason WalMart (and many other large stores in the same genre - Target, Sams Club, Best Buy, etc) are hard to deal with for people with anxiety (heck even many people without the disorder get anxiety from Wal Mart) is that it encompases many of the panic triggers all in one package. Bright flourescent lights, lots of people, traffic, huge store with lots "going on", long lines etc. This is normal, and I used to be this way, but am not anymore. I finally had to ask myself "what exactly am I afraid of?" The only thing I could come up with was that I would maybe pass out, therby being embarrassed. I soon realized that if I did pass out, I surely would want it to be in a place like Wal Mart where there are so many more people to help!

I also realized that I was afraid that I was going to have an attack - therefore, I was not afraid of Wal Mart, but was only afraid of the fear to begin with - which is illogical. I was causing myself fear because I was afraid that I was going to be afraid!

Mike

[Summer123]

Think that's what I am afraid of.  Fear of the fear.  Logically, I know that Walmart would be an excellent place to have an attack, but it still makes me anxious.

[Kat03]

And here I thought I was the only one who hated WalMart.  Actually, any store like that sets me off terribly.  It is the bright lights, the buzzing of the TVs and electronics, people milling around, long lines, a long way from the exits, etc.  It is a nightmare, let me tell you!  Not that this makes you feel any better, mind you, but you are NOT alone in this one!

[mercdzbnz21]

If I could count the discussions on this forum in regards to the relationship between anxiety and Walmart, I would probably be at a BILLION right now. LOL It is crazy. I hate walmart......i really do and for more reasons than just anxiety. I love target. :)

[suzi-q]

Add me to the list....just too much going on in one place, too big, too much choice, too many people, just TOO MUCH!

[vickie511]

i can cope how you are feeling because i am the same way. when i go to walmart already my anxiety kicks in and its a pain in the butt. my husband gets somewhat frustrted with me but he trys to calm me down. If i feel that something is wrong i have to go the the pharmacy and talk to the pharmicst my husband gets so embaressed. Ive been having anxiety attacks since i was a teen ager and im 36 now.

[Jade59]

I am in awe of ANYONE who actually goes to Walmart or Target.  Like suzi-q says, it's just TOO MUCH!!!

I get upset in CVS trying to choose a cold remedy.  Too many choices!

[sleeplesss]

Count me in on the anxiety and walmart.  I call it the "dreaded walmart".  Big, open spaces, shiny floors, noise, lines of people, screaming kids.  It's enough to drive anyone to an anxiety attack even if they don't have anxiety problems!

[Summer123]

I think if you look in the dictionary under anxiety, my picture inside a Walmart will be next to the word!

[Kathi53]

I used to get really hot and nauseous in any big store - Walmart, the grocery store - any place that had high ceilings, a lot of movements and bright lights.  I finally overcame it with meds.