Aa
Anxiety??? I don't know.
For the past year I've been getting on and off feelings of anxiety. It's like I would be sitting in church, feeling completely fine, and then I'd start feeling hot and irritated. Then I start panicking and feeling like I can't breathe, all the while sweating really bad. I try to think of things that would calm me down like sports or whatever, and sometimes it would work and I'd be fine again, but most of the time it doesn't and I have to rush myself out to the restroom to wash my face and get a drink of water to cool me down. This would happen at random times and I don't know how to stop it. I've tried breathing exercises and other relaxing techniques but they've only served as short-term solutions
Pretty classic claustrophobia! For me, it wasn't just crowded places, it was places and/or situations in which I couldn't just get up and leave. The airplane was my biggest phobia..........crowded and you certainly couldn't step outside for some fresh air! Sometimes it would hit me on the freeway when the next exit was a mile or so away or being caught in a traffic jam. Elevators, crowded or not......once you pushed that button, you weren't getting out. Carnival rides........not even the scary ones! The Ferris Wheel for crying out loud. When it stopped at the top, instant panic attack. I could go on and on about the situations that brought on all the symptoms you've talked about, but the point is, I really understand what you're going through!
And yes, you CAN overcome claustrophobia. Maybe some people can do it on their own, but no matter how many self-help books I read, I couldn't. I eventually got into some therapy (CBT) and within a very short time, I was virtually free of the claustrophobia. I still have my moments, but now I've got "tools" I learned in therapy that get me through it every single time!
I wish you the best.......your life will be so much easier!
See you in church!
RubyWitch
And yes, you CAN overcome claustrophobia. Maybe some people can do it on their own, but no matter how many self-help books I read, I couldn't. I eventually got into some therapy (CBT) and within a very short time, I was virtually free of the claustrophobia. I still have my moments, but now I've got "tools" I learned in therapy that get me through it every single time!
I wish you the best.......your life will be so much easier!
See you in church!
RubyWitch
That's really interesting because I also use something like that to keep me distracted but for me I use my rosary bracelet.
Yea actually it happens only when I'm in a crowded place. Do you think it could be claustrophobia? As for something traumatic happening in the last year I can't think of anything. Thanks for your input!!!
Hey there ! I suffer from anxiety attacks also. Getting up and removing yourself to a different environment is helpful to me too. Changes my brain to settle down. Going into a closed environment is very hard for me, so I have a stone that I rub that keeps me grounded. Sounds weird, but if I focus on rubbing the polished stone, it takes my mind off of what is triggering me, and
I get through things like this better. Not to say I won't have an attack. Just makes it better. Be well.
I get through things like this better. Not to say I won't have an attack. Just makes it better. Be well.
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I'm just wondering if you've possibly been experiencing claustrophobia.
But if these feelings are also happening when you're alone and come out of the blue, I would suggest you talk with your doctor about a possible anxiety disorder.
When you say "for the past year" these have been happening, did something frightening or traumatic happen to you about a year ago? While many people experience episodes of anxiety at some point in their lives, sometimes something happens that triggers anxiety..........and until we deal with whatever that trigger was, our anxiety will stay with us.
When you see your doctor, he/she will rule out a number of medical issues that can actually cause us to feel anxious and panicky, but if they can't find any of those reasons, then it may be time to consider talking with a therapist to find the root cause of the anxiety.
Living with anxiety can ruin the quality of our lives, rob us of all the joy. Don't let that happen to you. Get proactive..........get help. It's so worth it.
RubyWitch