topic Had a panic attack in a supermarket:( in Anxiety

Had a panic attack in a supermarket:(

Sunflowerrs — Wed, 01 Mar 2017 12:02:31 GMT

I just thought I'd write here, its helps. I went to the supermarket today, I'm low on food. and had to leave the basket of food and run out of there. I normally try to stick around and let the feelings pass, but its been a hard day so it was intense.. It just sucks because I really need some food right now. Also I thought I was doing really well, I haven't gotten to that point of panic in ages. and to know its still there sucks so much.

Had a panic attack in a supermarket:(

Slipstream_SS — Thu, 02 Mar 2017 06:26:29 GMT

Hi Sunflowers

Sorry to hear that your Panic Attacks are still there, i know exactly how you feel, i rarely get them, but when i do there pretty bad, and end up just feeling sorry for my self. I get nervous when ppl see me do things in front of them. Ive had a mild attack in the shopping centre , like you getting food one day i damn didnt have enough cash and would have to pay by Eftpos. Anyway luckily i wasnt in line, left the trolley there and walked over and got some more cash from the Bank. It might help you next time if you just remember you dont have to go through straight away, walk around the shop, take some deep breathes and see if that helps.

Had a panic attack in a supermarket:(

BballJ — Thu, 02 Mar 2017 12:04:06 GMT

Hi Sunflowerrs,

Sorry to hear about the panic attack, they always seem to appear at the worst times and always in what seems as something so simple as shopping. As I am not familiar with your background, have you seen a psychologist or a GP regarding these panic attacks? Do you have any coping mechanisms at all to help with them?

My best for you,

Jay

Had a panic attack in a supermarket:(

blondguy — Thu, 02 Mar 2017 13:19:47 GMT

Hi Sunflowers

CK and Jay (and myself) have been in the same place as you have been in and its awful (and scary)

Jay is spot on mentioning a GP (if you havent) as their training on panic attacks is pretty good now 🙂

I used to get the same attacks in supermarkets too...Im not sure if this is any help to you, but I used to shop early so the 'busyness' of the store was minimal....Its not avoiding the problem at all...It will just help you cope while seeing your doc

you are definitely not alone here Sunflowers

you are more than welcome to post back as many times as you wish 🙂

my kind thoughts for you

Paul

Had a panic attack in a supermarket:(

Sunflowerrs — Mon, 06 Mar 2017 13:33:51 GMT

Thanks for the replies. I am seeing a psychologist & GP. Its been helping, but then I think I hit a particularly low week.. I think I get more anxious when I've forgotten I have the right to say 'no' to certain people. Sticking to good boundaries helps alot for me... But I feel like I'm struggling alot at the moment. I don't have a solid support network. I don't have any empathy from my family. And its devastating.. Sorry to unload, I just really don't know what to do with that. I've tried reaching out to them. I guess Im trying to figure out how to find supportive people. Its just really hard 😞

Had a panic attack in a supermarket:(

Doolhof — Mon, 06 Mar 2017 18:38:58 GMT

Hi Sunflower,

Welcome to the forum. This is a safe place to share how you are feeling and to connect with other people. You don't need to apologise for unloading, that is what this forum is for.

By you sharing your experiences, other people can learn from your story and also the responses you receive.

Recently a friend sent me a book called "Living with IT A survivor's guide to Panic Attacks" by Bev Aisbett. It is an easy to read book, filled with great pictures which help those like me who are more visual. (IT is what makes you panic, your anxiety. The book teaches you how to live with IT and control IT)

Depending on your financial situation you may be able to purchase this, order it online, or see if your local library can get it in for you. It has helped me immensely.

Cheers from Dools

Had a panic attack in a supermarket:(

Faithh — Tue, 07 Mar 2017 04:50:38 GMT

Hi Sunflowerrs,

I hope you are feeling better today since you last posted.

I'm sorry you experienced such a tough time in the supermarket. I know the feeling, and it is hard and even frustrating when all you need to do is go to the checkout, but that can sometimes just be too overwhelming.
You are not alone in this. I had a panic today in BUNNINGS!! and left and waited outside for my partner to finish!

Please let us know how you are doing. And hey there is always online shopping for times you are feeling this way! Or perhaps, depending on where you live, pop to a smaller store first to get bare essentials.

All the best my friend.

Faithh

Had a panic attack in a supermarket:(

Slipstream_SS — Tue, 07 Mar 2017 06:14:51 GMT

Sunflowerrs

Remember too that your never alone, thats what ive found with Beyond Blue. Where all equal and no one judges you

Had a panic attack in a supermarket:(

BballJ — Tue, 07 Mar 2017 12:06:32 GMT

Hi Sunflowerrs,

No need to apologise for unloading, that is exactly what these forums are for. We are here to listen and offer advice and support where we can. Finding a good solid support network is important in the journey to recovery but it doesn't specifically have to be face to face with friends, these forums should help a lot and it could be something as simple as getting involved and commenting on other people's posts and helping them, or something like even going the BB café and joining in the chats that have nothing to do with mental health and gives you a break from it.

My best,

Jay

Had a panic attack in a supermarket:(

Sunflowerrs — Tue, 23 May 2017 09:33:09 GMT

Thanks so much.. It really helps to hear from people who understand..! Thanks for all the helpful advice.. Ive definitely taken it all on board. I wish Beyond blue forums could be a physical place 😞 I feel really alone and i dont know how to tell my family how hard things have been. I've sort of hinted to it, but i dont know how to tell them things have gotten worse, and Im struggling to cope.. my GP asked me two questions last time, how often have you felt hopeless..and how often have you felt worthless and i burst into tears, it was awful. i think shes the only one who knows just how bad its gotten lately :'(

Had a panic attack in a supermarket:(

Doolhof — Tue, 23 May 2017 23:45:35 GMT

Hi Sunflowers,

Sorry to read you are having a really tough time right now. It may help to try and tell your family how you are feeling and that you are having trouble coping. If you can't tell them, maybe you could email them or send a text. Some members of your family may be unable to assist you for one reason or another.

My younger sister is very supportive, I know the rest of my family care but they just don't know how to help. My in laws don't understand and never provide assistance. That is okay.

A girlfriend of mine has a nephew help her with shopping. Do you have a friend or relative who could go shopping with you, even if it is for a big shop once a month?

Is it possible for you to do online shopping and have the food delivered to you?

I was in IKEA just yesterday and almost had a panic attack trying to get out of there. It is like a one way track. Instead of freaking out I tried looking for various colours in the products, wondered where I could put them in the house and slowly made my way out of there.

Your Dr has shown what you already know, hopefully you will now find ways to help yourself day to day.

Cheers for now from Mrs. D.

Had a panic attack in a supermarket:(

blondguy — Tue, 23 May 2017 23:58:33 GMT

Hey Sunflowers

Good on you for bursting into tears with your doc. This does feel awful but you have just blown off so much steam by venting to your GP. There are many people that dont have the courage to have a real cry in front of their doc or therapist...They hide their pain and dont understand why they feel worse by bottling up.

Frequent appointments can also have a very positive effect on your state of mind Sunflower

Well done 🙂

my kind thoughts

Paul

Had a panic attack in a supermarket:(

cakeboss — Thu, 25 May 2017 09:37:25 GMT

Hi i myself suffer anxiety and depression .Im on medication for it.Im under a counciler mental health plan.I trying hard to do the relaxation cds its hard to concentrate on finshing them.Ive been told by counciler that it takes time but to stick at the cds .I am to do the cds when my anxiety is at its worse.I use to have panic attacks in the supermarket to they are awful.I try to breathe and i do try to hurry to get all groceries in need and get out of supermarket .I havnt had a panic attack in the supermarket for along time .I suffer severe panick anxiety attacks if if im under stress .I havnt been stressed for awhile until a issue that has occured in my life recently .This situation is taking time to work out and i find the waiting terrible .ive got a great support network .I have been waking up last week anxiety and stress is awful .Hard to concentrate trying the cd as i said .I am on medication but still the anxiety attacks are horrible feel like cant eat nausea then come mid morning it dissapears.I have been to drs several times and unfortuately i have to go through this problem soon will be sorted .I worry about things that havent even happened yet .work is a distraction and i just hate anxiety attacks and panic attacks .ITs hard dealing with daily life stresses isnt it when you are already a anxiety suffer.Does anyone else have simlar problems under stress

Had a panic attack in a supermarket:(

Doolhof — Fri, 26 May 2017 06:59:30 GMT

Hi Cakeboss,

Thanks for sharing. I just had a very stressful moment at the psychologists and walked out. Not sure what the repercussions of that will be!

Stress, anxiety and depression can be very hard to handle.

My psychologist suggested I read a book called "The Happiness Trap". I told her the book had too many components to it for my brain to understand, work out and comprehend. Right now I don't need anything that complicated.

Hope your C.D.s work for you. I find writing stuff down helps me. I have a book I write in to help me sort out my thoughts. Gets them out of my brain at least.

All the best with finding different options that help you.

Cheers from Mrs. Dools

Had a panic attack in a supermarket:(

BballJ — Sun, 28 May 2017 12:37:21 GMT

Hi Sunflowerrs,

I know it is hard to tell family or anyone what is happening mentally, maybe speaking to one person and going from there is an option? Maybe showing them this thread so they can read it from your point of view? I know it's tough, I remember telling my dad and I burst into tears but he was so supportive and helped me a lot along my recovery journey. You're always welcome to post here as much as you like as well, we are always happy to talk.

My best,

Jay

Had a panic attack in a supermarket:(

BballJ — Sun, 28 May 2017 12:39:39 GMT

Hi cakeboss,

Stress and anxiety go hand in hand unfortunately, learning to deal with them is the key and it seems you are doing all the right things to be on your way to recovery. I know all the nausea feelings associated with it and not eating, at my anxiety peak I was losing weight quickly because I had no appetite. This is a long journey to recovery and you just need to keep you head up as much as possible and keep looking forward to brighter day.

My best for you,

Jay

Had a panic attack in a supermarket:(

Sunflowerrs — Sun, 18 Jun 2017 07:58:48 GMT

thanks for the replies.. im goign to see if someone can come shopping with me, and maybe to the gp.. does anyone else get really sick of going to the doctor.. i feel like i get so over it. i know its the right thing to do, it just sucks sometimes.

Had a panic attack in a supermarket:(

BballJ — Sun, 18 Jun 2017 12:38:35 GMT

Hi Sunflowerrs,

I think we all do get sick of going to the doctors, you don't usually go there for positive stuff unless its for pregnancy so you can get over going, I think we all do but I think reminding yourself that you are trying to get better and help yourself is the key here... the doctors want the best for you and have your best interests at heart so do remember that and please do go and see a GP.

Please, keep us updated with how you are going.

My best,

Jay

Had a panic attack in a supermarket:(

Doolhof — Sun, 18 Jun 2017 21:51:10 GMT

Hi Sunflowerrs,

Sometimes I take my own book to the Drs. It helps me in the waiting room to feel a bit more calmer. At one stage it was decided (by someone ) to remove all the magazines and reading material from the waiting rooms. I think after a month of people climbing the walls waiting for their appointments, the magazines and newspapers returned!

As Jay mentioned, the Drs. are trying to help us. Maybe take your own book so the waiting is not so tedious.

Cheers from Mrs. D.