Anybody else driven crazy by cup day?

[QldMouse]

Every year my social anxiety and fear drive me crazy on cup day, its one of the worst days of the year for me.

Each year I long to just be part of the group and be happy like everyone else, and every year fear drives me to hide it out and observe (or not) from a safe distance.

Right now I am so mad and frustrated with myself for being an idiot yet again, if I was a screamer I'd be screaming. Now I'm calming down I just feel so sad and alone and socially worthless.

Nuts huh, is it just me. Anyone else?

[white knight]

Oh yeah,

We live in a village of 200 people, nice, quiet so peaceful

Last year my sister came for the long weekend. During the Cup race she was indeed screaming. Come on!!!! Etc.

Well it upset me, my anxiety hit the roof. My anxiety has been largely under control but not during times if loud noise, excitement etc

The obvious eludes me at times. I didn't think if just walking to the back yard away from the pressure. This year I was ready. My sister was here again.

So I slipped out the back door. No drama, no anxiety. She did winder where I went! She is aware of my issues but sometimes it isn't worth discussing I.e why make her feel guilty for enjoying herself?

Tony WK

[QldMouse]

Thank you so much Tony,

Even understanding that I'm not as alone as I feel somehow makes it just a bit better.

You bring up a really good point, it is the "noise" and the exuberance, people get so caught up in the thing and I can't find the courage to join them. Yes, i doubt anybody actually notices.

Yes, I would rather not make people feel guilty, then I'd feel guilty, and worse.

I guess this is going to be a whole session when I get back to my counciller huh.

Thanks mate, this will make the day a bit easier.

[MarkJT]

QLDMouse, I reckon you are describing a hell of a lot of people the way you are, including me. Even though i have no care for horse racing, watching horses run around in circles....i just don't get the point of it all but that is just me. Many many times i have removed myself from areas when the races are on and people are barracking.

For me my PTSD heightens noise so i can hear a chip being eaten at 100 yards...well not quite that far but i think you get the message. Sometimes i just have to sit there and soak it up as like you and Tony, I just don't want to make a fuss of it. It's either that or remove myself from the area.

It's normal mate for people that have anxiety so don't stress to much over it. Practice your grounding techniques and you will be fine.

Cheers

Mark.

[QldMouse]

Thanks Mark,

Yes I have PTSD as part of my inventory of issues. Thanks for the chip comment, I can SO RELATE to that, and had a good chuckle. I wondered, but it is nice to know there are a few of us.

By grounding techniques you do mean did a hole in the ground to hide don't you? Just kidding (a bit).

THANKS!!

[blondguy]

Hey Mouse

I really dont see the point in supporting/following a race as pointless (and cruel) as horse racing either

I have the same sensitivity to noise as well. Freedom of movement and choices in our lives make us the individuals we are. Looks like many people think the same as you do Mouse 🙂

Good to see you Mouse 🙂

My Best

Paul

[QldMouse]

Thanks Paul,

As an animal loving tragic I agree, I don't see the point in gambling either, but hate the way people exploit animals for some strange thrill. It just feels wrong on so many levels.

My main challenge is the social anxiety side, and when I'm having a tough time in life it gets worse and I get lost and alone, crowds scare me and even small groups. I know I have to work through the issues one at a time but with this week it has been very difficult.

I was hoping I was not unique in this, somehow it makes it a bit easier to deal with. I really appreciate you, Mark and Tony giving me some relief.

Thanks.

[MarkJT]

Mouse, yep fair to say that you are not unique with this one.

I went to a Linkin Park concert in the early days of my journey and prior to the noise starting (was already freaking out in a crowd), i looked around for an anchoring point and there was a woman sitting on the other side of the arena wearing a gold colored short. In the many times that i did massively wig out, i stared at her shirt and grounded myself that way.

So whenever i go somewhere where there is a crowd, I pick something out that i can use as the anchor. Works pretty well but i still "tactically" retreat if it gets to much.

Cheers

Mark.

[QldMouse]

Thanks Mark,

That is a very interesting suggestion. When I'm freaking out focus on a girl wearing something shiny ... I like it!!

Thanks, this is all helpful. It has taken me a few days, but i have calmed down. Still a master of the tactical retreat though.

[MarkJT]

So far the things that have stopped me from wigging out:

• Said girl in shiny gold shirt
• A gold milk dispenser in a cafe
• The wires that run across the top of the MCG to stop seagulls invading the ground
• The stars
• The clouds
• Construction sites
• Butterflies
• My dog (numerous numerous times!!!)

The more your practice the better you get and the number of times i have tactically retreated....hmmmm. LOTS!!!!

Mark.​