Breakdown at the supermarket

[Tomella]

My local supermarket is getting a makeover and they have moved things around. I went in last week and was a bit freaked out by this. Luckily I had a list and managed to get out with everything I needed. Today was shopping day again, and I was prepared, but they had changed more things and I was completely thrown and had a meltdown. I feel completely crazy, as it is only the supermarket and I will get used to it, but I am not coping very well with the changes.

[Chris_B]

Hi Tomella - I live with anxiety issues, and thought I was the only person who got freaked out in supermarkets. Glad it's not only me!  

Sounds like you're persevering well, you've identified specifically what's freaking you out - ie. things being moved around and not being able to find anything - you're reinforcing that you will get used to the changes and you've got a list.

Have you ever tried online shopping as a backup?  I have friends who swear by it, and while I think I'd personally prefer to go to the supermarket myself, it could be a useful standby if you find yourself in this situation again.

If you've done everything you can to prepare for the shopping trip and you still freak out, then head home and order online - at least you get the shopping done, and it gives you some more time to work out how you can get through it better next time.

Either that, or see if you can take your partner or a supportive friend along with you to reassure you through each step.

Take care.

Anyone else have any nightmare shopping experiences they'd like to share, and how you've coped?

best
CB

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Online Community Manager

[geoff]

dear Tomella, it does give you the s---------s, and it even happens when there is no make-over, because each week they change their specials, and companies pay an extra fee for their product to be on view as you walk into the shop, hoping that you will put it in your shopping basket, and it works and then good for that particular company

I am just wondering whether you have some form of OCD which comes from anxiety, but not all people with anxiety have this illness. Geoff.

[Scotty2013]

Hi Tomella same thing happened to me some years back, small corner store. Checkout used to be near the door, Ahh Escapism!..then moved it right over where there no easy escape. In the line i though't i was going to pass out, funny though now i go to a bigger one, and I do relatively ok...progress i guess... don't avoid ok!!! TC