Had a panic attack in a supermarket:(

[Sunflowerrs]

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.

[Slipstream_SS]

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.

CK

[BballJ]

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

[blondguy]

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

[Sunflowerrs]

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 😞

[Doolhof]

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

[Faithh]

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

[Slipstream_SS]

Sunflowerrs

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

CK

[BballJ]

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

[Sunflowerrs]

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 :'(