Good Morning Michelle: WELCOME to our group. Glad you found us.
I've had that dizzy feeling before too and wondered what the heck. You could bring something to eat with you from now on, just in case. Leave it in the car. And bottled water. I used to find that when I needed a "time out" from the hustle and bustle of the world around me, I could sit in the car for a few minutes, munch on an apple, or have some water and do some deep breathing, box breathing exercises, I would feel better and be able to get out there again. No rushing, don't give it a time so as not to pressure yourself. I used to get angry with myself for feeling this way and that didn't help. Much better to accept it, and just say, oh, one of those days, and let it pass. And it will.
As for the lady saying you are crazy in the store and grabbing you by the arm. Forgive her, she doesn't know. Sad but true. Something I used to do in a store if I found myself getting dizzy or symptoms starting, is concentrate on one object, say like a can of peas. I'd read all the label (didn't matter what I was reading or if I retained the knowledge) it was a distraction, and sure enough the dizzy, the racing heart would start to lessen and fade.
Hope I've given you some coping ideas. I hope you study the relaxation techniques, they can be a great help when you feel the anxiety coming on. Keep the faith. I've been there and now am panic free.
On another topic, if you can post a pic of some of your art work, that would be fantastic. I always wanted an art degree. I've taken a few courses in sculpture and drawing, sketching. Loved it.
Sunny
