Keeping my anxiety from escalating into panic attacks is something I battle with daily. I take the bus to work as I don't like to be in control of a car and have to sit in traffic, so I carefully design my bus times so that not too many people are on the bus with me, and it's becoming a problem. I hate this avoidance thing and a few times I have faced my anxiety and let it pass; I felt really proud o f myself. However, yesterday I was sitting in the bus waiting to go when the driver decided to go for a bathroom break I guess, and he locked the door while he was gone. I did get through it, but the feeling of out of control anxiety was really hard to deal with; now I find myself watching the driver at ever stop....ready to bolt out the door if he does. I also sit in the very front seat in case the bus gets packed to standing room and I either get off at the next stop of feel okay being in the front.
I feel like this is spoiling my life and was wondering if anyone else has similar feelings on public transport.
Hi Catherine
I had agoraphobia for 2 years but was determined not to remain housebound. I was having lots of panic attacks and blurred vision from the anxiety, really I was a mess. My change came when my Mother gave me a book called peace from nervous suffering by Dr Claire Weekes - it just changed everything after reading that book. I never took meds, slowly walked out of my comfort zone and recovered. I must admit I still get anxiety but have not had a panic attack in over 20 years and am not house-bound at all...good luck
Yeah I know exactly how you feel, I've been through the exact same thing and still going through it to a lesser degree now. I find comfort in knowing there are other people out there who identify with what we are going through. We are in the right place to learn ways to cope...I always remember the words of Dr Claire Weekes "...when that panic or anxiety comes just accept it and float through it to the other side"..all the best!
I live in New Zealand, I started getting panic attacks about 20 years ago. I also had agoraphobia but managed to recover from that after 2 years of trying, and without meds. I work full time now and enjoy most things but still have anxiety where I find it hard to be in claustrophobic situations and that includes sitting in traffic and stuck on public transport. I am always positive and sites like this help with so much support. Nice to meet you all!
After reading many posts here I realise that its the anticipation of the panic attack that really does my head in. So that is where I will start and also read through this program.
I remember last week our company had a bowling evening. It was in a high rise building where you had to cross bridges inside to get from one venue to another; and because I didn't know where the stairs led to from the entrance, I literally made myself sick anticipating walking over bridges 3 storeys up...only to find (once I just faced the fair and went forward) that the stairs led directly into the bowling alley - I had the time of my life.
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