I used to go round and round till there was no one at the till in grocery stores now I just stare at the floor and think elsewhere. In restaurants I use the restroom. Good name for it.
When dealing with crowds, I try to remember that it is okay to take a break when needed. No matter if I am at a restaurant, in a mall, or just at the grocery store, crowds are always a major anxety trigger for me. I try to work thru the anxiety and just let it rise and fall like a ocean wave but I also realize that sometime I just need a break. Stepping outside for some air or excusing myself to the restroom helps alot. We are not super people and I have realized that I am in introvert and sometimes crowds are too overwhelming for me. There is nothing wrong with this so I am well within my rights to take a breather when necessary.
I haven't been in crowds for a long time... I've been avoiding them.
But from what I can remember, I guess, it's not so much of a problem for me as long as I'm not the focus of their attention. As long as I can blend in the crowd then, it usually didn't cause any anxiety for me but if I had an attack and then realised I was in a crowd, I found it overwhelming to escape.
It is great to hear that you continue to venture out and enjoy your hobby of taking photos. The more you work the exposure therapy, the better you should be at dealing with crowds. As you said, you did not move or run when a person came very close to you and this is a great improvement. Continue making those steps, you are doing great!
Members, how do you cope with large crowds of people?
I ventured out yesterday to the zoo again yesterday for a couple of hours. The crowds of people are still a problem for me.
I was taking some pictures and a person came up and was holding their camera right next to my ear. I was startled by this but did not move or run which is a improvement. This is so hard to take at times and makes it hard for me to leave again.
I was wondering how others handle being in crowds?
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