Anxiety Issues

[cyb]

I'm an adult woman and suffer from anxiety, I know my fears aren't rational but I still can't overcome them. I used to have a problem with anxiety from about age 25-30 then somehow my anxieties went away and now it has returned at age 41 has anyone had to deal with this? I'm planning on going to Disney in Oct. I'm afraid this will ruin my trip, I also want to add that if my husband is with me when I go places I have much less anxiety symptoms, I can go to the grocery store and run errands with no problems but when it comes to family get togethers and vacations thats when I have trouble and panic feelings. Is anyone familiar with this?

 

[clanmcculloch]

Do you know what exactly triggers your anxiety? Is it the need to socialize with people? I'm just guessing about that because from what you said it sounds as though you have trouble in situations where you'll have to interact with others but you can handle crowds as long as you're able to just be around strangers and not actually interact.

Are you seeing a therapist? Have you discussed the change in your anxiety with your doctor (either primary care or psychiatrist)? Have you tried the coping strategies that you learned when you went through this when you were younger? Don't rule out tools that can help.

 

[PAcpl]

I am fortunate enough never to have had anxiety issues, but I have known people who have had issues in the past. I know it is much easier said then done, but I always thought this quote made sense:

Sophia Zoe - To stop panic/upset/anxiety understand this: An emotion is a chemical flush released by the brain. It takes 90 seconds for those chemicals to circulate through the bloodstream, then dissipate. Feeling an emotion for longer than 90 seconds means you're working at it - re-flushing, as it were. Acknowledge the first flush..., feel it fully and observe it vanish. Remaining in any state of emotion really is a choice.

 

[cyb]

Do you know what exactly triggers your anxiety? Is it the need to socialize with people? I'm just guessing about that because from what you said it sounds as though you have trouble in situations where you'll have to interact with others but you can handle crowds as long as you're able to just be around strangers and not actually interact.

Are you seeing a therapist? Have you discussed the change in your anxiety with your doctor (either primary care or psychiatrist)? Have you tried the coping strategies that you learned when you went through this when you were younger? Don't rule out tools that can help.

Situations that I can't get out of trigger my anxiety such as doctor appointments, dentist appointments, getting my hair done, visiting with family as my family wouldn't understand and they would be offended if I felt like I needed to leave, basically anything where I feel like I feel like I'm no longer in charge of myself, you might think getting my hair cut shouldn't trigger a panic attack but I can't leave until my haircut is finished or I would look kind of funny right? Going out to dinner with family or friends triggers panic because I can't leave until dinner is over, I don't usually have anxiety when I'm with my husband because he understands and doesn't judge so I can do most anything with him, I guess he's my security blanket lol I've talked to my doctor and he prescribed .25 xanex and only take it if necessary.

 

[cyb]

bump

 

[Redone]

i have extreme socical anxiety. i would recommend working with yo9ur doctor to get on a scheduled dose of your xanax for your trip. I have always found it better to stay ahead of the anxiety rather than suffering an attack.

I take clonazapam 0.5mg 3 trimes a day and have ativan 1mg to take as needed.

 

[SDSorority]

I use Rescue Remedy. Any time I feel anxiety coming on (no matter how minimal), I take it. I do that and I bring a familiar smell with me... like lavender (which is calming) or my husband's cologne sprayed on a piece of cloth or something. Having that familiar comfort scent really helps me when I'm in unfamiliar or anxiety inducing situations. Do you like podcasts? I LOVE the Anxiety Slayer on ITunes. They also have a blog and a facebook page. Believe me, I have massive panic attacks, but I have never had one at Disney. I normally have one in the airport waiting to leave for home. I have to put on my ipod, put on a familiar song or guided meditation, and walk. It doesn't matter where- I just have to walk. I make DH stay with the bags, and pretty soon I have myself calmed down enough that I can go back to the waiting area.

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

Its sounds like you have an issue with people judging you. One thing to remember is that while at Disney no one is judging you. Everyone is there to have a good time and have fun. The other thing is that you will be among people who you will never see again once your vacation is over so don't worry about what they think.

I too have anxiety but it doesn't seem to bother me while on vacation. It could also be all the tention related to planning a trip that gets you all wound up. I would definantely get some xanax to take but start taking it before your trip so that you know how it will effect you before you leave.

Go with the mind set that you are going to have fun. Don't dwell on the possibilty of having a panic attack it will only make matters worse. Only have possitive thoughts. Deep breathing along the way will help.

 

[SDSorority]

Situations that I can't get out of trigger my anxiety such as doctor appointments, dentist appointments, getting my hair done, visiting with family as my family wouldn't understand and they would be offended if I felt like I needed to leave, basically anything where I feel like I feel like I'm no longer in charge of myself, you might think getting my hair cut shouldn't trigger a panic attack but I can't leave until my haircut is finished or I would look kind of funny right? Going out to dinner with family or friends triggers panic because I can't leave until dinner is over, I don't usually have anxiety when I'm with my husband because he understands and doesn't judge so I can do most anything with him, I guess he's my security blanket lol I've talked to my doctor and he prescribed .25 xanex and only take it if necessary.

Mine too. I think my DH is an . He doesn't QUITE understand anxiety, but he's very understanding and tries to help me any way he can.

 

[clanmcculloch]

It also sounds like you have a lot of trouble with what you perceive as being trapped. You need to come up with exit strategies. At family functions, let people know that you may need to leave early (if you're not comfortable telling family about your anxiety then just say that it's for personal issues) and then LEAVE when you need to. At WDW, recognize that it's very easy to come and go from the parks. If you're feeling overwhelmed then leave. Seriously, come up with an exit strategy for everywhere you go. Not only will this help get you out of anxiety trigger situations, it might also help prevent the anxiety some of the time since you'll know that you're not trapped (I did say only some, but even if it prevents it once it's a good thing). I do think that being honest and upfront with people that you care about will also help as you're less likely to be judged because people will understand rather than speculate and frankly if people do still judge once they know then I'm not sure they're worth having in your life anyway because that's not what people who care about you do.

 

[cyb]

I use Rescue Remedy. Any time I feel anxiety coming on (no matter how minimal), I take it. I do that and I bring a familiar smell with me... like lavender (which is calming) or my husband's cologne sprayed on a piece of cloth or something. Having that familiar comfort scent really helps me when I'm in unfamiliar or anxiety inducing situations. Do you like podcasts? I LOVE the Anxiety Slayer on ITunes. They also have a blog and a facebook page. Believe me, I have massive panic attacks, but I have never had one at Disney. I normally have one in the airport waiting to leave for home. I have to put on my ipod, put on a familiar song or guided meditation, and walk. It doesn't matter where- I just have to walk. I make DH stay with the bags, and pretty soon I have myself calmed down enough that I can go back to the waiting area.

Thank you, I'm looking into the podcast now, I have to get out and walk too, it helps.

 

[cyb]

Its sounds like you have an issue with people judging you. One thing to remember is that while at Disney no one is judging you. Everyone is there to have a good time and have fun. The other thing is that you will be among people who you will never see again once your vacation is over so don't worry about what they think.

I too have anxiety but it doesn't seem to bother me while on vacation. It could also be all the tention related to planning a trip that gets you all wound up. I would definantely get some xanax to take but start taking it before your trip so that you know how it will effect you before you leave.

Go with the mind set that you are going to have fun. Don't dwell on the possibilty of having a panic attack it will only make matters worse. Only have possitive thoughts. Deep breathing along the way will help.

I do have an issue with people judging me, I want everyone to like me and I can't stand it to have people mad at me, it really upsets me, I'm very sensitive.

 

[cyb]

It also sounds like you have a lot of trouble with what you perceive as being trapped. You need to come up with exit strategies. At family functions, let people know that you may need to leave early (if you're not comfortable telling family about your anxiety then just say that it's for personal issues) and then LEAVE when you need to. At WDW, recognize that it's very easy to come and go from the parks. If you're feeling overwhelmed then leave. Seriously, come up with an exit strategy for everywhere you go. Not only will this help get you out of anxiety trigger situations, it might also help prevent the anxiety some of the time since you'll know that you're not trapped (I did say only some, but even if it prevents it once it's a good thing). I do think that being honest and upfront with people that you care about will also help as you're less likely to be judged because people will understand rather than speculate and frankly if people do still judge once they know then I'm not sure they're worth having in your life anyway because that's not what people who care about you do.

That is exactly how I feel, I feel trapped, I have been honest with my family about my issues and I'm not sure they understand as they are so outgoing and they can't understand why in the world I turn them down on offers to go places.
I want to thank all of the people that posted. If anyone else has any help to offer please do.

 

[DisneyDre]

Situations that I can't get out of trigger my anxiety such as doctor appointments, dentist appointments, getting my hair done, visiting with family as my family wouldn't understand and they would be offended if I felt like I needed to leave, basically anything where I feel like I feel like I'm no longer in charge of myself, you might think getting my hair cut shouldn't trigger a panic attack but I can't leave until my haircut is finished or I would look kind of funny right? Going out to dinner with family or friends triggers panic because I can't leave until dinner is over, I don't usually have anxiety when I'm with my husband because he understands and doesn't judge so I can do most anything with him, I guess he's my security blanket lol I've talked to my doctor and he prescribed .25 xanex and only take it if necessary.

I too have panic/anxirty. im 28 and it started about 2 years ago. I just went to my doc and she gave me the same .25 xanax. just to take if i feel im getting anxious. I think my triggers are when i am not in control and being in a small area with a lot unfamiliar people. Kinda funny i get like this because i am a waitress and talk to strangers every day! LoL.

I get very very anxious on the flight to WDW. Its only a little over 2 hours on the plane, but it feels like 10 hours. I also get motion sickness so i have to take dramamine.

The only timne i get this feeling at WDW is when we are on the buses to and from resort to parks, or the ferry from our resort to MK, if we get stuck on a ride longer than expected, eating at a sit down restaurant and if im in a line waiting for a ride. I think its because i am not in control, for example- once i get on the bus lets say to AK, my mind start going ::well what if i get sick and i need to get off this bus:: i feel like people are staring and im gonna get sick. and when im on the airplane i feel like omg if i need to get off the plane i cant, im up in the air, i am stuck on this plane.

last WDW trip was bad because its when it was just starting and i had not seen a doc yet. Im hoping this trip will be better because i will have that medicine in case i need it. Dealing with anxiety and panic issue has been very hard for me. WDW is my fave place in the world and i dont want it to ruin my trip

Thanks for letting me vent..

 

[KPeveler]

I too have major anxiety problems, and I have come up with a few things in each park that are my "calming" places. When I feel myself getting overwhelmed, I go there to calm down before I get to the panic attack stage.

I also know the ride length for every ride and which ones give me lots of "personal space" and which do not. I know which ones I can leave early and which will stop the ride (note: do NOT try to leave Carousel of Progress mid way through!)

I have asked CMs before to let me skip the pre-shows for rides. I just tell them I have a panic disorder and that I freak in large mobs. I am also in a wheelchair, so all I can see is a sea of butts, which does not help. Some CMs let me do it, some do not. I have skipped the pre shows for RnR, TT, HM, and Dinosaur. I found this rather helpful.

When in doubt, ask for First Aid - a nice quiet place where you can rest and collect yourself.

 

[Evi]

Rescue Remedy is a great product also look into natural calm its a magnesium supplement. Both are great for almost instant relief, but should be taken as directed.

I would also encourage you to look into Buteyko Breathing exercises and find a therapist that works with Cognitive behavioral therapy. I used to have panic attacks daily I now get them once a year or less. I can say that I used all of the above and they do work. If you need medication for the short term don't feel bad asking your doctor for help. But don't let them become your only resource. You don't have to take pills for ever if your willing to work past your fear and relearn how to breath and how you self talk. I added some links below I really do hope they help.

Best of Luck

http://www.bachflower.com/Rescue_Remedy.htm

http://www.petergillham.com/wp/2009/11/natural-calm/

For Buteyko I'd google it I find the best information coming from Australia that's where my teacher learned it.

http://www.bu.edu/card/