going to social events.... - Anxiety Message Board

sarah5432 · 09-09-2005, 01:30 PM

How do you do it without having to leave right away? My anxiety has been pretty high lately and although I take Xanax, its still there. I find it hard to take my Xanax even though I know I need it. I don't like to take it so instead I seem to let myself suffer with these anxiety feelings which is horrible.

My husband and I are supposed to go to a college football game tomorrow. This is something I've done my entire life and have always enjoyed doing. However, my anxiety started in the end of December so this is my first time experiencing a game with anxiety. All I can think about is the negative things. What if I can't escape quickly or what if I pass out, ect. My breathing has been bad lately, I'm try to do deep breathing but don't always pay attention and find myself getting short of breath then panicking over it.

I'm really nervous about going tomorrow. The game is at Noon and my anxiety is always highest in the mornings. I realize it'll only last a few hours then we have an hours drive home. This is something I would have never thought twice about before but I'm really scared to go.

I want to back out but at the same time I want to go and see if I can do it. I'd hate to drive all the way there only to discover I cant do it and we've wasted a trip.

can anyone help?

mjewell · 09-09-2005, 02:39 PM

sarah, if you are that concerned I would really recommend taking a Xanax before you leave. At least you will be able to enjoy yourself. I know you don't like the thought that you have to take it to get through something you once enjoyed, i feel the exact same way. However, I believe I have a choice - I can either suffer through everyhting and only feel slightly better that I didn't take a Xanax (which rarely happens cause I usually end up having to leave early and take a Xanax anyway) OR I can take a Xanax beforehand, not have a care in the world and enjoy it. I woudl take one a half hour or so before you have to leave and if you don't feel it take another. Although one usually does the trick for me, for particularly scary things i take a second an hour or so later.

My husband also helps me to remember that no matter what I am NEVER trapped. I am free to go whenever I want no matter what. This always reassures me. I hope you have someone with you that is supportive that way too.

Just enjoy yourself and take the Xanax if you need it. That's what they are for.

Verucah · 09-09-2005, 03:59 PM

Sarah,
Boy can I relate toy you. I have been having trouble breathing and then start to panic over it also. It is so frustrating! Today my daughter sang at a school event and I almost walked out because I couldn't breathe.

What I have been doing is trying to reassure myself that this is anxiety and it will only escalate if I interpret that feeling to be more than just that. I know easier said than done....But I don't want to take medication so I'm willing to try anything.

You can make it to the game. Tell yourself that if you have to, you can go to the bathroom for a brief escape. You can go to the car if you need to get out of the stadium. You can do it.

The worst of it will be right in the beginning because that when you get that trapped feeling. But once it is underway your anxiety will slowly lessen. Check your breathing. If you are breathing shallow from your chest, put your hand on your stomach and let out a heavy sigh. This will release the air in your chest and the built up tension. Keep doing it while you have that feeling. It will eventually start to subside. What is critical is that you don't put any scary meanings to why your breathing seems hard. You are experiencing anxiety. Period. Don't let your mind wander.

Let us know how the game was...and if for some reason you don't make it? Thats o.k. too... it's not like there won't be another football game. Right? Whether you miss the game because of anxiety or because you have the flu, both are legitimate reasons.

So I wish you well...and calm...

Verucah

hry33 · 09-09-2005, 06:06 PM

to sarah
you need to take a higher dose of xanax with docs OK
some are too proud or stubborn to take the dose they need of xanax type meds and so they suffer needlessly

sarah5432 · 09-09-2005, 07:18 PM

Thanks everyone. I know I need to take more Xanax. My doctor has prescribed it three times daily and the most I've ever taken is twice daily. My pills are .25mg. I'll take two pills about an hour before the game tomorrow. Since the game is at Noon, I'll be taking my regular morning dose just an extra pill and hoping it'll last throughout the game.....about 3 hours? I hope!!! I'm REALLY nervous about going. I also have a 20 month old and have left her overnight which is something we've only done one other time. That only adds to my stress but I know she's just fine. She'll be having fun too.

My husband knows how bad my anxiety can get and he's really supportive. He knows we may need to leave early but I want him to try and make me stay. Usually when he does that I end up having a great time. It'll be like going on a date for us since its been so long since we've had alone time together. We really need and deserve for tomorrow to go well.
I really appreciate all the pep talk. I really need that!! Thanks again everyone....
GO IRISH!!