Panicky feeling around people/when away from mom - Panic Disorders Message Board

ashley123 · 07-21-2006, 08:38 PM

I get a panicky feeling whenever I have to go to a place where there's a lot of people. I am very shy and have low self-esteem. I hate going to malls because I always see people who are prettier and skinnier than I am. I always think people are looking at me saying, "OMG she's so ugly!" or "What a fattie!" I start to get hot and sweaty, especially my hands, feet, and face. My heart pounds and I can't even concentrate on shopping because I think too much of what others are saying about me. I hate when someone who works at a store I'm in comes and talks to me and I try to avoid them as much as possible. I also feel panicky when I'm away from my mom, like when I was younger I couldn't sleep over at a friend's house because I was worried about my mom. I've always had a problem with being afraid of losing her. I am going on a trip next year and I'm scared that I'll have the panicky feeling of being away from my mom. I can't control it and I HATE the feeling so bad. Does anyone know what could be some causes of this or what I could do to help control it? I appreciate it, thank you!

Shayone478 · 07-24-2006, 12:40 AM

I think it would help if you tried not to compare yourself so much to other girls. I know sometimes it's hard not to, especially when you're young. But if you focus more on your good qualities and keep them in mind before you enter a situation and stay focused on those things instead of negative qualities about yourself, you'll feel a lot better. It's a good way to start boosting your self-esteem too. Don't worry about what other girls have so much and who cares what they think, anyway. You have good qualities that they are lacking in too. Don't listen to that little voice in your head telling you that you're too fat or ugly. Just find some positive things to keep in mind and remember that it's what's on the inside that counts.

gtdevil07 · 07-26-2006, 07:08 PM

I used to have that same problem, but now I don't worry so much about what people think about me. Just try to forget about the negative things about yourself and focus more on the positive ones. You are probably more critical about your apperance than others are. I'm very skinny and trust me it really sucks. My shoulder blades pop out a bit and I used to think that People would think that I was weird because of that, now it doesn't bother me and people don't even notice it, like I thought they would. It's all in your head, just forget about it and enjoy your trip to the mall next time. About the whole mom thing, I have the same problem. When I was young, I used to cry for my mom, I always thouht that I would lose her for some reason. I would always feel insecure. I guess it's just me. Now I try to get out more, I hang out with friends for the day and it makes me feel more secure and independent. Maybe that might help you too, but don't feel bad about it because your not the only one, I'm still trying to control that.

piperanne · 07-29-2006, 11:40 AM

You are not alone. Are you a teen or young twenties. I'm 31 and I don't live with my mom anymore and haven't since I was 20 but I couldn't move out of the city due to .........what if I need her. Did you dad die by chance or did you see a death at a young age that really affected you? My father passed when I was nine and I k now that is the root of all my problems. That is when I started obsessing over death. I wouldn't spend the night out that much because I was scared mom would die too. I still fear her dying . What in the world would I do then. BUT don't let it take away from your life and going on trips and having fun. Everytime I'm about to travel I get terrified I'll get into a wreck or mom will die when Im gone. I go anyway! I cannot let that rule my life. My advice to you........ask your doctor for some klonopin or some other anxiety drug so you can have on hand while you are gone. Take them if you need them. I do that sometimes. Trust me, I do think it will help. As far as everyone judging you..........I was the queen of thinking everyone was judging me. Now, Who the heck cares. That is only you thinking that. The more you hold your head up and have confidence you will quit thinking like this...............if you don't think you can have confidence......PRETEND you do! Trust me there is something that reflects off of you when you pretend. You will start believing it! The mind is a weird but powerful thing! PRETEND PRETEND PRETEND! Eventually you'll believe!

piperanne · 07-29-2006, 11:43 AM

ONE MORE THING:

I had my sister in law come up to me and ask me where I get my self confidence from. She said you can say and do anything you want. People are intimidated by you sometimes because you speak your mind but you make people feel so comfortable that they can say anything to you and know you wont' judge. I told her.......it's a mask. I'm not really like that inside. I have to get up there and pretend. There is something inside of me that won't let me back down. So again, PRETEND!