The Scariest Thing - Panic Disorders Message Board

LarLarz · 09-15-2003, 10:10 AM

The scariest thing to me has probably been when I get lightheaded and dizzy when I am in the store or anywhere out in public. Especially if I am with someone because I am afraid I will be so embarassed. Also this would happen at work. I could be feeling fine and be at the store and then wham...out of nowhere...dizzy and feeling faint. I have even had to sit on the shelves a few times. The last time it happened (last week) I think I was actually startinng to come down with a bug. It is finally starting to feel alittle better today. I have some sinus and ear problems as well..which does not help. I have also read that alot of people with anxiety have sinus and or ear problems. So, yes, i think this time it really was just a really bad head/chest cold. But why can't I just get a cold like a normal person? Instead of being nervous, anxious and feeling faint? Not fair!

Curly Chef · 09-15-2003, 10:33 AM

The first time that happened to me was at a mall. It's common with me too, in a lot of public places and especially when sitting at a table, usually at those bright mall food courts. But sometimes it happens at any old restaraunt.

I think the artificial light and noise might be contributing to it as well.

Try distracting yourself the next time you start to feel it coming on. Maybe try to spell the first thing you look at in your mind, or count how many of something you see. Sometimes that helps to distract youself enough that the panic or dizzyness will go away.

fm5 · 09-15-2003, 10:48 AM

Maybe try to spell the first thing you look at in your mind, or count how many of something you see. Sometimes that helps to distract youself enough that the panic or dizzyness will go away

Excellent suggestions! I can't tell you how much "distracting yourself" from your physical symptoms brings down your anxiety. You know what you are talking about.

worrywort · 09-15-2003, 03:26 PM

larlars, I know what you mean, I am dizzy alot and I will sit on the floor of the store or whatever because I am scared of passing out and my heart will beat fasat and I can feel it all through my body!! scary stuff this anxiety disorder! hope you have a good one

panicgirl · 09-16-2003, 09:11 PM

hey. i felt that way too. i was wondering if like you get dizzy while trying to walk down a store isle while looking at things down the isles at the same time??? like when i go to a store, and walk and try to look at items real quick, its like that triggers an attack? does anyone else get like this? after hypnosis, no real attacks, but i sometimes feel like maybe one might come back at a store???