Going to the store gives me Panic Attacks, driving does as well.
Nothing. It was honestly a bit helpful!
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Going to the store gives me Panic Attacks! Driving also makes me highly anxious. I am on medication but this only seems to help moderately.
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Hello
assistant
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Hi
user
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So just to ensure that I understand you correctly, you are feeling anxious about going to the store during the pandemic
assistant
Restatement or Paraphrasing
No. This has been going on before the pandemic COVID didn't cause my anxiety
user
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Okay, so just general anxiety about it then.
assistant
Restatement or Paraphrasing
Yessir
user
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How long have you had this anxiety issue?
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Question
Only the past couple of years. It came on suddenly at a nail salon after I had an allergic reaction to a chemical in acrylic nails. Originally the doctors thought it was brain inflammation. What suggestions do you have for improving it? Meditation? Exercise? I do art. And never have anxiety when I'm painting, however, I cannot exactly do that at the store
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Have you thought about looking for support groups with people who also have anxiety about being in public?
assistant
Providing Suggestions
I have and I did
user
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Have you thought about brining a friend with you to the store? Someone you are comfortable with? Having someone you are comfortable with may help to calm the anxiety while you are out.
assistant
Providing Suggestions
Support groups don't really help stop the Panic Attacks. They cause all sorts of sensations. Fast heart rate, chills, shakes, My brain feels foggy and impersonal. I do go to the store often with my fiance :) That has helped a lot
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I have also had anxiety in the past when in public places, so I know how it feels to be anxious while out.
assistant
Self-disclosure
Yeah, it's definitely annoying. But it isn't JUST at the store. I was diagnosed with Panic Attack Disorder and even have attacks at home where I freak out. It's been better since I was on medication but I never feel completely....normal
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Another thing that may help is having some headphones in attached to your phone or an MP3 player so you can have some calming music or something in your ear while you are out.
assistant
Providing Suggestions
That's actually a really good idea. Distractions definitely seem to be the way to go for me. That's probably why art helps so much
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I found that distractions were great for me too!
assistant
Self-disclosure
I wonder if it should be calming music or music that I generally feel like dancing too I know that sometimes calming music kinda makes me more centered and aware of myself which can exacerbate the problems sometimes. I usually listen to music loudly when Im in my car to help with the anxiety Of course, I always think its working then I get to the store and my hands hurt from gripping my steering wheel so hard XD
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Whatever music you think would be best would be a good idea.
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I think a lot of my anxiety doesnt stem from social stuff but from a fear of death tbh What other distractions can you reccomend? *recommend
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Do you have a stress ball or something you can keep with you in your pocket while out?
assistant
Providing Suggestions
I don't!
user
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I think picking up one of those and having it with you might also help!
assistant
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That's a really good idea too. Thanks so much
user
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You're very welcome!
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<3 Have a good one!
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