Does anyone feel weird in open spaces?
Posted , 73 users are following.
So ive been complaining about this for so long but with little support or answers to what it is i just get told its all anxiety. Anyway when im in any open spaces mainly in supermarkets or shopping centres and even in my house, i feel panicked in open spaces like i feel detached from my body and numb and loss of control so i feel on edge because i feel like i need to hold on to something. The strange thing is if im pushin a trolley, or the pram or holding on to someone i feel fine. I just feel like i cant feel my body when im walking unaided in open spaces. Does anyone get this? I cant remember the last time ive went to town on my own because of this feeling, its almost a feeling of unbalance like i feel like i could fall x
11 likes, 173 replies
chloe63944 Moo88
Posted
I just read your post and every single thing you said is the same as me. The detachment and feeling like I'm not in control, unbalanced but fine if holding on to something. And it only happens in wide open spaces like you said places like supermarkets ect. In fact they recently changed my bus stop and the new one is an area where I have to walk through this super wide plaza to get to it. I hated it because I had to walk through knowing I can't hold onto anything. I even ended up making excuses and making up reasons for not being able to get the bus and tried to get lifts instead. I think we both definitely have the same thing. However I've never recieved a clear diagnosis for it. It's been speculated I have visual vertigo but not sure if that's true since the diagnosis for that is usually based on the description of your symptoms rather than actual tests. So mabey it is an anxiety thing. Do you get phases with yours when some times it's worse and sometimes it's not so bad? As that happens to me. Anyway I hope you get to the bottom of it soon.
amanda51463 chloe63944
Posted
I do get phases! It happened a few days ago and I was out in the parking lot with my sister talking to a family friend and I just got this feeling on unbalancedness like I was going to fall back or something. We were talking about my dad being in the hospital after an accident and having cancer. He's home now and is doing okay
Peg52 chloe63944
Posted
Hi! Omg our symptoms are the same! I had to start parking underground at work as I couldn't walk from the outdoor parking lot. I did get a prescription for a Walker that I havent filled yet, but I think it will help. Read my response on the last comment. I'm loving the smart coffee.
And I think it is all anxiety. Totally sucks!
chloe63944 amanda51463
Posted
Mabey it pops up during times of high stress. Glad your dad's okay.
chloe63944 Peg52
Posted
Yeah it does seem like an anxiety thing. Makes life hard when you're scared to walk in certain types of places! Ah I never heard of that. I'll have to try it.
vf1985 Moo88
Posted
i always get this feeling especially if we are in a shopping centre. i have to stay close to my fiance and ill tell him if im feeling panicky.
i always feel people are looking at me or something its horrible.
eileen55092 Moo88
Posted
Hi again everyone
So it seems to be a combination of factors which probably makes a diagnosis difficult to pinpoint.
I am looking into BAUD therapy and will report back if anything positive happens.
madonn95250 eileen55092
Posted
Dear Eileen,
I did try BAUD. It took two sessions but after the second I was walking around without the symptoms. Then two weeks after finding myself in a stressful situation/crisis (life altering health issue) I have been worse off ever since. Months later I am now trying acupuncture. That or buy a BAUD for long term use, which I may do if this acupuncture fails to cure me of my dizziness while ambulating or for that matter even while standing.
Let me know how the BAUD works for you. It is not easy finding a therapist that has the machine (ie) Iowa didn't have one but as a snow bird found one in Tampa Florida area.
Nenads Moo88
Posted
I have the exact sameproblem! I have to walk near a wall, or railing. I don't know about you, if I think people are watching me, (They're not). I start walking funny! My legs lock up! I have problems, standing in an open space, talking to someone. I avoid people! Do you know of a non-medication supplement, that can help?
pinkcatfairy Nenads
Posted
Dear nenads
I have this problem too, since secondary school! I hate open spaces and i cant stand still in an open space, i feel very uncomfortable and panic! Airport's and supermarkets i avoid if i can! I feel i have to walk near the edge and hold on to something, its an awful phobia x
eastcoastn87579 pinkcatfairy
Posted
I just wish we could come together and help eachother. also slightly comforting knowing we arent in this alone.. pinkcatfairy. maybe one day soon we can somehow move on from this ❤
madonn95250 Nenads
Posted
Dear Moo88,
Do you use a cane as a no-pun, crutch?
eastcoastn87579 madonn95250
Posted
I like a walking stick
amanda51463 madonn95250
Posted
I actually use a walking stick too, but sometimes that doesn't even help. It helps when I walk in a small parking lot like where I live, but not big parking lots
eastcoastn87579 amanda51463
Posted
yes. I need my car in sight too. or the entrance to my home. I only go so far like I'm calculating distance and the time it would take to get back inside for saftey