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I felt overwhelmed in a large store today, unable to focus

Posted , 6 users are following.

rex987
rex987

Hi, has anyone felt overwhelmed In a large department store. Today I went shopping in a large store and just could not focus, I was afraid to look around in case I got giddy. There seemed to be too much going on and I had to leave. Thanks.

0 likes, 15 replies

15 Replies

  • jen31560
    jen31560 rex987

    Posted

    I am always so bad in stores! The bright lights and too much sensory stimulation kills me!!!
    • jmcg2014
      jmcg2014 jen31560

      Posted

      It's a strange thing, I feel my eyes darting around,lights seem too bright, dry mouth,lump in the throat or bad taste in mouth - anxiety is just so much fun!
    • lisalisa67
      lisalisa67 jmcg2014

      Posted

      This has happened to me as well. Sometimes the stores not comfortable in temperature or its too crowded. Holiday time or when its really crowded can be anxiety producing. sometimes i bring a cup of ice in with me. If you put an ice chip under your tongue your brain get all busy on focusing on the coldness.. i dont know, but it works a lot of the time. 
  • Zenna
    Zenna rex987

    Posted

    Hi Sam yea it happens to me,Saturdays not a good day always packed,it's a nightmare,maybe try going in the week when it's quieter don't beat yourself up bout it,it's done now ,you can't change it,at least u done it.so be proud of what you did do.......
    • rex987
      rex987 Zenna

      Posted

      Thanks Zenna and everyone else who replied, it seems that I'm not on my own then. I just don't understand why though. I'm sorting out a health issue at the moment and it is giving me anxiety for sure but I normally love shopping and now I hate it. I hope this feeling goes away it's horrid. Best wishes all with your anxiety probs.😊
    • jmcg2014
      jmcg2014 rex987

      Posted

      Most anxiety is about control and the lack/loss of it, either now or in the past or the fear of it in the future I think. Anything that threatens it for some people is just instant anxiety.
    • rex987
      rex987 jmcg2014

      Posted

      Hi jmcg2014, yes I can understand it being about control but I worry about not being able to control the way I feel and what the consequences would be if I couldn't. I just about managed to keep control today by not staying there too long but it's not a solution. I am going to have to work at it somehow, maybe try some mindfulness techniques. Thanks for your reply.👍
    • jmcg2014
      jmcg2014 rex987

      Posted

      Sometimes it's better to look to a professional therapist for some advice, its often very effective. We can set ourselves back by trying to do what we think might help. Mindfulness is mild of course and won't do any harm. For me though I found it didn't help at all,but I know it does help many people
    • rex987
      rex987 jmcg2014

      Posted

      A therapist is something to consider. As mentioned I have a health issue at the moment and so far the tests that I have had done have comeback clear. I still have a couple to go and I cannot see this anxiety feeling disappearing until the results are known.The problem is I still have the symptoms. Many thanks for your replies.
  • shameem74
    shameem74 rex987

    Posted

    I have thisproblem with open spaces. Even enclosed spaces but I am getting better with closed spaces. Whenever I ho to the toilet there needs to be a windows
  • jen31560
    jen31560 rex987

    Posted

    Does anybody notice that it's the extra bright lights that are a problem?
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