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Panic Attack And Large Crowds

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I can't stand being around a large crowd. To give a few examples I been in. 1) When I am at church and their is a lot of noise I become cranky, have a hard time breathing, and began to sweet a lot. When I am in the fellowship hall with increase talking it makes it worst. I can't even hardly stand sitting through a church service or dinner. 2)When I am in a classroom with more then ten students and their is a lot of noise I have trouble breathing, began to sweet, and become confuse. I feel like I am not even in my body. 3)Outside a large crowd if I am in a dark color wall room with another person I began to sweet also but don't become short of breathe. I am an Youth Pastor and a Colleg student and I need any advice I can get on helping me deal with the crowds. Thanks.
 
I am not one to respond. Dealing with a crowd is not easy and esspecially not if in a closed room. I get so aggitated and NEED to leave. I have tried finding one safe person in the room that I knw. That has helped a bit but when I say that maybe it extends my stay by 15 or 20 min.The underlying get out get safe feeling wins everytime.

I wish you the best and if you happent to find something that works please keep us posted.

NH
 
Thanks and you are right. I try to have my wife near me at church and that sometimes give me time to eat in the fellowship hall.
 
I have some of the same issues! I'm a PK, and have only been back at church for a couple months, this time. I had neck surgeries last year, and it somehow made the noise issue more profound. Sitting through the sermon is SOOO hard as well. If I could stand and/or pace, I think it would help.

There is a helpful anacronym (sp?) HALT.
H for hunger-
A for angry-
L for lonely-
T for tired. All those things can make you more likely to have anxiety/panic issues.

I do my best to keep my mind on God, and how I can make myself available to Him. Time, experience, and Faith will bring you through, and you will be stronger for it!!
 
Don't like 'em here either. It's one of the reasons why I like to work weekends instead of Monday - Friday like the rest of the world. That way, I can go to places that would typically be very crowded on a weekend, but aren't as crowded during the week when I'm off. TOTALLY hate Christmas shopping in crowded malls. Thank heaven for the internet!
 
My guess is that your issues aren't from the same source as mine. Having said that, I deal with crowds by positioning. If possible, I'm at the back. If not, at least an outside edge. I keep a buffer between me and the crowd, (have someone you know sitting beside you, between you and the crowd). Of course my 7 year old always wants to sit in the middle of our church. I deal with it.

When teaching, I was always standing behind a desk or podium. Therefore I had my separation. I know as a youth paster, that you would be more effective with some semblance of proximatie, but if you can't function like that, then distance might help. Also, as the trust between you and your audience grows, you'll be more comfortable, and can be more personable then. I don't teach anymore, so take that with a grain of salt. It kept me going for 3 years. Then I crashed hard.
 
Thanks for the replys. Clairbear I am the same way when it comes to shopping. I can't stand being in a store for more then 10 min. Most of the time I try to go at night during the week so I avoid the crowd. Angelkeeper you brought up a good point. Having faith is what have carried me this far. We have to have faith in God to make it through everyday life. Zipperhead you are right with what you said. I try to stay near an exit just in case a panic attack comes about. Distance does help.
 
Dear Chris,
I too have had neck injuries, (plate and screws). I am a Christain and a U.S. Vet 100% disabled. I have to sit in the back row of church and near the door. I can't sit still due to chronic severe pain and other health issues. Then there is the mental issues of ptsd. I take an ativan 1/2 hr prior to church and bring something small that i like (keepsake) such as a photo and look at it and hold it during service. I also arrive late 5 min. and leave during last song to avoid exiting crowds and noise. When the pastor yells to emphasize the point I cringe and count or spell in my head. As a youth pastor I know your faith will grow as you meet each moment with sucess even if its minute by minute. Work up to each realistic and small goals at a time. It gives you a good sense of self esteem and increases the ability to be thankful for our challanges from ptsd as a believer.
Best wishes and you are now added to my prayer list.
sincerely,
sunday
 
I avoid crowds at all costs, hence why i hate social situations so much. For me if i go anywhere with lots people around if can't avoid it i have be near an exit, i have to have an escape route.
 
I don't like crowds since I'm more on the shy side in real. So I tend to just stay back and try and hide.
 
There really isn't anything shy about me IRL. Seriously. But crowds are a problem, and have been for a long time. I really thought that was a "me" quirk, not a PTSD quirk, until I came on here. It's a whole lot better than it used to be, but they still make me edgy and nervous. I like to be at the back with all the "unknowns" out in front where I can see them, and preferably near an exit. I'm better if I can see outside than if I can't, but a door is always better than a window.
 
Don't like crowds either,
I even try to avoid church gatherings because of the noise level and all the comotion that comes with it. Really don't like shopping, I go for what I need and leave. I simply can not sit in the middle of a group of people or I panic...Even traffic makes me nervous...So to say the least I am pretty much a 'home body"
If I could work from home & have my groceries delievered to my front door, I'd never leave home...

To say the least I have no advice on how to deal, but your not alone.
 
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