Dear People Of Walmart....

[boondockbabe]

I'm proud of you for going out. I know how hard that is. I would recommend trying a smaller place than walmart. In my opnion it's pretty close to H3!! I usually only go to the corner market, IF I have to go to walmart I go at four in the morning. I know it's an ungodly hour to go shopping. BUT, you pretty much have the store to yourself. Never go on a sunday after noon, or on a friday after five.
My therapist avoids walmart!! She likes people and can't stand the place.

I find the whole thing just downright overwhelming. Way too many choices. There is just too much going on. I can't focus. Next time will be better. Well, it might not be better but at least you'll be prepared.

 

[shadowchaser]

Very impressed that you made such a huge first step. I personally would have started with a drive threw and sat in the parking lot with the windows cracked but doors locked so I could see the groups of people but still feel secure.

 

[charliehotelwhiskey]

Kaii,
That was an awesome and courageous step you took. :tup:

Take Care

CHW

 

[Reclusive]

Kaii --

I'll be thinking of you tomorrow. I have to go to Walmart to pick up syringes for my newly diagnosed diabetic cat and I figure since I'm there I'll do the shopping I'm supposed to as well. I know it's going to be horrible - tomorrow's Saturday - but he needs his syringes. Worse case, I don't do the shopping part. Hopefully.

 

[Gamereign555]

I totally agree. Walmart is rough to do for me when I'm in my bad days. I like your writing by the way I really felt like I was at Walmart! And trust me every Walmart has that huge scraggily haired woman.
What helps me is I have my girlfriend walk in front of me and she lets me follow her close when I'm having a hard time.

 

[Reclusive]

Haha - as an update, I did manage to do the shopping part at walmart and it was exactly as horrible as I expected. But not worse, so that's kinda groovy. And because I was ready for it, I was able to handle it better. Whew. I have to again for some reason, but I forgot what it was, so I don't have to go until I remember.

 

[yellowfields22]

I think it's really amazing that you found the nerve to go through with it, to step out of the car even while feeling such intense anxiety. That is extremely brave. And not for nothing--- places like Walmart give often give me anxiety even when I'm not in a wave of meltdowns, just because of how creepy and consumeristic they are, and the energy that it exudes on the people that go there. They don't seem to have a sense of personal space because they are all zoned out by shopping. They'll just walk straight into you as if you aren't even there because they are completely entranced by the item they're trying to get to. :mad::confused:

Then again, sometimes places like that can feel safe when you are experiencing so much anxiety because you know what is expected of you, you can just walk through the isles and look at things, it's light and there are people everywhere, security everywhere. You can be somewhat anonymous. There is a lot of sensory input to focus on if you start getting too much in your head.

Keep trying, and don't let the walmart zombies discourage you!

 

[kimba]

I used to dodge people coming at me who weren't paying attention. Now I stand my ground and let them walk into me and heaven help them if they try to say it was my fault. I don't like people coming up behind me even when I am driving, I will "pull over" or go down an aisle to escape them. Walmart is always a zoo and you were brave to go there. The library I also think is a good place to start although people can follow you there too I've discovered.

 

[jesse]

Kali that was pretty brave wal-mart is a freaky place in general. What about Barnes and Noble? It is quiet and people are busy reading and minding their own business.

 

[Crl1983]

You know what? This thread made me realize I haven't been inside a Wal-Mart in over 3 weeks now. I've been making excuses not to go and opting for the smaller, local stores- fewer people, can get in and out (and home) quicker. I might just try to go in one tomorrow, try to be brave and try to put an end to this little trend. Why should I be so afraid of Wal-Mart, I bet half the people in there are are weirder than I am! :alien: Watch me chicken out though..I always do once I see the throngs of people going in and coming out.

 

[Dee Morris]

I was a department manager at Walmart for 9 years. When the ptsd symptoms emerged it was full force. I literally spent the entire day fighting panic attacks. I would be ok in the backroom where I new everyone but being on the floor was hard. I eventually had a breakdown & had to quit.

If a trip to walmart is absolutely unavoidable the best time to go is between 7 & 9 am. Not nearly as busy & much less intimidating. Plus, there are fewer homeless people that seemed to have zero respect for others personal space. I have no problem asking people to back away from me. I try to be nice about it the first time. If they refuse to back off I have gotten nasty.