Standing Up Is Always Difficult And Induces Anxiety

[afuneralinmybrain]

I've never met someone else who has this symptom. I have terrible anxiety. If I have to stand up, my anxiety goes way up. As long as I'm sitting, the risk of something bad happening to me is lessened. Even if I just have to walk into the kitchen. It's so disabling. When I do stand up, I force myself not to hyperventilate. I have to hold onto things. I absolutely cannot stand in an open area. I have to be up against something. It's one of the worst symptoms ever. It makes my agoraphobia even more difficult. I don't know what to do; it's unbearable. I'm on Prozac and Xanax, I meditate, I go to therapy. I don't know why the simple act of standing causes so much fear in me.
Is this just me or have other people experienced this?

 

[Friday]

Have you considered or tried a wheelchair? Added bene... If you ever needed to get up and run, you'd sure surprise the hell out of an assailant.

 

[afuneralinmybrain]

LOL
I use a cane sometimes, but that's it. Considering getting a walking stick.

 

[bell]

Why are your symptoms going haywire? Scared of falling? Being attacked? Health reasons?

If I were you, I'd ask myself why first.

 

[afuneralinmybrain]

I have asked why. I talk to my therapist about it. It never goes anywhere. I guess I just feel vulnerable, but that's a given. I don't know.

 

[bell]

Well, if you're scared, think of different scenarios that could happen and see what invokes the most response. (But only do this when you're not triggered.) Or have you tried talking to your therapist whilst standing up?

 

[JEKBreatheandBelieve]

I had the opposite for a while. I couldn't sit still for long periods of time in the classic feet on the floor sitting upright position. I preferred curling up or stretching out. For me it was a trigger from my car accident. My first thought was that perhaps yours was related to a trauma memory as well, but I read where you said you haven't figured anything out. How long as this been going on for? I am sorry that you are experiencing this and I wish I had some helpful advice to offer.

 

[Friday]

<grin> Canes are good for whacking people with :D

But to go back to you Q... For brief periods of time, yes. I've literally had to have people grab me up by my Alice pack, because my legs quit. I couldn't move. Dizzying, terrifying, frozen. Blood in my ears, stars in my eyes. Except the one time I was essentially by myself, and then I had an effing long walk in front of me. No lie, it was days long, as I missed my ride. This wasn't my usual schtick. I was always 'keep moving' and didn't fall apart until later. But, yes. I've been there. XP It sucks. I don't know what I'd have done if someone hadn't been there to half drag me until my brain reconnected.

For longer periods of time (ugh. recently... As well as those downtimes afterward, if I'm honest.) it's shifted to overwhelming exhaustion. Too lethargic to move. Even put off peeing for hours, just so I can stay flat out on the couch (these days) or beside the pool (once upon a time). It took an incredibly motivating event (like otw pissing myself shall happen, or if I don't get a job for a few weeks the sacred job of filling my belly shall no longer be necessary, or incredibly delicious someone with an offer... Oblivion, distraction, biological necessity. LeSigh. I keep trying to downplay my own PTSD in my head this week. And then I have to go and be honest).

 

[afuneralinmybrain]

A past trauma... could be. I just don't know. Reality is just so massive -- it's dizzying. I try to barricade myself against it as much as possible. I check out. I'm derealized and depersonalized 24/7. And to tell the truth, I'm just so pissed off about it. I've been in therapy since I was 3, you'd think I'd be able to pull myself up and not be scared of such tiny things, grrrr.

@FridayJones I can totally get that. I can't get up without holding a bag or something heavy. I'm sorry about your issues. It sucks so much. At least we're not alone. *Hugs*

 

[Smile]

I've never attributed it to "standing" but I definitely get "frozen" (my choice of wording :) ) in positions. I'll sit in my car for hours, too "frozen" to move, even if it's to drive.

You're not alone :)

 

[Bees Are Awesome]

I can definitely relate! For me I get anxious and fearful standing up because I don't want people to notice me or look at me. I stay seated the entire time and must have my back to a wall and an exit nearby.

Thank you for posting this topic. I always feel alone with my "quirks." :)