I guess everyone who knows me knows that I went on a trip to NY. It was really quite disappointing... I had to leave because of finances... it cost more than what we had allotted ourselves. We took $1000 with us, and it wasn't really enough. We left early and went to Washington DC.
My kids loved Washington DC, but I never got out of the parking garage at Union Station. I had to go to the bathroom and that was on the bottom floor and their was the escalators... my kids went down and I was frozen in place. I couldn't go down. My kids came back up and tried to get me to come down.
By that time I couldn't even ride the elevator.. I was having a major panic attack. My SIL did help me down the escalators to use the bathroom, but I was in tears and couldn't breathe... I ended up staying in the vehicle in the parking garage while my family toured Washington.
So have you ever had a panic attack while in a big place? I was paralyzed with fear.
[question posted by OreoCookie3]
responses and comments:
You poor thing. Yes I have dealt with panic attacks for many years. I can not sort of talk myself out of them getting really bad, I just take a deep breath and tell myself that I am not having a heart attack. I so understand the sweaty hands, the shaking, not being able to breath. Mine started when I was young and they didn't even have a name for panic attack or if they did they didn't tell my mother. After getting older a lot of mine seemed to happen in a large store or if whoever I was with got out of sight in the store. Sorry your trip was not enjoyable because of that. [tyc415]
Ahh thanks Tyc.. I am so glad to be home. I never want to get on an escalator again... I never want to be around that many people either. I couldn't breathe! I was crying and I know people must have thought I was crazy. [OreoCookie3]
Sweetie I am so sorry this happened to you and yes it has happened to me a few times so I know what you went through Sweetie and I am really sorry that you did not have a good time [gabs8513]
Thanks Gabs.. so glad to be home... hugs to you and that little pooch of yours.. {{hugs to gissi and Gabs}} [OreoCookie3]
Gosh, what a terrible time for that to happen. I feel dreadful for you. The only panic attack I've ever had was the very first time I went out with my son on our own after his birth. I managed to work out the car seat, I managed to work out the baby sling, packed away the baby activity centers, and I was so proud of myself. But then when I set off for the shopping centre I just collapsed in a big heap of tears on the edge of one of the fountains and had to stay there until I got my equalibrium back. then I just reversed the process and went home again. Thankfully it hasn't happened again. [GreenMoo]
I'm glad you have never had anymore GreenMoo... this is the first really bad one I have ever had. [OreoCookie3]
no poor Oreo I guess I am lucky that I never had a real panic attack, I am scared of big dogs and sure would panic when i see a snake but thats it. Hope you are better now and i am sorry that the trip was not a very good experience for you. [book1962]
Thanks Book... I'm much better to be home.happy [OreoCookie3]
Hi there Oreo First of all, number one, don't beat yourself up about this, that is the worse thing a person like us phobics can do to ourselves. Actually you should be congratulating yourself instead that you did indeed get yourself to a large open space to begin with...don't look at the negative side of it, but the positive that at least you made it to that point. One thing us phobics have to do to overcome this stupid, and yes, it IS a stupid condition is to do things with baby steps...I remember you saying for instance that you have a limit as to how far you can drive away from the "safety" of your home....so by having gone on this trip would be the equivalent of say if I decided to go to Manhattan by train...something I haven't done in about twenty years! So like I said congratulate yourself instead. It's almost ironic, but when I was seeing my therapist years ago...the "good" one not the dweeb I later saw, he would drive me out to the various parks...WIDE open spaces...like The Queens Botanic Gardens, Kissena Park, Flushing Meadow Park...now you think I would have had panic attacks then, even though I was with my therapist.....but I didn't...in fact I would have the time of my life, being outdoors like that, being with nature, and geared up with my camera Equipment and taking photos like crazy When people like us who are susceptible to panic attacks you have to realize that anything "New" might trigger off a grade level 10 panic attack---that tape program I have has sort of the attitude that if we get a panic attack...to have a "so What" attitude about it--not that it makes it any easier...also that program is great as it gives valuable tools to calm oneself down, once you start getting even a twinge of a panic attack...it gives tips from breathing properly to positive self talk...it DOES take practice there in itself---if you can't afford the Lucinda Bassett tape program, which yes is expensive, nearly $500 but can be paid in installments...try to at least get her book, which is practically a mirror image of what is in the program The book is called From Panic To Power and is about $15.00 and you can get it at Amazon.com http://www.amazon.com/Panic-Power-Techniques-Anxieties-Conquer/dp/0060927585 Come to think of it it wouldn't hurt for me to listen to the tapes or re-read the book itself again Here's the website of Lucinda Bassett's in case you're interested http://www.stresscenter.com [pyewacket]
Ever since I was on medications I got really scared of bridges, I can never explain it, and I can not be on the outside lane of a bridge, I agree with every thing that pye said its very easy to babeat ourselves up when we get into the situations and you congratulating yourselves for being able to take the step adn make it into such a busy place........ If you are afraid of crowds be glad you weren't in DC today simply because the pope did mass in National Park and there were thousands there that some drove thousands of miles to hear the mass. I don't like crouds either.....I don't have panic attacks but I understand those that do. Not me. Mooch [oneandonemakesix]
No, I haven't. That must have been horrible. I wish it had gone better for you. [MH4444]
Me too MH... I'm just glad to be home where I feel safe and secure. I had no idea that I would react that way to traveling. [OreoCookie3]
I did not remember that you were going to New York, But I did miss hearing from you while you were gone. I know how you feel I have had quite a few panic attacks in my time. I don't remember exactly where all of them took place, I just know that they are very frightening and embarrassing situations. I am more likely to have a panic attack in a crowded builing, instead of a big one. [Rozie37]
I am so sorry to hear of all the bad things that happened to you on your trip. A vacation is the time to get away and have everything go smoothly. It is too bad you had so much stress. God bless you. [Rozie37]
Oh no... I'm so sorry you had such a bad time, my friend. I suffered not really panic attacks, although that's how they started, whilst I was in Germany. We flew out one time, in one of those small Cessna personal aircraft. When we came in to land and were losing height, we came through a thick, black cloud, and I felt as though my face was blowing up like a balloon, and I couldn't breathe. It was obviously the pressure the cloud created and I couldn't cope with it. The cabin crew gave me a boiled sweet, and directed all the air blowers onto me, but still, I couldn't breathe... I thought I was going to die. The panic wasn't helping at all, and my chest started to ache where I was trying so hard to breathe. Once we'd landed, the cabin crew saw me to the main building, got me a drink and made sure I was feeling better before they left me. That was the start of five long years of what they called nervous tension. I couldn't ride a bus, or be in a confined space without open windows... such as a supermarket... without an attack. I was on Valium, increasing from 2mg tabs, to 10mg, which was when I decided enough was enough and told the doctor to take me off them. She wasn't pleased, but I wanted off, so I've been ok since. Phew... thank you for letting me rant, my friend. I would have liked to have read that you enjoyed your trip, because I know you were looking forward to it, planning you food packs and everything. I'm so sorry it didn't work out the way you would have liked, but I guess it's a lesson learned my friend. Brightest Blessings to you and yours. xx [Darkwing]
Wow, that's pretty high, and I suppose New York is one of those places where they add purchase tax? I don't know about food, in America... ours is free of VAT, but I know it differs in America, from State to State. I suppose it was an experience for you, but a bit of a let-down after all that planning. ((((Huggg)))). xx [Darkwing]
sad Oh Oreo, I am sorry that you had that experience. It could have been a very nice trip with your family. I haven't experience panic attack though. I hope you are doing well now. [toni_nakama]
I'm doing really good now .. thanks Toni.happy [OreoCookie3]
So sorry to hear that our trip was so bad! I luckily haven't been prone to panic attacks and I really don't know what I would do if I had one. I don't like escalators as I feel that when I am going down that my balance is off and I have a hard time walking when I get off of one of them. I get disoriented on vehicles, but have no problem riding motorcycles or BMW bikes. I have a friend who has panic attacks and I feel sorry for him as it does paralyze you. The fear is something else. I do get that way if water hits me in the face as I feel that I am drowning. I hate the shower!! I have been to Washington D.C. and it is very nice to visit. Maybe you will get to go back one day and enjoy it!! [carolscash]
Hey Oreo, I have to say I'm so sorry, I wish I had known you were passing through, I take it you drove? I am only 90 minutes from DC and would have loved to meet you....dang it a missed opportunity to meet a fellow mylotter I have never had a panic attack like that in a public place but when I was on medications they used to send me on panic attacks. I probably would have stayed in the car with you simply because I am not fond of big cities. did you stay over night in DC? I'm so very very sorry it was a major meltdown, but I understand Hugs to you my friend Mooch [oneandonemakesix]
I am SO sorry you went through that!! Wow.. yeah I have had panic attacks. I know how scary they are. I am so sorry you could not enjoy your trip because of it :( [mbs730]
oreo cookie I do feel for you. Luckily I have not had one for a number of years but I used to get them while shopping in this huge food and produce warehouse. there were always a ton of people there because the prices were so muuch lower than in a regular grocery store. wellI would start to pick up food that I wanted and then the crowds started coming at me and I could not breathe. I heard all of the sounds of people talking, the cash register systems, and babies crying. myhusband found me and led me over to a place where there were tables and chairs. he was very calm and not angry at all with me.he would say just takeit easy breathe slowly. You are safe here. then he would get us each a soda and a sandwitch. Once over the panic I would feel like such a fool but it was so real. those people were coming at me and I could not get my breath. its so scary and so frightening. I know for i was in your shoes. I did go to see a physcologist who helped me a lot and then I dont really know how i got over them but I did. [Hatley]
Sorry to hear about your trip and meltdown Oreo. I have never had a panic attack like that but I am glad that there was family around to help you. I don't know what I would of done if that happened to me and I had noone around to help me out. I hope your ok now :) [maddysmommy]
It looks like you had a dream, a terrible dream, right? I don't think it's a real thing. [happyeva]
heheheheeeeee! Lol. I can't jsut stop laughing! I can only imagine how shaken you were because I also experienced once! You might even end up finishing your bathroom business there and then! Escalators are scary and heart throbing for someone new to it. Did your kids laugh or they were just sorry for you? Also in the budget department, that was really bad. You estimate that them money will be more than enough then you end getting frustrated, maybe prices were up or you over did some stuff. Now you have learned very many lesson from your trip that are going to apply in your next visit even if it is not NY. So, please think positively, it was not a meltdown. Maybe the kids enjoyed big time. Plan now for another trip. Good luck this time and watch the escalator. [kwenge]
My kids did laugh at me and they are still telling everyone about it. My son in law came up and helped me down. There were something like 5 escalators to get down to ground level where the bathrooms were. It was awful. I will never go again. [OreoCookie3]
It is a shame to run out of money when you are on vacation and I guess that New York is quite an expensive city. I am so sorry to hear that you had a panic attack, having tears and being unable to breathe. That sounds really scary and it was great that your sister-in-law helped you. It is awful to feel frozen and unable to move because you are so frightened. I am really scared in hospitals and for that reason I have had home births with both of my children. I can have a panic attack when I visit a relative that is in hospital. They hooked me up to one of those EKG systems to monitor my vital signs. [maximax8]
Oh sweetie, I am so sorry to hear that happened to you. If I would of known you were that close to me, I would of come to Washington and grabbed you and brought you to my house, then your family could of just driven to pick you up later on. I have never had that happen to me. I know my oldest daughter is like that. As far as alot of people. SHe can not tolerate being around hoards of people, crowds. She will spazz out. Hope you are feeling somewhat better now that you are home. Try to have a good friday evening. [PamE53]
I have to say I was fortunate enough never to have a panic attack yet. I do know how scary it can be though, I have a cousin who takes them frequently and I worked with a patient to get over her panic attacks about riding a bus. [winterose]
yep if you don't have to then why do it. You are better off staying at home. [winterose]
no i don't have. i never been panic since i am a kid maybe i will if there's shouting out in the big crowd that there's a bomb found. LOL. some people felt that way, i really understand you. maybe you experience in your past and terrible happenings that is why you easily feared off. [julyteen]
Yeah. I am awful sorry that you had to leave after only one day of arriving in the Glens Falls area in Upstate New York. I understand that $1,000 is just not enough at all. I was so glad I saw ya's. At lease a couple minutes of my work time at the hospital's lobby, the tower part. I understood that you had to leave to go back home to Bethlehem, GA. Of course we all look real different from a long time ago. I know that next year, you will travel back up here by AMTRAK train. So carefully check out the fares and schedules as well as amtrak stations by going to www.amtrak.com. I would wait at an Atlanta amtrak station. You have to choose the station to wait for the train that will take you to New York-Penn Station in NYC. Then you have to wait for the train that will take you to Fort Edward. I am wicked sorry to hear about your anxiety and panic attack. I know that you are afraid of heights. I see that you are afraid of big places like malls and other major places. So hopefully you will have a better next year. [Jakesnake1978]
I have a friend that comes to visit me from time to time and she's scared silly of escalators too. If she were with someone else, she wouldn't attempt to go down it but with me, I helped her by getting her to believe in herself because she could do it with my help. She kept repeating it over and over, "I can do it. I can do it" and when we got to the bottom we were both so elated that we hugged and squeeled like silly goons! LOL But we had fun and she learned something new by believing in herself. [CatsandDogs]
hi cookie! happy that's just so sad. maybe you can go there on a second time. i've never had a panic attack but i do get super embarrassed to the point of being insecure that often makes me not enjoy a travel totally. that usually happens when i'm alone. but if i'm with my friends, i feel like i can do anything and i can enjoy a vacation to the max. happy are you scared of escalators and elevators? [secretbear]