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Question: Do i have claustrophobia? or is it just anxiety?

(Posted by: Keeper of the Night(= on 2009-09-27 06:48:17)

I was at a sorta crowded church the other night, seated right in the middle of the pew. I felt really squished, and all of a sudden I started getting really nervous, to the point of a panic attack. No one seemed to notice (according to friends and family, I don't look nervous at all) luckily. It lasted pretty much the whole time we were there. (well maybe half the time it started to get serious) I felt the need to "get to somewhere safe " but it felt like there was no way out. I know it sounds like claustrophobia, but I thought it was just anxiety becuase I was afraid of embarrassing myself in front of all these people. I had social anxiety a few years back, but I got over that so I hope it's not starting again. Any ideas? (this doesn't happen normally at church)

Posted by: Jared on 2009-09-27, 06:54:48

Pure anxiety. You felt trapped in that situation and in your mind you had no way out. So you panicked internally. Don't over-analyze this. Just accept it as a reaction your brain had, and try to cope with it logically. Tell yourself this isn't a normal reaction, there is nothing to panic about and try and concentrate on your breathing. Breath in for 2-4 seconds.. and breath out for 2-4 seconds. Continue the controlled breathing for as long as it takes to calm things. Sometimes we make more out of such random attacks that we let them rule out thoughts and turn them into bigger problems than they need to be. You might want to combat anxiety with extra activity (exercise) and watch your stress levels/ sleep. Try to avoid drug therapy until natural coping just won't do it for you. God is always a good option for those who believe. = )