Anxiety over shopping...

[Cersei]

About three years ago I was diagnosed with agoraphobia. Over the years I've become much better, I normally have very little trouble doing everything. But recently it's been acting up again.

I had my first panic attack about three months ago for almost a year and a half. I would manage to calm myself down and then it would start back up again. It was really terrifying as I was slightly drunk and my friends at University has never seen me like that and they did not quite know how to deal with it, it also made me feel horrible for putting them through that.

Anyway, since coming home from University I've been able to keep myself very calm and I've been anxious about things but I've been able to keep them under control. But tomorrow I'm suppose to being going shopping with one of my really good friends, the issue is that I've never been to this shopping centre before so I don't know what to expect. Also, she's driving us there. This makes me very anxious because I almost always drive everywhere, when I drive I know that I can get out if anything goes wrong and I don't feel trapped. The thought of shopping is also horrifying to me at the moment because my ED thoughts are acting up and having to deal with sizes just makes me feel horrible.

The thing is, I need to go on this shopping trip. I need new clothes because I've warn out all of my old ones. I can't go on placement (I'm training to be a Primary School teacher) with clothes with holes in, it's totally unprofessional. I've warned my friend that I'm feeling anxious over this trip, but she's just kind of brushed it off.

I guess I'm just asking for some advice on how to deal with this shopping trip? I know these of things I need to do but they are just terrifying me. I don't want to go and have another panic attack and make my friend deal with it.

Sorry if I've rambled. =/

[sherlock holmes]

Can't you drive the both of you there to ease your anxiety?

Maybe look up the floor plan of the shopping centre in advance so you know where everything is.

Beyond that, take things as they come. Don't work yourself up or you'll end up getting anxious about getting anxious! If you start to panic then find somewhere quiet to sit and do some deep breathing exercises. Maybe look some up on youtube to practice before you go. I also find when I get anxious it helps if I keep distracted.

[Cersei]

No, my step-brother has been an idiot and damaged his car to the point of which its not save to drive and he's got work tomorrow. Sadly him working takes priority over me going shopping.

I shall do that, thank you for the idea. It will probably feel better if I have some understanding of the floor plan and the easiest ways out.

Getting anxious over getting anxious is something I'm quite good at! I shall see on the floor plan where I can go for some quiet space where I can do some breathing exercises if the anxiety start, that should reassure me.

Thank you for replying.

[nowhereman]

I personally love shopping, but I have also found it hard recently. I suffer with feeling unreal and all the colours and different things in shops, not to mention the crowds, is one thing that triggers it.

I have found simply dont think about it. As Sherlock Holmes said, try not to get anxious over being anxious! If I think about it, it happens, if I don't, it won't. Mind you it's taken a long time to even get to that stage.

Also with crowds, just ignore them. Literally pretend they are not there. Focus on yourself and whoever you are with and forget everyone else, this is what I do now.

I can't think of much more advice but good luck, and I hope you get everything you need ok.