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How do I Excuse Myself...
How do I Politely Excuse Myself from a group setting during An Anxiety Attack without worrying anyone? I am so used to being alone during them and I don't like to talk during one!!! Any Suggestions please? Plus I have a small dog who I cuddle with during one! I just don't want to make a big deal out of it! I want to actually be ignored,their embarrassing,I have no problem talking about them after just not during! Thanks
It's definitely tough to manage a panic attack when they come on, especially if you're in a large group of people. A lot of times it depends on the setting as to the best approach to excuse yourself. If it's a more intimate group, it may be a little tougher to be discreet about your exit, or to get out of the situation without a barrage of questions.
The bottom line and what you have to keep in mind is that you don't have to share anything with people you don't want to. I'm a lot like you, I don't want to talk about my anxiety when I'm in the middle of a panic attack, I cannot even think straight. And while people of course want to be supportive and kind, I cannot tolerate people being overly focused on me in that moment. Don't hug me or tell me it will be alright. For whatever reason, IN that moment, it does not help.
If there are places you're going to be regularly, with the same group of people, you could kind of give someone in the group a heads' up, and just explain that if you need something in those situations, you'll ask, but that in those moments, you just like to be alone.
I think you'd also be surprised how much support you will get if you DO decide to confide in people. You'd be amazed at how many people suffer with their own anxiety. It's still something most people remain closed off about, therefore, it's common to not be aware of even a close friend or acquaintance having anxiety issues. Just try not to put too much pressure on yourself in that moment. We THINK everyone is looking at us, or that everyone can tell, but unless we're rolling around on the floor screaming, most times a panic attack isn't obvious to those around us, so just excuse yourself, without a specific reason. You can just say, "excuse me please".
Let us know how you're doing!
The bottom line and what you have to keep in mind is that you don't have to share anything with people you don't want to. I'm a lot like you, I don't want to talk about my anxiety when I'm in the middle of a panic attack, I cannot even think straight. And while people of course want to be supportive and kind, I cannot tolerate people being overly focused on me in that moment. Don't hug me or tell me it will be alright. For whatever reason, IN that moment, it does not help.
If there are places you're going to be regularly, with the same group of people, you could kind of give someone in the group a heads' up, and just explain that if you need something in those situations, you'll ask, but that in those moments, you just like to be alone.
I think you'd also be surprised how much support you will get if you DO decide to confide in people. You'd be amazed at how many people suffer with their own anxiety. It's still something most people remain closed off about, therefore, it's common to not be aware of even a close friend or acquaintance having anxiety issues. Just try not to put too much pressure on yourself in that moment. We THINK everyone is looking at us, or that everyone can tell, but unless we're rolling around on the floor screaming, most times a panic attack isn't obvious to those around us, so just excuse yourself, without a specific reason. You can just say, "excuse me please".
Let us know how you're doing!
I am sure somebody else will be able to help you, but my question is for more background - what kind of meetings do you have that allow a dog? Are they outdoor meetings or are you working in a pet shop?
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