Published on 12, July, 2020
My first post and I'm hoping to get some help from you good (and more experienced) people.
I'm due to go to a festival soon which I'm dreading. No, not a music festival, nothing so cool. There'll be a lot of people there and a lot of stalls to see. I'll do as I always do with such events - go very early to be at the head of the queue to get in, whizz round the place at stop speed grabbing anything that interests me and trying not to have to talk to anyone, then exit as fast as possible before it gets any busier and before my panic attack becomes too noticeable.
My tactics are those of a terrified child and I'd like to find some better ways to deal with such situations. Does anyone have any tips or ideas on how to make the event less stressful for myself (and others, come to that)? I should mention that I've tried mindfulness methods and they don't work for me. Any help gratefully received as I'm dreading this event.
All good advice given so far. Another thing I would do is to see if there is a quiet park, library, museum etc. nearby that you can use as a refuge if you're starting to feel overwhelmed. That way, I'll tackle an event in a series of short bursts separated by moments of peace. If I'm ever out at a pub, I'll use the outdoor smoking area in the same way if there is one (or failing that, a cubicle in the toilets!) I find that even knowing in advance that there is a sanctuary nearby help me to keep my anxiety under control.
The event is being held near me and wherever you go is full of scallies so not useful for this, but a really great idea for other places I go, thank you. From now on I'll remember to find a a sanctuary if there is one.