Any practical advice on how to overcome them?
I was recently describing some of my problems with a mental health team and they diagnosed it as a panic attack.
Many years ago, when I was 12, I think, I was out buying shoes and I walked into one of these small independent shoe shops where there is a narrow stair case to get to the men's shoes floor. And I lost consciousness. I remembered the distinctive smell of shoes and then my legs to weaker and head started feeling as if my brain was collapsing and I lost consciousness.
A few days later I had a similar problem walking into other shoe stores. It was always the same, smell of shoes in a confined space, legs weakening and head spinning and a blackness overcoming my mind. Stopping and retreating reversed the effects.
Once I collapsed in a city centre boots store with no warning. I just came to, sitting in a chair being asked if I was ok and did I want a drink of water. I don't even remember losing consciousness.
In One place I was working at, I couldn't walk into the main canteen, I could hear everyone talking and having a good time, but I couldn't walk through the door. The closer I got the weaker my legs and a black cloud enveloping my mind. It took me repeated attempts over a month before i could walk through the door. People thought I was aloof and antisocial.
Walking alone into pubs caused me similar effects. It's only in the last five years that I can walk through a pub door and order a drink and a meal.
I live in constant fear that I will have a blackout in public.
