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Coping mechanisms for attending a concert / general anxiety?

Lizzie

In September I got tickets to see MCR in July with my sister. This is the concert we have both dreamed about since we were teenagers, and it means so much to us. When I got the tickets I wasn't very well, and since September I have still been struggling to recover from burnout, but, I am starting to make some good progress.

I sometimes get days where things go really well, like yesterday, where I could cope and actually got excited about the gig. Today I got really overwhelmed by a smell, and it's sent my mind racing. I am not worried about the actual gig itself per se, I am more worried about the crowds, the noise, food, how we'll get there, that kind of thing. I have signed up to start CBT next week, as I think having some therapy will help me not catastrophise so much. At the moment, every time something goes wrong, my brain goes 'well you won't see MCR'. I know it's because I care, but it's still scary!

I have never had CBT, but am hopeful it will help. But I know with autism there is also so much more that goes on. Whilst it might help my thoughts, it might not help with my sensory struggles with smells, crowds, etc. 

So, my question is, those of you who attend concerts, or go to events, or have been to crowded places, what are your best coping mechanisms? What are some techniques that really help you get through these tricky times? What is something that grounds you when overwhelm and fear are too much?

And, also, any positive stories would help me a lot. Thank you!

  • I've never been to a concert that's larger than a pub with someone I know singing, but I have been to seated events, like plays and shows. 
    I am like profdanger, in that I can go places fine with my husband, so having your sister there should be a great help.  If you can have a hand signal to her that means you need to go somewhere quiet that might be useful too. (You could even email the venue and see if they have quieter spots).

    I feel better if I plan and research beforehand, so I know where we are parking, or know transport times, bus/train stops and look at all these up on streetview so I can see what they look like. I got earplugs (I got Loops) at the end of last year, and they can help as you can still hear but gives comfort. (I tried them when we took the kids to a Steve Backhsall show, and they were handy)

    Maybe have a fidgit toy in your pocket? I've not tired this, but I'll often put my hands in my pockets and rub my fingers together as a stim that no one else can see when in public.

    I think it does sound like your anxiety before will be worse, so therapy and feeling prepared will help with this so you can enjoy it.

  • Good morning from America! That’s super exciting that you’re going to see MCR.

    For me, knowing that I have a safe person with me generally helps with crowds. I almost never go into crowded places without my wife, to be honest. Since your sister is coming along, it might help to focus on the fact that you have support if you need it.

    I think therapy is a great idea! It might not fix everything, but hopefully that can help at least alleviate some of your fears regarding going to the concert.