Anxiety at Restaurants

[jasonibs9]

Yesterday my wife and I went to a restaurant that started off fine , there weren't too many people there , and then a huge family came in with a bunch of noisy kids.   When they all sat down I was still doing ok but then when the waitress brought the food , I got suddenly sick , dizzy , and off  balanced feeling.  I didn't know what to do because I wasn't going to be able to eat all of a sudden. And here I'm obligated to eat the food that was just put in front of me... anyone else relate?

[CoolCalmAndCollected]

Yes, I can relate.  Sometimes my panic attacks have to do with feeling "fenced in" by the expectations others have of me, or so I think.  I've had times where I started panicking just because a TV show or movie was starting (at home) because I think others will be disappointed if I don't sit and watch with them.

Lest anyone think I am a total doormat, this is just so far outside my real nature.

I've found that panic attacks twist thinking and bring thoughts to mind that don't make any real sense.  I don't completely understand it, obviously, but I think it has to do with mental fatigue and general stress that has been ignored and not dealt with for an extended period of time, coming crashing down on you in an unexpected way.

[lilgina]

Yes, I can relate.  I prefer quieter settings when going out to eat; I sometimes think we anxious people's nerves go in overdrive when there is a lot of stimulaton around, like noise and such.  Or just more sensitive to it.

[simplegirl]

yes i can relate to that.but my anxiety in restos comes from the thought of long wait for food and i become anxious thinking that i might have a panic attack while waiting.but i still go to restos even feeling that way and i noticed that lil by lil i dont get anxious anymore in restos!so what i would like to say is that even youre feeling that way in restaurants ,dont make it stop you going in there.i know its hard but its worth the perseverance 

[abeja_reina_1989]

I agree with simplegirl. The more you push yourself, (and yes.. it will take time, so please try to be patient with yourself.. I know it's tough! Cuz we all want instant results ) the easier it gets. I mean, if you were to leave the restaurant, that would just teach your mind to do that every time, because it relieved your tension
I can relate 100% with what you're dealing with!! I used to just freak out when I would eat in front of people. There was this one time when I was going out to dinner with my bf and his fam. On the way there, I wanted to just jump out of the car. I started crying and shaking. I knew that it didn't make sense, but just wasn't able to stop. But, guess what?? When I got there, everything worked out fine and I had a great time. Lots of fun:) It will get better with time

[lilkitn]

I can totally relate to you.  I used to HATE eating in restaurants!  I always preferred fast food, get in, get out, and get home.  But I've learned to love sitting down and dining.  I think what triggers anxiety in restaurants is that to us it can feel closed in.  When you feel like you don't have anywhere to escape it can make you feel almost claustrophobic.  I've also found that when I'm in a situation like that loud noises can make it worse, cause it makes it harder to concentrate on calming myself.  So what do you do?  Well  you can find some comfort in exits, although you AREN'T going to use them.  Look for the washrooms, they are a good time out.  Splash some water on your face and get right back out there.  At first maybe try to focus what's going on at your table and shut out everything else.  I know recently while reading a book, I came across the most interesting perspective.  They talk about when you're having anxieties, how all of your thoughts go internal, inside yourself.  You worry about your symptoms and what you feel, and what it might mean.  They talk about getting OUTSIDE of yourself, focusing on something external.  Look at things, listen, smell, feel textures, taste your meal slowly savour it, count the cars, listen carefully to someone's conversation, watch a tv if one is near by.  Anything you can do to take yourself out of your mind will lessen your symptoms.  And another huge thing I have learned is just to try to let go.  If we hold on tight to our anxieties and try to control them, it just gets harder.  It's when you relax and let go that things get easier.

Hope this helps!