fear of open spaces

[MJF]

Does anyone experience this and have suggestions on how to deal with this?

I can get extremely unsteady and panicked when I am in an open place - like on a bridge or in a big field, or walking on the beach.  I feel like I need to crawl or hide - like the sky is too big and I am up way too high and exposed even though I am just standing there (if that makes sense).   It is a very physical reaction and can occur out of the blue (even if I am not thinking about it), and I am trying hard to find ways to conquer it....

[tigerpaw]

This was a very common fear of mine and a HA worse on my list.  Even large malls, sent me into a Panic.  When I look back it was all part of my anxiety disorder.

You need to get a hold of these physical symptoms.

A good therapist can help suggesting CBT or med's (through a phsyc dr)

Then you can start to deal with why your having these anxiety symptoms.

[MJF]

You are right - it is certainly all part of the anxiety.  It was actually triggered by a very bad bout of HA two years ago - I had never had it before (though I did have other triggers for panic attacks) and although the HA is much much improved, this reaction to open spaces still remains. 

[tigerpaw]

I would take it slowly.

Just being in your back yard could trigger an attack but its close to home and a good start.


I would reach out for therapy, it has really helped me a lot.

[NERVOUSWOMAN]

 I GET SAME SYMPTOMS VERY PANICKED AND DIZZY,BUT NOW GETTING SOME HELP WITH A THERAPIST,AND IT HELPING A LOT COMPARED TO WHAT I WAS LIKE AT THE START.