Fear of fainting

[Roseline1982]

I've fainted three times in my life, all in public situations, and I believe this is one of the main causes of my panic disorder.  Anyone else experience this?

[Cuchculan]

With anxiety we all have that one main big fear. With you it is fainting. Others might fear IBS when out. Others vomiting. There is always one big fear for everybody. The one thing they associate with their anxiety. I have felt my legs begin to go in shops in the past. Things begin to spin in my head. Made a few fast exits. But always composed myself. All about learning how to breathe in the correct way. To calm yourself down. It is something you can get over. Something you can learn to beat. It may not seem like it right now. But with a bit of work it can be done. There are a lot of videos on youtube about how to breathe and calm ourselves down in such situations. Might be worth watching a few. Trying to learn from them. Instead of just accepting this always has to happen to you. It doesn't. It can be brought under control. Just believe in yourself. You can make it happen.

[TarheelBabe1980]

Have you worked with a therapist for this?  As Cuchculan said, deep breathing and relaxation techniques are very important.  I have the same phobia, although my fainting episodes were due to blood drawings and a few bad stomach bugs as a kid (dehydration).  I have felt lightheaded enough to sit down fast when I or someone else got cut, but I did not truly faint.  I am seeing my therapist for these phobias right now, and will keep this thread updated with my progress.  :)