Panic Attacks Support Group

A panic attack is a period of intense fear or discomfort, typically with an abrupt onset and usually lasting no more than thirty minutes. Symptoms include trembling, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, sweating, nausea, dizziness, hyperventilation, and sensations of choking or smothering. Panic attacks can be very sudden, appear to be unprovoked, and are often...

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Anxiety Disorders
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Panic and eating out

ZenEm
ZenEm

Hiya, so I have Crohn's Disease (Inflammatory Bowel Disease), and for s few years I had problems eating and drinking at cafes, or restaurants, or just with people around. It kinda stemmed from a reaction I had to some food at a restaurant when eating out with colleagues. I got past that and was ok for the last 18 months, and Boom! It's happened twice now, in cafes just chatting with friends over a hot chocolate or coffee, and the panic attack hits. 
Some of my friends don't want to go out lunch or dinner with me now, or don't invite me over cos I can't eat normally even if I'm not panicking. 
I'm sad and anxious and I don't know how to stop it happening again. 
Just wanted to post, cos I know I'm not alone, and happy to hear any tips or tricks you have for eating out.
Medicated on 10mg nortryptyline (spelling?). 


Hope everyone is safe and well x

Emerald0743
Emerald0743
Im really sorry you have to go through that. I had some food related anxiety. (Thinking someone could spike my food or drink) honestly the thing that helped me the most was CBT. Do your friends know about your condition? Another thing that has helped me alot too is talking about my panic attacks. I suffered in silence for a long time because I didnt think anyone would understand or they would just think Im crazy but although they might not understand compmetely they are able to sympathize and try to support me and its really helped to chip away at some of the power the panic attacks have over me.
ZenEm
ZenEm
Thank you Emerald! It’s been a long time since I did CBT, might be worth revisiting it. My friends do know about the Crohns, but don’t know about the associated eating disorder and panic attacks. There’s probably some who will understand. x
Emerald0743
Emerald0743
Thats good. Maybe you can share with the friends you are really close to who you think will be more understanding and supportive. I think revisiting CBT is a great Idea. In the meantime Breathing is the only thing that really helps me come down from a panic attack at the moment and for whatever reason I always go to the bathroom. I guess I feel like its a safe place. So whether Im home or out I run to the bathroom and sit on the toilet and do deep breathing exercises until I feel my anxiety come down. It is hard to concentrate on at first but usually a couple of breathes in and I start to feel better. Once Im feeling more stable I try to challenge my negative thoughts and irrational fears.
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