Davit, made a great point - that you were not in fact locked in. Reminding yourself of thoughts like this may be helpful in managing anxiety. I suggest printing out the 10 questions to challenge negativity found in session three. Use these questions to help contril the anxious throughts, which will help control the anxious feelings. Also, be sure to read the session on relaxations techniques. Using techniques like PMR to help calm your body while anxious can be very helpful. What are your thoughts on all this?
Hi, it isn't public transportation, it is Agoraphobia, the fear of not being in control, fear of public transit is a symptom. You know there is an emergency door, you were not locked in.
Keeping my anxiety from escalating into panic attacks is something I battle with daily. I take the bus to work as I don't like to be in control of a car and have to sit in traffic, so I carefully design my bus times so that not too many people are on the bus with me, and it's becoming a problem. I hate this avoidance thing and a few times I have faced my anxiety and let it pass; I felt really proud o f myself. However, yesterday I was sitting in the bus waiting to go when the driver decided to go for a bathroom break I guess, and he locked the door while he was gone. I did get through it, but the feeling of out of control anxiety was really hard to deal with; now I find myself watching the driver at ever stop....ready to bolt out the door if he does. I also sit in the very front seat in case the bus gets packed to standing room and I either get off at the next stop of feel okay being in the front.
I feel like this is spoiling my life and was wondering if anyone else has similar feelings on public transport.
