What are some ways to contain really bad anxiety in public places without having to make it obvious or leave the room?
25 Answers
Moderated by Danielle Johnson, MSED, Community mental Health Counseling, LMHC
Updated: Jun 13, 2022
WolfKeep
on
Mar 12, 2015
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There are a few techniques that you could try to do that I have found helpful whenever I'm stricken with a bad anxiety attack in public. First, try to remember that having an anxiety is a disorder that afflicts many people, and if your suffering from an attack in public it's not the most important thing to try and worry what others think of you. Having said that, I do understand, however, that it's not a necessarily good thing to be out trying to complete tasks or be with friends and have an attack. If at all possible, try to take slow sips of something cold, like water. I would avoid alcohol or soda because you don't want to add caffeine into the mix or numb your senses. Calmly walk to a place that's less crowded than where you are or take a quick break to go outside. Take slow, deep breaths. If your close to your car, sit in it for a few moments, and turn on the radio to something light, or conversations that can get your mind off of the anxiety. Sometimes, it's helpful to get in a good amount of exercise before you go out. Doing physical activities can exert your mind and even help you concentrate and relax. When I am going to be out in social situations and I'm with friends, I sometimes will quietly tell the person I'm closest with that I feel anxious and that I need some space or to leave the current situation. In most cases, you're friend will react very empathetically and even go with you or make sure that you get what you need. It's like having a designated driver, but for anxiety. The person knows you may have an attack, and is prepared to help you if you do. I've found having someone else who knows about your anxiety to be invaluable. Try to give yourself some slack when it comes to public circumstances. There may be some events that you know might trigger an anxiety attack and it might be best to decline going if you're feeling a bit vulnerable already. Be mindful of your triggers. Sometimes it helps to make a list of some things that give you anxiety when your out.
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HelpingZebra
on
Dec 21, 2015
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Take a few deep breaths through your mouth, and try and clear your thoughts. Then focus on something in front of you and start noticing the details, distracting yourself.
DayoftheLords
on
Jan 22, 2015
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Near a friend, always! Someone who tryly cares won't ask you questions, they will understand and comfort you. A friend was always there during my panick attacks, and they make it so much easier to go through it. Whenever you start feeling bad, grab a friend or someone who know and tell them exactly how you feel. Plus if it's someone you don't know that much, you can even build new friendships!
Anonymous
on
Jul 21, 2015
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I often sing to myself (softly) to contain anxiety. I try to recall all the lyrics, and focusing on something helps me to calm myself.
DipityEnigma
on
Apr 16, 2015
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I use day dreaming a lot and even more so, I use my music to help me escape the situation. If I don't want to be rude, I just think of a song in my head, rather than putting in my earphones.
Anonymous
on
Jun 30, 2015
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Clench your muscles for 15 seconds and then relax. Repeat. AND BREATHE. Find a certain point in the room and focus on it. Don't take your eyes off of it.
KnowledgeISPower44
on
Nov 2, 2015
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Those who have bad anxiety often can't help but feel overwhelmed. However, if you limit the tasks assigned to that individual's role then you are allowing their minds to function without the worries of 'needing to be' or 'having to be' something that they feel that they are not. For instance, for those who suffer from social anxiety when in public places or especially social conversations, you are overwhelmed with 'what if' thoughts, your body does not obey your mind, your heart races, your palms sweat, your eyes feel as if they cannot focus, and body shifts positions as if getting comfortable is an impossible measure. And with all this happening, it is often hard to find to find the ways to make what is in your head sounds as good verbally. Limiting ones purpose in the conversation from having a successful and intelligent sounding conversation to having the goal of having a conversation that either lets the other person know that you are interested in what they have to say or leave the conversation knowing that you did your best to be a beneficial influence and a light in that other person's life. To whatever you change your goal to, know that simplicity is key and the feeling of content comes with being a beneficial influence in others live, but will always be a need you should first be for your own life.
Anonymous
on
Sep 5, 2017
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Start focusing on your breathing process. 1.Breathe in slowly but deeply. Take 4 seconds to breathe in, feeling you stomach move in the process.
2Hold your breath for 7 seconds.
3.Breathe out as silently as you can manage, taking 8 seconds. Once you reach 8, you should have emptied your lungs of air.
4.Repeat as many times as you need, making sure to stick to the 4-7-8 pattern.
Hameidolol
on
Jan 25, 2015
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Breathe deeply, and focus on your own breathing. Let all the tension out as you exhale. Also, Meditation before getting in public place can help reduce your anxiety.
Anonymous
on
May 2, 2015
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A way to contain bad anxiety is to take an object that has significant value and is positive. This can also help with public speaking.
delicateEars36
on
Aug 8, 2016
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I heard that sniffing certain essential oils are very helpful also maybe reading a few positive affirmations that you keep on you at all times would be helpful. There are also breathing exercises that you can do.
Anonymous
on
Nov 1, 2016
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If I'm feeling anxious, chewing gum helps for me. It helps calm my body down, and on the plus side you will have fresh breath!
MalaJoe
on
May 28, 2018
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You can try different breathing techniques, that help you calm down. Something I always do is find 5 things I can touch (not literally, but technically), 4 things I can smell, 3 things I can hear, 2 things I can see and 1 thing I could taste (just in my head).
Anonymous
on
Jun 30, 2015
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Take deep breathes and try sitting down for a minute and think of your happy place try to take your mind off of it
Anonymous
on
Aug 4, 2015
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grip your hands together firmly the more anxious you get the firmer you grip will get this will also give you another focus
Anonymous
on
Aug 18, 2015
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Count 5 things you can see. Count 4 things you can touch. Count 3 things you can smell. Count 2 things you can taste.
MidnightPanda
on
Sep 14, 2015
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Breathing in and out, and then focusing on something other than the anxiety usually helps. Focus on something peaceful, or just zone out at a simple item
Anonymous
on
Nov 2, 2015
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Here is a simple anxiety attack first aid technique that will take just a minute. I can't promise it will work, but it might be worth a try.
It's called belly breathing. Sit comfortably. Close your eyes if you can. If you can't, just try to focus on a neutral object. Inhale slowly to the count of 3, letting the diaphragm expand away from your body. Exhale slowly to the count of 3, letting the diaphragm move back to your body. Do this a few times, then check in with your anxiety. Better?
Anonymous
on
Jul 19, 2016
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Sit down, close your eyes, breath deeply and think about a happy or calm place if possible. Or else, listen to music, message a friend, or play a game on your phone. If the situation is a little formal, staring into space might help
Anonymous
on
Aug 10, 2016
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Anxiety can be really tough to deal with and I think everyone has their own coping strategies. For me I try and 'ground' myself. So I'll count backwards in my head and focus on that, or I'll focus on my surroundings and every detail around me. It helps me feel more in control.
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