Restaurant Panic – PLEASE HELP
Question:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I hope this works…. This is my first time on any newsgroup. I was told to read the messages for a week or so before posting anything myself, however, I am feeling a slight sense of urgency here. Ever since I was a small child I have always had a problem eating in restaurants. I would get sick to my stomach if I ate anything and generally end up vomiting either in the bathroom or out in the parking lot. As I got older I learned to "hang" and as long as I didn’t eat anything I would be just fine. I could watch other people eat, talk, laugh and in general have a pretty good time. Anyway on the night of my husband’s birthday (about a month ago) we went to dinner…my parents and his parents included. I had the worst panic attack I’ve had in my whole life. Sweating, heart beating fast, nausea (By the way I have a fearful panic of throwing up) I had to leave the restaurant. Ever since then I feel that I have a heightened sense of anxiety. My REAL problem right now is I’m supposed to go to a big retirement party at a hotel and I’m getting more and more nervous every day. I read the panic FAQs and it helped a little, but was wondering if anyone else was in the same boat and what they had done about it. Also I am concerned about the panic spreading to other locations. Any advice would be appreciated. I don’t have time to take drugs!
I think Arthur is right on the money, especially his advice on medication. I have found an especially good book on anxiety disorders. It is titled _The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook_. It is by Edmund J. Bourne, Ph.D. The 2nd edition is the latest version. — Ken Taggart
Response:
I didn’t have any problem eating in restaurants until after my panic disorder set in.
Arthur thanks for the insight I’m glad to know that not everyone thinks the world revolves around resturant dining Agoraphobia is a serious concern for us. But you seem to be doing pretty well since your getting out to restaurants. Do you really feel this is becomming a problem for you?
I am feeling a heightened sense of anxiety lately. Nothing to keep me at home or not do normal things… maybe its because I’m sick and don’t feel very well lately. Unfortunetly, my brain seems to be able to talk my into anxiety, just not out of it. Anxiety disorders are best treated early on and your recovery should be a top priority for you. Hope some this helps.
I may just go see my doctor at that. Thank you so much Anna
Response:
: Arthur thanks for the insight I’m glad to know that not everyone : thinks the world revolves around resturant dining Ah, yes, but I wonder how our restaurant-phobic folks feel about revolving restaurants? (grin) 
: I am feeling a heightened sense of anxiety lately. Nothing to keep me : at home or not do normal things… maybe its because I’m sick and : don’t feel very well lately. Unfortunetly, my brain seems to be able : to talk my into anxiety, just not out of it. Oh, OK. I know that feeling. : I may just go see my doctor at that. Thank you so much You’re welcome. Post or e-mail us anytime and let us know how you’re doing. Best Wishes, Arthur
Response:
I hope this works…. This is my first time on any newsgroup. I was told to read the messages for a week or so before posting anything myself, however, I am feeling a slight sense of urgency here. Ever since I was a small child I have always had a problem eating in restaurants. I would get sick to my stomach if I ate anything and generally end up vomiting either in the bathroom or out in the parking lot. As I got older I learned to "hang" and as long as I didn’t eat anything I would be just fine. I could watch other people eat, talk, laugh and in general have a pretty good time. Anyway on the night of my husband’s birthday (about a month ago) we went to dinner…my parents and his parents included. I had the worst panic attack I’ve had in my whole life. Sweating, heart beating fast, nausea (By the way I have a fearful panic of throwing up) I had to leave the restaurant. Ever since then I feel that I have a heightened sense of anxiety. My REAL problem right now is I’m supposed to go to a big retirement party at a hotel and I’m getting more and more nervous every day. I read the panic FAQs and it helped a little, but was wondering if anyone else was in the same boat and what they had done about it. Also I am concerned about the panic spreading to other locations. Any advice would be appreciated. I don’t have time to take drugs!
Response:
: I hope this works…. Yup! It worked! 
Welcome to ASAP! : This is my first time on any newsgroup. I was told to read the : messages for a week or so before posting anything myself, however, I : am feeling a slight sense of urgency here. No problem. : Ever since I was a small : child I have always had a problem eating in restaurants. … I didn’t have any problem eating in restaurants until after my panic disorder set in. Of course, then I had allot of problems with restaurants, like what you described. In my own case, I found it helpful to deliberately break a few restaurant taboos. I see you’ve already started this by going to restaurants and not eating, which is a good step. Another good step is to allow yourself some escapes. It may seem a bit awkward to get up and leave the restaurant durring a meal, but there’s really nothing wrong with stepping out for an occasional breather. I’ve even left family Christmas dinners midway through, simply saying "excuse me, my anxiety levels are a bit high and I need to walk around a bit." Anyone who thinks ill of that simply needs to do their own adjusting. : right now is I’m supposed to go to a big retirement party at a hotel : and I’m getting more and more nervous every day. I’ve felt the same attending a few weddings during my panic disorder; and I was the best man in three of them. I went, I was horribly anxious for a while, I escaped quite a few times, but in the end I did well and actually enjoyed myself. Go ahead and try to attend the party. The worst that could happen is that you could leave early. : Also I am concerned about the panic spreading to other locations. Ah, yes, our old nemesis agoraphobia. (spooky music) Agoraphobia is a serious concern for us. But you seem to be doing pretty well since your getting out to restaurants. Do you really feel this is becomming a problem for you? : I don’t have time to take drugs! Sorry, but I’ll have to disagree with you here. If your anxiety or panic is becomming a serious impediment in your life, you certainly do have time to meet with your doctor to discuss medication options. If you don’t find the time now, then you may have more than enough time later if your anxiety disorder gets worse. Anxiety disorders are best treated early on and your recovery should be a top priority for you. Hope some this helps. Post or e-mail us anytime. Best Wishes, Arthur
