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Original poster

What is the strangest thing that triggers your anxiety?

172 replies

MullerInk · 21/05/2023 16:43

For me it's when we are having a garden day, walking in and out of the garden to the kitchen. It makes me feel so sick with worry@

OP posts:
AdditionalCharacter · 21/05/2023 22:40

Not being able to park outside my house. 9/10 I can, but there is always that 1/10 I can't. I get anxious driving up the road to my house every day. Don't have this if driving DH's car though.

Blinky21 · 21/05/2023 22:41

Discarded office chairs, ice cream van music, loud tvs

AdditionalCharacter · 21/05/2023 22:43

Also being around drunk people when I'm not drinking. My parents were big drinkers when I was growing up, and some awful stuff happened to me throughout my childhood linked around them being drunk and others around them being drunk. My mum is still a big drinker and I avoid her drinking times if I can.

Cm078 · 21/05/2023 22:49

Parking. I sometimes drive round and round car parks to find a nice easy space to get into, even if it's the complete furthest end of the car park where it's less busy and end up having to walk further to the shop 🙈
I had to take my DS to a busy hospital once for an appointment and I panicked the whole way there. 11 years of driving and I'm still not over it

TellySavalashairbrush · 21/05/2023 22:54

Being stuck in traffic in the city.
lorries going past me closely on the motorway.
The slightest change in my body- I have health anxiety.

Assignedtoworryyourmother · 21/05/2023 23:01

Lots of things. A few big ones are receiving texts/what's app messages; getting onto an escalator or into a lift; department stores; leaving or arriving home at the exact same time as my next door neighbour.

newyearsresolurion · 21/05/2023 23:01

Run down/ old /factory looking buildings

Comedycook · 21/05/2023 23:03

Chellybelle · 21/05/2023 19:23

Letters through the door, that could be unexpected bills, or letters saying my housing benefit has gone down, usually claiming an overpayment that turns out to be incorrect, but still causes worry.

I'm terrified of post. I feel sick with worry when I see the postman. I hand all my letters over to dh to deal with. I cannot open an envelope without shaking.

bellalou1234 · 21/05/2023 23:04

I've found my people

EmmaEmerald · 21/05/2023 23:07

OrigamiOwls · 21/05/2023 17:34

London underground escalators

You mean in case someone presses the stop button? I don't know if they stop suddenly or slowly.

for me, travel generally, I feel anxious in stations and airports.

LunaNorth · 21/05/2023 23:07

The time between 3:30 and about 5pm.

Checking my bank account, because I spend too much.

The house being messy - though having ADHD means I struggle to keep on top of it.

Any skin changes, or body changes - health anxiety.

DH seeming in some way ‘off’ or feeling ill. I’m terrified of losing him.

Any family member having any medical tests or appointments.

Eye tests - especially the scan part.

Dentists - my last one said ‘I’m just checking for signs of head and neck cancer,’ and I nearly fainted. Haven’t been back in about four years.

My phone ringing.

Seeing certain health-related thread titles on MN.

I’m sure there are others…

EmmaEmerald · 21/05/2023 23:08

Luna "Dentists - my last one said ‘I’m just checking for signs of head and neck cancer,’ and I nearly fainted. Haven’t been back in about four years"

wait...they do that?!

catandgirlmum · 21/05/2023 23:09

My tummy rumbling

catandgirlmum · 21/05/2023 23:09

Tidsleytiddy · 21/05/2023 19:01

Kids kicking a ball. Just the sound of the bounce sets me on edge.

Oh yes same!!

Comedycook · 21/05/2023 23:12

@LunaNorth I have lots of your ones too
..I hate my phone ringing. My heart jumps when I hear it. Horrible. I'm terrified of skin changes and often don't look at my body when I'm showering because I'm terrified. I hate going to the doctors

LunaNorth · 21/05/2023 23:13

EmmaEmerald · 21/05/2023 23:08

Luna "Dentists - my last one said ‘I’m just checking for signs of head and neck cancer,’ and I nearly fainted. Haven’t been back in about four years"

wait...they do that?!

Mine did.

Middlenamespot · 21/05/2023 23:13

Accidentally seeing something horrible online, horrible people, unexpected work emails when I’m on days off 🫠🤢

Middlenamespot · 21/05/2023 23:14

Children showing slightest signs of illness

Sunnycornwallanddevon · 21/05/2023 23:17

gerbo · 21/05/2023 20:15

Having to hold something in front of people. I first felt panicky eating in a certain social setting and my arms/hands went weak, I thought/felt like I'd drop my cutlery! Like I'd lost all strength and had jelly hands.
I get it holding a drink in social situations if I'm anxious and have to put the drink down, as I panic I'll drop it.
A friend asked if I'd like to hold her baby at a wedding, in a circle of people, and I made some excuse, as my arms had gone weak.
Very odd! Does anyone else get this??
It seems to be when I feel socially anxious and very watched by lots of eyes.

Omg I get this! I honestly have never heard of anyone else suffering from it! Worse as a teenager, young adult, couldn't hold a drink in front of anyone it was just awful. Even now if I catch myself thinking about it I feel like my hand will lurch the drink across the floor, so horrible. If it was alcoholic and I could get a couple of swigs down me I'd be ok. I'm in my mid 59's now fgs!

newyearsresolurion · 21/05/2023 23:18

Parallel parking/reverse parking

labamba007 · 21/05/2023 23:18

That space between the train and the platform edge - my arse could never fit down don't know why it worries me!

Furrybutts · 21/05/2023 23:20

Seeing or hearing someone brush their teeth.

Children talking to me. I've had counselling for PTSD for this.

Not being able to be alone to recharge.

QueenBitch666 · 21/05/2023 23:24

Chellybelle · 21/05/2023 19:23

Letters through the door, that could be unexpected bills, or letters saying my housing benefit has gone down, usually claiming an overpayment that turns out to be incorrect, but still causes worry.

That's mine 😳
Anything official looking breaks me out in a cold sweat 😞

LynetteScavo · 21/05/2023 23:29

Dressshelp · 21/05/2023 20:18

Teaspoons on the drainer with a little bit of tea still on them and people stood above me when I’m sat down.

Tea spoons on the drainer - so, so wrong.

LynetteScavo · 21/05/2023 23:31

Making out going calls. I'm so happy emails and texts and ordering food online is a thing now. I hate making out going calls. I don't mind answering the phone though.