Scared I’m going to faint at the theatre tonight

[teamthirteen]

I’m going to a comedy show tonight but I know some of the stories and jokes are going to be pretty gory and I tend be get quite squeamish about stuff like that in public. Also I’m on the front row, and I’m worried that if I felt ill and needed to leave it’d be so obvious and also embarrassing to my friends who are with me. I’d also draw attention to myself which would make it all a million times worse. I tried to get out of going but I can’t let my friend down and also I don’t want to let this beat me. I don’t know what to do in order to feel calm and in control.

An easy grounding technique for panic attacks is to count 5 things you can see, hear, smell, feel etc; might that work? Or count fives of something else in your mind ie five birds, fruit, vegetables, bands, capital cities etc?

Just keep repeating in your head till it passes. And keep breathing.

In reality, leaving a theatre isn't as embarrassing as you think - most people will assume you're off to the loo.

And actually being on the front row makes it easier - you won't need to ask anyone to stand up to let you out. You can leave at any time - just keep that in your mind.

Do your friends know how you feel about this kind of stuff? If not, it might be worth telling them (or the person you feel most comfortable with) as that might help too. You can say it in a lighthearted way.

I'd also take some water in with you - that can help. And also, just try not to visualise what they comic is saying! (Is it a medical thing?)

So great that you're going to fight this - I bet it ends up not being as scary as you thought. These things rarely are!

@jessicama yes it is medical related and I’m usually not squeamish at all, but I think it’s the fact it’s in public the idea of feeling squeamish and having to leave is what I’m worried about. I’ve actually been to this particular show before, and read the associated book, so I KNOW what’s coming. I should be more prepared than not!

Is it by any chance the Adam Kay book? I found the show much less gross than the book descriptions!

Definitely focus on the fact that they're all known things and you got through it before without fainting or embarrasing anyone!

Yes @jessicama it is!

How did it go @teamthirteen?

@jessicama it was fine, thank you checking back! The degloving part was a bit 🤢 but I didn’t feel faint or anything

Excellent - well done! Yeah that bit is pretty disgusting...!