Help me with my theatre/cinema problem

[pigsinmud]

I wouldn't say it's a phobia, but I can't go to theatres and cinemas easily. I hate being surrounded by people and want a seat near the door and on the end of a row. If the place is full I won't go in. I worry for days about going and I end up with an upset stomach and the sweats - only last week I had to leave the panto to dash to the loo ... and that was when we were in a deserted balcony!

I think it started when I was about 18 and I went to the cinema. During the film I felt really sick. I was sitting at the end of a row next to the wall and had to clamber over people to get out in a hurry.

Next week my friend is putting on a play and I just don't know if I can make it. She knows I don't like the places - I haven't gone into the physical side effects! Is there anything I can do? I don't want to go because I just feel so rubbish and can't wait for it to be over.

Dh thinks I'm weird!

Sorry to hear you are suffering - it sounds like you are having panic attacks, I used to suffer the same thing when I was in my twenties. I couldn't go to the cinema, hated planes, tubes, anywhere I had to stay in one place for any length of time. I think it's a bit like the feeling of claustrophobia, that you are stuck there and can't get out. In my case, I found that rescue remedy really helped me, I think you can get it in lozenge form now so you could take some beforehand, and take some in with you. I know it sounds really obvious but I always used to make sure I went to the loo just before going into the theatre too, so I really knew I didn't need to go!! I never went to my GP for help, and it did pass eventually, so I hope it does for you too
PS sorry your DH is so unsympathetic!!

Thanks for the reply. I have rescue remedy for when I visit the dentist. I'll look out for the lozenges. I hate tubes and planes too - haven't flown for over 10 years.

I think that the theatre will be fairly deserted - unfortunately ticket sales are rather slow, so I shouldn't feel trapped, but I just dread it so much. To be fair dh is sympathetic, but he just doesn't get it - iykwim!

oh my god im like this too the last time i went to the cinema i was pregnant and that was 3 yrs ago i had panic feelings the whole way through and itwas harry potter film and was nearly 3 hrs long ,i just couldnt seem to sit still and kept going out to the toilets ,it felt awful and i didnt wan to tell my friend how i was feeling and spoil it for her.
i havent been in a cinema since altough i have been to panto with my older two kids and just managed to keep the panic under control