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Anxiety about going to the movies?

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Posted 8/4/2008 9:41 PM (GMT 0)
My husband wanted to go and see Batman this weekend, but all of sudden the thought of going to the movies made me really anxious. I don't get why I go so anxious about it.  I didn't let my husband know I was anxious, just told him it was the Crohns acting up.

Why would I be afraid of going to the movies?  There is a bathroom there, so there should be no fear of having to go to the bathroom or having a accident. 

I don't like this one bit, this is one time I consider my anxiety as STUPID!  Any thoughts why this would happen?  I appreciate your thoughts.

Hugs,

Gail *Nanners*

Posted 8/4/2008 10:09 PM (GMT 0)
There could be lots of reasons. I know I get anxious over going because it might be busy, I might have to sit in the middle of a row of seats, someone might try and make me eat/ drink something, the bathroom might be closed, and the cinema is quite a way from home. Logically I know they're all really silly, irrational reasons but, as we all know, anxiety isn't always rational.

I hope you are able to get over this hump and see Batman - it looks really good!
Posted 8/5/2008 1:56 AM (GMT 0)

Nanners,

I guess a movie is a dark, enclosed area, I can certainly see why that might give you some anxiety. But when anxiety interferes with our ability to enjoy life, it's, well sucky! Have you ever had this experience before? An irrational fear? I would tell anxiety to go jump and decide YOU ARE going. No matter what. Anxiety will probably have a go at you, but keep repeating that this is an irrational thought..you are the one in power. I hope you enjoy the movie. (even if you have to freak a little)...

Hugs,

Meg

Posted 8/5/2008 1:56 AM (GMT 0)
I don't mind the movies I guess because it is dark and cold and I can bring a sweater! - but I always tell my husband that we have to go in the afternoon(its cheaper also) and we have to sit at the end of a row. That normally means leaving a few min. earlier. I also don't eat any of that stuff they call food there and my husband can't order the jalapeno nachoes because if I smell them I have to run to the bathroom.


In other words I avoid the Friday night crazy completely full crowd which would set my off..........
Posted 8/5/2008 1:21 PM (GMT 0)
Nanners
There is NO rational to anxiety that is defintite my friend
One day you are ok with doing things the next you are frozen in a spot
Afraid of what you dont always know either

It sounds like your anxiety has become a bit worse of late
Have you talked to Primary doc or another
Doc to see if you can get a MILD med to help you
with some of these panic attacks and anxiety episodes

I have gone to movies and yes I sit at edge of the row and make sure I know where BR are
but I do and have taken a valium before going

That is why I despise this disorder so much my friend
It also in combination with Crohns or other diseases knocks you to the ground and
wants to interfere in every aspect of your life

I fight with all I have and I know YOU are a fighter
I do hope you can find some way to help with this if it means meds and self help techniques
SO be it
YOU have to have a LIFE
There is no shame hun

YOU are not alone

Luvs
LYN/sis

** BTW I have used the CD as my out a couple of times too but me thinks Cait knew lol**

Posted 8/5/2008 2:24 PM (GMT 0)
I have been to about one movie in the last 10 years - they are bad for me too! I think it is the fear of trying to stumble out of there in the dark or something?!!?! There is drive-in about 1 1/2 hours away from our house and sometimes we will pack a cooler and head up there. It use to be a deal before gas prices skyrocketed because we could see two movies for $5.00 a person (kids cheaper) and they are new releases. The kids love the Drive-In too b/c they bring blankets and pillows and all that kind of stuff. Also to take a family of five to the movies makes me have an anxiety attack to just think about the price!!

I hope you get to go see the movie. The movie I did go to I did pretty well - sat in the back row last seat and had no problems whatsoever getting up when I needed to. I think we just play the "what if" game.

Good Luck!!

Blessings,
Leah
Posted 8/5/2008 2:25 PM (GMT 0)
I can think of no reason why I couldn't go to the movies. I am not afraid of the dark, am not dumb enough to eat movie food (learned the hard way), and there is absolutely no reason to be anxious. I take my Xanax anytime I need it, but for some reason that was not enough this time. I just don't get why going to the movies would bother me, it just makes no sense to me. Oh well!
Posted 8/5/2008 2:28 PM (GMT 0)

Nanners,

I have had the very same thing happen. I have agreed to go to the movie and then backed out at last minute as the anxiety kicked in and I could not leave my safe zone.

Don't beat yourself up.  When your up to it, you will go to a movie. For now just be in the moment and if the moment is staying home from the movies..........it is OK.  I promise.

Gentle Hugs dear friend,
Kitt 

Posted 8/5/2008 3:21 PM (GMT 0)
It really depends on the movie for me. I cant really do the dark, scary movies or movies with lots of action and quick cuts. It gives me sensory overload and makes me very

anxious.

Posted 8/6/2008 5:24 AM (GMT 0)

Nanners,

How are you going? Have you bought those tickets yet or is anxiety still whispering nasty things?? I hope you are doing well sweetie. Fight!

Meg

Posted 8/6/2008 1:39 PM (GMT 0)
Think back, can you remember anything bad in the movies? I saw Cloverfield which was a hand held camera movie and I got very motion sick. Something like that could cause anxiety for future movies.
Posted 8/6/2008 2:09 PM (GMT 0)
Hey Nanners,
I dont like going to the movies either. I used to love it when me and my husband were dating but not so much anymore. Plus he always falls asleep during the movie. (yes, in a theater) But anyway, I hope that you can overcome this fear. I will keep you in my prayers. Love to you!
Rachel
Posted 8/6/2008 3:35 PM (GMT 0)

Good Morning Nanners,

Just a note to let you know I am here and thinking of you my friend.  I know anxiety well so try kicking it to the curb and feeling some peace for a bit.

Love ya my sweet Lady,

Kitt

Posted 8/6/2008 5:30 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Nanners,

I love movies as they are my favourite escape mechanism but crowds, sitting next to people in the dark, unruly children and rude talking peple make me really anxious and claustrophobic. So I"ve developed a routine. I only go to maitnees *cheaper too" , sneak in some favourite snacks (good distraction), take a valium and have a good friend drive so I don't have any anxiety about parking or waiting in line for tickets. I always know where the bathroom is & I even take little break in the lobby if I feel anxious.

Hope this helps as Mama Mia is a really fun uplifting film!

Best,
Cary
Posted 8/6/2008 8:33 PM (GMT 0)
No we haven't ever made it to the movies. I was off for a few days, but every day when I would think, ok today we will go, BAM there it came. What's bad is the theater is only about 5 blocks from the house. Seeing a movie should be fun and I would be with my most favorite person in the world, my husband. For some strange reason it just gets to me.

I will definetly bring this up with therapist. I just really think it is a irrational fear for me. Just can't make heads or tails of it. I have been bugging my hubby to go to the movies forever, now he wants to go, and I can't. **Shoulder shrugs**

Thanks for your thoughts guys.
Posted 8/6/2008 8:49 PM (GMT 0)

We are here for you always, and you will get to see Batman.  It will be awhile before I get there too............Hugs sweetie.

Kitt

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