Silly, but want to ask...

I know we all have certain things that make our anxiety worse at times. Believe it or not, getting into the shower makes me anxious...I think it is because I had a panic attack in there before and I worry about having another in there. Has anyone ever felt that way about showering?? It should be a relaxing and calming time!!

What are some of your fears that make your anxiety worse?? I would love to hear what yinz have to say!

Sylknmyst

I also have a fear of getting in the shower im afraid because I feel what if I have an attack and pass out or fall

Driving my car for long periods of time. Large crowds. The usual. Haha. So glad to hear and see I'm not the only one.

Omg SC! I have the same problem! I get really freaked out when someone, even my own mother, rambles on. I panic and have to excuse myself where there's quiet, like a bathroom. It's like sensory overload or something. I have severe social anxiety, too, though.

My health anxiety is at it's worst right now. I swear I'm having a heart attack every few hours...lol.

Ugh.

Yes!!! I am this way as well!!!! A few weeks ago I had some kind of attack in the shower. Either my blood sugar was too low or it was a full out anxiety attack. I went to lean my head back to lather up the shampoo, I closed my eyes and BAM it hit me so hard. I instantly got dizzy, nauseous, and began gagging. It was horrible. Even typing this now makes the back of my head burn!!
Since then, I have been hyper aware of my showering routine!!! I make sure to eat something before I go in, the water can't be too hot, I only tilt my head back so far, I only lift my arms so high, I don't close my eyes anymore, and I'm constantly talking to myself through my shower. Either positive talk, or step by step process, or distraction talking about other things completely different!! I also spend as little time as possible in there. Which I'm sure my hubby likes (decreased water bill).
You are right, showers ate supposed to be quiet and relaxing. For me....not so much anymore!!
Good luck, keep us posted!!!

Although not common for me, I actually did experience some anxiety in the shower recently. If you've had a panic attack in the shower before, I definitely think that would qualify taking a shower as being a potential trigger for your anxiety. Consciously, and EVEN subconsciously, being in the shower brings you back the to feelings you had when you felt terror in there. I would guess that it is similar to post traumatic stress disorder in that you had a horrific experience in the shower and so when you go to take another shower or even see your shower it brings back horrendous feelings and memories, consciously or subconsciously, this initiating the fight-or-flight response automatically.

I am so glad to know I am not alone in feeling that way about the shower!

I thought I would see what else bothered everyone...kind of like the thread "you know you have anxiety when" because that was such an awesome thread!!

Glad you all shared some of your triggers!!!

Sylknmyst

Good Morning Everyone,

I love a warm shower especially when I am in high stress mode which has been so many long days lately.  As I mentioned in another post I wrote this morning I stress over stress.

Hope your day is peaceful,

Kitt

 

Shower thoughts -

I panic in the shower, badly! I had childhood asthma, so I figure that's part of it. I think it's just difficult enough to breathe to freak us out - but not enough to hurt us, if we're otherwise healthy.

I'm going to share what I do, although I am OCD and may learn that this is a ritual. lol

I can't stand to leave the curtain all the way open, because I start thinking the water splash on the floor is going to ruin my tile. lol

I have a fan in the bathroom, which I direct towards the back of the shower stall. I open the curtain there about 6 inches. It makes the wind circulate through the shower.

I plug the drain. I shampoo my hair, comb deep conditioner in and clip it up on top of my head. Then, I turn the water OFF.

While the water is off, I open the curtain and all of that cool wind from the fan is hitting my wet body and it is totally refreshing. There's enough water in the bottom of the shower to keep my sponge wet. I soap up from my neck down, do any shaving, etc. with the water off.

Then I pull the curtain back almost shut, turn the water back on and rinse.

TOTALLY eliminates my breathing/dizziness issues, softens my feet for exfoliating/pedicure after shower, gives deep conditioner time to set correctly, saves on the water bill, leaves hot water if someone is bathing after me, and I actually feel cleaner because I have time to really scrub before the soap gets rinsed off. :)

If you use lots of slick products, though, you definitely need a matt or those sticker things in the tub to keep from slipping if you do this.

Post Edited (BeRock) : 6/29/2013 12:19:59 PM (GMT-6)

I really can't express how much relief I feel from posting this thread! I really thought it was just me that had this thing about the shower...now I know I am not alone!!!

I am so glad everyone has shared these with me and everyone else on here! I think it helps just knowing that some of the things that we think only bothers "us" sometimes bothers others as well!!

Sylknmyst

BeRock,

See, I guess we all work together as a team well on Healing Well!!!

How are you doing today? I have been thinking about you. I hope you have a smile on your beautiful face today!!!

Sylknmyst

I'm much better today, Sylknmyst! :) thank you so much! HUGS!!!

Thank you! :)