When I was first diagnosed with agoraphobia and panic attacks, I learned that agoraphobia literally means fear of the marketplace. That described me perfectly. My worst places to be were the grocery store and the mall.
When I have a panic attack, I get a strong, uncontrollable urge to leave the place I’m at. I feel more at ease when there is easy access to an exit. Big box warehouse stores with no windows and one door are challenging.
Medication has helped get me through the day without the constant fear of panic. I’m grateful that now I’m comfortable going anywhere — even the grocery store.
These places help me feel safe and relaxed:
- The Beach: My senses are both awakened and at peace here. I’m mesmerized as I watch the waves form, crash, and roll to the shore. Warm sand massages my feet, and cold water makes me feel alive. It’s as if I’m on vacation, with the sounds of seagulls and the smell of salty air. The beauty and serenity make this a spiritual place. I daydream about all that is possible.
- The Mountains: This is where life slows down. I take deep breaths and notice how quiet it is. Birds chirp and trees rustle in the breeze. Gravel crunches underneath my feet. It’s therapeutic to be with nature, and Just Be.
- Library or Book Store: Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve loved the smell of books! It’s quiet here, and a much-needed break from the busy world outside. I get a stack of magazines and best sellers to browse, find a comfy chair, and settle in. I focus on what I’m reading, and nearly forget I’m with other people.
- Movie Theater: The thought of sitting in a cool, dark theater for a couple of hours is pure bliss. It’s an escape, where I can observe, and not participate. For many people with anxiety, being in a theater can be difficult. I don’t like to sit in the middle of a row, in the center of the theater. I prefer to be toward the back, near the end of the row. I munch on popcorn, let my mind wander, and get lost in the show.
- Coffee Shop: I walk in and take a deep breath. The smell of coffee instantly relaxes me. It’s cozy and inviting. I can easily spend an hour or two here, sipping on a hot latte or an iced coffee, chatting with a friend. But because caffeine makes me jittery and anxious, I order decaf. And no double shots of espresso!
- Garden Center/Plant Nursery: I enjoy gardening, and thrive on the immediate gratification I get from planting flowers, weeding, and growing vegetables. A nursery is a serene escape. I browse every aisle, deciding what to buy. I revel in the slow pace and am rejuvenated by the hope of making my garden more beautiful.
- Church: I feel surrounded by love here. This time is dedicated to prayer and enriching my faith, away from the hustle of my regular routine. It used to be hard for me to attend Mass because I was afraid of having a panic attack. That fear has subsided, but I still prefer to sit near the end of the pew. When the service is over, I feel good that I made it through and didn’t let my anxiety stop me from worshiping. Another reason to be thankful!
The common thread to my favorite places is that they encourage me to be calm and mindful. I use all of my senses to fully immerse myself into the peace and relaxation that they offer.
So nice ! Well written.Blessings
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Thanks, I appreciate that! Take care 🙂
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Great tips! I too suffer from this bad anxiety so I understand how you feel! I like going to the beach too, its so relaxing and going to the movies!
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Thank you! Glad you can relate… but not glad you have anxiety. I wondered if others with anxiety would think going to the movies is relaxing like I do, because it can heighten anxiety. But that’s one of my happy places 🙂
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I like the movies, but it still freaks me out. I like it more when the lights are off and when there aren’t too many people there.
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I agree. I’m best sitting near the end of the row, but my husband likes to be smack in the middle. I do ok though 🙂
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I like to be on the end, too. I feel safer there, but sometimes when I’m with my whole family, I don’t mind sitting in the middle 😀
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I also suffer from agoraphobia and simply can’t cope with going to the movies. I spend the whole film feeling sick, hot, like I’m going to pass out – and desperately trying not to get up and leave. The end seat is better but I find the experience so torturous that I just don’t bother.
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I’m sorry it’s that bad for you. No fun at all. I used to dread sitting in a middle seat, but now I’m ok with it. Still, near the end is better. Thanks for visiting here and for the follow 😊 take care!🌷
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Great post! I’m so happy that you know where you can find peace. Sometimes, half the battle is figuring that out. 🙂
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So true! Thanks for your kind words 🙂
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nice post and good advice.
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Thank you Jim!
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Useful list, one which I believe many can/do benefit. I embrace the first six regularly.
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Thank you, Eric!
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I feel relaxed just reading this. My places would include a spot right here in the cafe, with my laptop, a cool drink and earbuds; the disc golf course; and the soccer sideline, away from parents, and with just my kids’ team. I love that you’ve identified so many places that you can find this calm.
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Thanks so much Eli! I love your places, especially the soccer sideline with just the kids on the team 🙂 And of course the cafe, one of my favorites!
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I get lots done in a cafe, Jenny, even when I get nothing done.
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Hmm.. Ok, I like that! 🙂
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It’s good you know your places.
Movie theatres give me anxiety, but I would agree to all the rest. Outdoors is infinitely better. 🙂
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I agree… Outdoors is the best. My absolute favorite is the beach 😊 Thanks Joey!
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I’m so happy to hear how you’ve overcome this debilitating illness, for most. Enjoy life! Sorry, it took me so long to get over here. I’ve not been on WP since my friend died. I’ve been really struggling with writing since she passed away. I posted something today, but it’s not very good………..it’s something….it’s a start……………..maybe I can get back into it. It’s really been difficult. Words just can’t express. I look forward to following your amazing blog. Hope you’re having a great day. Peace out! 🙂
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Thanks so much for your nice words! I’m really sorry you’re going through such a difficult time. Don’t be hard on yourself or push it too much. You can get back to writing when you feel ready. Sending you good thoughts. Take care!
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Thanks so much, jennymarie4. Hope you’re having a great day. Peace out! 🙂
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Sometimes, the mall relaxes me. Weird…but it’s because even though there are lots of people, I don’t KNOW them. So, I’m alone…but not lonely. I can be as engaged (or not) as I want. I can make small talk…or not. There is ZERO pressure.
Whatever works, right? 🙂
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Yes, you’re right, whatever works! The mall is ok with me now, especially if it’s not too crowded. That’s a good point, that you can be as engaged with others as you want, which helps ease the pressure. I feel most comfortable at the mall if I’m with my husband or daughters. My ‘safe’ people 🙂
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Reblogged this on Dream Big, Dream Often and commented:
I always enjoy my time on Peace From Panic!!
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thanks for sharing these places x
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My pleasure! 😊
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Wonderful reflection, Jenny! As I was reading along, I was surprised by the number of times I found myself thinking, “Hey, me too!” I don’t have agoraphobia, but I do have situational anxiety, and boy did grocery shopping FREAK me out for the longest time! The logistics and planning that went into a grocery store trip would make you think I was plotting to take the beaches of Normandy. Whenever I felt my most anxious and alone, my safe places were coffee shops and movie theaters. There, I could be around people in a safe environment, removed from my house (a place a might binge), and for a few hours, I could feel secure that I wouldn’t engage my eating disorder.
After lots of therapy, my feelings and reactions to these places are a lot different. I’m glad that I can feel comfortable in the grocery store again, and I don’t need to have “safe places” to protect myself from my ED, but I do still love to relax in coffee shops. 😊
Also, I love your honest reflection about how you feel in church. I used to be SO anxious in church, and feel very guilty about it, because I told myself I shouldn’t feel that way. Again, practice and therapy helped a lot, and I almost don’t remember when it was a struggle to make it through a service.
I’m so glad that you have these relaxing places where you find comfort! And what a wonderful testament to the progress you’ve made. Thank you for sharing!
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Thank you Lulu! I really enjoyed reading your comment, and we’ve had a lot in common in regards to places we have a challenging time at, and places we love. Sounds like you have come such a long way in your recovery, which is fabulous, I’m really happy for you! I used to feel guilty about not going to church. I’d never say it out loud, but if I wasn’t feeling quite right (anxiety), I’d gladly go along with other excuses not to go. Now it feels peaceful again to me. But I still don’t like to be in the middle of a row. Hope you have a peaceful weekend! 🙂
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So glad you have found peace in some places that used to peak your anxiety! You deserve that! What a remarkable way we have both come. Hope the sun is shining as brightly where you are as it is here right now. We are having a truly beautiful summer day!
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Yes, we are too, it’s a perfect summer day here! Enjoy 🙂
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Thank you, that was transportive. I agree, grocery stores and shopping malls or mega-stores like Home Depot can set me into a panic as well.
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Glad you can relate! I love Costco, but sometimes that one’s hard for me. Especially if it’s super crowded. Have a wonderful weekend!
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The beach is a favorite place of mine. Since I’m currently in a land locked state, my garden is my favorite place to be. 🙂 I’m glad you have found some places that soothe your soul. Be well and enjoy your weekend. Koko:)
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Thanks Koko! I love to be in my garden too 🙂 Hope you have a lovely weekend!
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I’m certainly gonna give it my best! I recently mowed a neat trail on the back half of my property. I hike and get lost in my thoughts. The closest I can get to “mountains”. Hahaha!
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Haha! I love that! Sounds wonderful 🙂
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Great place to create calm and peace..the ocean or any body of water helps bring me back to my calm place….xxxkat
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Me too… lakes, rivers, pools… something serene about looking at water. xx
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I get lost in the water mentally….so peaceful
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Wonderful ideas for everyone to relax a bit and enjoy life!
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Thank you! 🙂
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Great tips! I suffer with anxiety and all your places help to calm me too! ☺️
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Thanks so much! Sorry you have anxiety. Hope you’re doing well. Thanks for visiting here… I’m going to stop by your blog now 🙂
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