Well, the nominations for the 84th annual Academy Awards were announced this morning,with
“The Artist,” “The Descendants,” “The Help,” “Moneyball,” “Hugo,” “War Horse,” “Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close,” “The Tree of Life” and “Midnight in Paris.” all in line for a possible Oscar. But have you seen any of these movies yet? I haven’t- because even now, 10 years into my struggle with Panic Disorder going to the movies is not a fun enjoyable treat. To someone with severe panic attacks the movie theater presents so many obstacles. Feeling trapped in a dark environment with no windows and no way out. Too many people in one place, the feeling that you can’t breath and you have to be quiet and you don’t want to make a scene (no pun intended). For many with panic attacks the extreme loud sound system can be a trigger as well. People with panic disorder often have a sensitivity to noise- mostly because there is so much noise going on inside our heads telling us danger danger-
How do you overcome that- well- watching movies at home of course is an easier experience, but teaming up with a good support person can also help. Upon entering the lobby (thru the ticket takers)- notice where all the exit doors are, so once you pick an aisle seat- if you want to leave the theater you know the easiest way out. When the feelings of panic start coming on self talk is recommended but doesn’t often help. Breathing techniques learned by therapy are also very instrumental in regulating the severity of the attack. The support person should help you refocus your scary thought patterns and help you get involved in the movie. Sit on an aisle close to the ramp to leave the theater- and you would have already become familiar with where the exit door once you are out of the theater, so you have a game plan which is extremely helpful.
Would love to hear your experiences with panic attacks and movie theaters.
