Assembly- Help!

[Dino_101]

Hi,
So this is my first time using a forum, and I only found out that other people suffered through what I suffer through. I always thought something was wrong with me because I was terrified of throwing up in public. But now I don't feel bad about myself because I'm not the only one.

Anyways, onto the reason I am posting. I am in high school and we have school assemblies with the ENTIRE school. These terrify me because I cant leave and I am so scared I will throw up. Last year I couldn't handle them and ended up hiding in the nurse the whole time, every time, telling my friends the loud noise gave me migraines. Needless to say this was horrible for me. I felt bad for not being able to go, and lying to my friends.

I was wondering if anyone had had a similar experience and had some suggestions for me. I would be soo appreciative! Thanks!

[Valerie13Ann]

I know I fear being in places that I can't escape because I'm scared of throwing up in public. Especially in cars where I'm not the driver. That's the worst for me. The best thing you can do is concentrate on breathing. That usually calms me down. Try to occupy your mind with something else. I know that's hard when anxiety sets in. If you absolutely must leave, go to the bathroom, collect yourself. And then return. You most likely wont throw up, it's most likely nerves!

[Dino_101]

Yes! Cars are horrible for me, before I used to feel like an idiot because I was scared of getting in the car with my friends or bf. The thing that terrifies me about the assemblies is ever since we had streakers at my school they don't let you go to the bathroom during the assembly because that's where the streakers hid.

[Valerie13Ann]

Wow thats nuts! They won't let you use the bathroom at all? That to me seems not right because what if someone really has to go! Not to be sick but they actually have to go to the bathroom! I would tell them you have to go and if they dont let you, ask them if they would like you to have an accident on the floor? See what they say. lol

[Dino_101]

Haha, I should try that. Unfortunately i seem not to have a sense of humor when im in panic mode :/ I really appreciate you replying to my post, it is nice to talk to someone who understands what I am talking about. I think the reason they don't let us use the bathroom is assemblies are normally only 30 mins, so they figure everyone can hold it.

[person54321]

I used to feel this way too. I hated my school assemblies (we had them twice a week usually) and I would panic to no end. When I got to college I almost skipped my own graduation because of this because I would have to sit on stage, with NO escape, but I made it!

The way I coped with assemblies was to sit with good friends and to ALWAYS sit on the end, and if I could, at the very back right near the door (or at the very front, so I couldn't see everyone). It helped to have a little plastic bag in backpack/schoolbag and a bottle of water as well. I also found it helpful to have something to fidget with so I could distract myself from the anxiety.

[Valerie13Ann]

Haha, you're very welcome. I always try to have a sense of humor even when I'm in panic mode. It seems to distract me somewhat. lol. But try to stay positive and tell yourself "I won't throw up, this panicking is silly, nobody else is throwing up, why would I, I have no reason to be sick." I know its easier said than done. But if you keep saying that, it will help a little with the anxiety and n*

[Dino_101]

Yeah I agree with you person 54321. When we have assemblies in the auditorium and I sit in the back I am normally fine (well as fine as I can be :/), because I know if i need to I can get up and leave without anyone noticing, but for the normal assemblies we have them in the gym on bleacher! So everyone can see everything, and my grade sits on the opposite side of the gym from the doors so I would have to walk in front of EVERYONE if I had to leave.

[BrightStars]

Totally understand that, I used to get it all the time. Now I get it in crowds or when people are around my house because I feel I can't escape them hearing me be sick. And as for public - I constantly worry. Its a real pain this phobia -_-