Panic attacks? resteraunts?!

Panic attacks? resteraunts?

when we go out to eat for years i've freaked out, i feel like im going to die. i cant swallow so i find mushy things like noodles to eat. im like this in many public places. sometimes it progresses and i go numb/tingly all over and i feel like im going to faint. how can i make this go away? im 24.

Oh honey!!!! I'm 25 and have ALWAYS had that. It's social anxiety disorder. When I'm in a restaurant or anywhere public, I look for the exits and figure out the fastest escape in case I need to leave. If I see someone standing there, I get scared. I was once at a club w/friends and was having a panic attack and the only way out was through the dance floor. the bathroom line was down the hall. I found a little quiet corner in that MADHOUSE!!! and breathed deeply and had a cigarette. It finally passed. I was in line for the safari ride at disney and had a panic attack there because I felt trapped. I was crying and almost fainted. I know exactly what you're going through. Your best bet I swear... therapy. I go every thursday and somehow I got over it. she said to me... "who are these people?" they are no one. she helped me get to the root of my problem and I'm so much better. I was stuck at home and never left. Now I'm in school and so happy. Use exercise too. I bought a treadmill and fix myself up real nice and I like having people look at me in shock and say how pretty I am. I'm not bragging, just giving you my own personal story to relate. Not only do I use therapy, I take Lexapro. It really does help and it's good for depression which I have as well. Feel free to email me through here and I'll gladly talk to you. I can totally help if you need it.