Severe Anxiety in Movie Theaters

[Two One]

Hey, everyone. I've been posting on here for a couple years but I don't believe I've talked about my social anxiety much. I've only recently discovered how severe my social anxiety is, my therapist believes it is my biggest issue after my OCD. I don't care for leaving my house unless I absolutely have to for something important (such as school). However, my love of movies is one of the few things that doesn't keep me so confined. I've noticed that I have very severe anxiety bordering on panic every time I watch a movie in theaters. I have no clue what it is. The crowd, the enclosed space? It doesn't matter how excited I am for the film or how engaged I am, I always suffer terrible anxiety. I recently went to the premiere of Suicide Squad and I was so uncomfortable. Physically, I felt like I was going to die. I can't even begin to describe all of the sensations I felt. I was wondering if anybody else struggles with watching movies in a theater? My therapist told me this was pretty common among people with social anxiety disorder.

[ItsAres]

This has never happened to me at a movie theater since i only go to movies with close friends, but similar things happen to me in school. I freeze up, and feel like i cant function. I think its being in the enclosed classroom with so many people. I feel like theyre all looking at me, and whispering about me. Maybe its the enclosed space with all the other people causing it for you too?

[Nispire.com]

I think you should follow " Breath Control " method because it works for these kinds of anxieties, when you learn how to control your breath at such places, you'll start feeling more comfortable, and also try to make yourself comfortable at the cinema eat popcorn or drink something while you're watching the movie, that will help you forget about your anxiety. wish you all the best.

[overcomeanxietytoday]

Any packed gathering gets me spooked but I am doing my best to fight it by really challenging myself through exposure therapy.

Note that it takes 21 days to rewire the brain. If you don't challenge your new found anxiety at Movies, the brain will now accept it as reality after 21 days.

Sop challenge it with all your heart. This may involve you attending more movies than normal.

Find out what you'll need to do so that the old you will come back

[Kirk]

I have fallen asleep a number of times in a movie theatre if I am by myself or with someone else, as if it is dark and
relatively quiet, I konk out.

[Anne1221]

You didn't say if you were alone or with others, but it doesn't matter. What I like to do is go in the afternoon, when it's not crowded and sit by myself. That's because when it's crowded, I'm always annoyed at someone kicking my chair, whispering during the movie, making too much noise, etc.

However, what I suggest you do is go to MORE movies. Go as often as you can. The more you go, each time it will be a little easier and more relaxing. Sit wherever you need to sit.

[Kirk]

I agree with Anne1221, that you should go to more movies for the reasons she said.

[Anne1221]

I heard that "Suicide Squad" was good. But then again, that was from a 12 year old girl. Keep enjoying your movies.