Emotion: anxiety
Problem: ongoing depression
Situation: Going to the store gives me Panic Attacks, driving does as well.

user: Going to the store gives me Panic Attacks! Driving also makes me highly anxious. I am on medication but this only seems to help moderately.

assistant: Hello

user: Hi

assistant: So just to ensure that I understand you correctly, you are feeling anxious about going to the store during the pandemic

user: No. This has been going on before the pandemic COVID didn't cause my anxiety

assistant: Okay, so just general anxiety about it then.

user: Yessir

assistant: How long have you had this anxiety issue?

user: Only the past couple of years. It came on suddenly at a nail salon after I had an allergic reaction to a chemical in acrylic nails. Originally the doctors thought it was brain inflammation. What suggestions do you have for improving it? Meditation? Exercise? I do art. And never have anxiety when I'm painting, however, I cannot exactly do that at the store

assistant: Have you thought about looking for support groups with people who also have anxiety about being in public?

user: I have and I did

assistant: Have you thought about brining a friend with you to the store? Someone you are comfortable with? Having someone you are comfortable with may help to calm the anxiety while you are out.

user: Support groups don't really help stop the Panic Attacks. They cause all sorts of sensations. Fast heart rate, chills, shakes, My brain feels foggy and impersonal. I do go to the store often with my fiance :) That has helped a lot

assistant: I have also had anxiety in the past when in public places, so I know how it feels to be anxious while out.

user: Yeah, it's definitely annoying. But it isn't JUST at the store. I was diagnosed with Panic Attack Disorder and even have attacks at home where I freak out. It's been better since I was on medication but I never feel completely....normal

assistant: Another thing that may help is having some headphones in attached to your phone or an MP3 player so you can have some calming music or something in your ear while you are out.

user: That's actually a really good idea. Distractions definitely seem to be the way to go for me. That's probably why art helps so much

assistant: I found that distractions were great for me too!

user: I wonder if it should be calming music or music that I generally feel like dancing too I know that sometimes calming music kinda makes me more centered and aware of myself which can exacerbate the problems sometimes. I usually listen to music loudly when Im in my car to help with the anxiety Of course, I always think its working then I get to the store and my hands hurt from gripping my steering wheel so hard XD

assistant: Whatever music you think would be best would be a good idea.

user: I think a lot of my anxiety doesnt stem from social stuff but from a fear of death tbh What other distractions can you reccomend? *recommend

assistant: Do you have a stress ball or something you can keep with you in your pocket while out?

user: I don't!

assistant: I think picking up one of those and having it with you might also help!

user: That's a really good idea too. Thanks so much

assistant: You're very welcome!

user: <3 Have a good one!