Dear Teentalker,
Thank you for reaching out to us about your concern. I can sense how overwhelming the experience of going to a crowded place must be for you. It can be so overwhelming and frustrating to be unable to do something you want to do.
I want to let you know that this is very common and it’s okay to feel what you feel. However, I understand you want to change this and be comfortable in a similar situation. I encourage you to first reflect on what about crowds and big spaces scares you so much. Is it the people, the vastness of the place, the fear of getting lost, or anything else. Once you have that figured out, you can start working on gradually coping with this fear. Initially, encourage yourself to visit these stores with someone who understands your concern. When you’re around them, note how you feel. On a scale of 1 to 10, how far is your anxiety. Later, try to just go and stand outside the store and note your anxiety level. As and when you feel comfortable, step inside and just stand at the entrance. Slowly, go one section at a time until you are feeling comfortable to explore the store fully. Keep noting your level of anxiety during these experiences.
Take one small step at a time. Don’t expect to be fully comfortable in the first attempt. It might take a few attempts to even enter the store altogether. It’s okay! Keep breathing deeply and remind yourself that you’re strong and resilient.
You got this!
Hope this helps. If you wish to discuss your query further, please chat with us from Monday through Saturday from 11am to 6pm or leave us an offline message.
Regards,
Expert Teentalk India
