Calmed down now (had a good chat with another patient... Will get to that).

Essentially trying to get a piece of nicotine gum (which usually would be in my pocket) turned out to be a case of looking for and then waiting until a nurse would see me. Anxiety just went into overkill mode and I wanted out, essentially said that I couldn't cope with this further infringement on my usual routine (cutting, being alone, not being checked every 15 minutes) and I'd had enough... Was on the phone to the wife telling her I wanted to discharge myself and she was doing her best to calm me down... When like that everything is on full alert, wide eyed and wanting to escape.

Nurse came over with a single sheet of my gum and said I could have it on the proviso I self administered hourly, but if it was a comfort they would relent on this occasion.

I apologised profusely and thanked her.

Guy next door (well curtain seperation, dorm of 4) popped his head round and asked if I wanted to chat... Was in the process of trying to calm down. Had a good chat, gave me the advise that though I was voluntarily in hospital at this time, having anxiety attacks and wanting to discharge 'could' get me sectioned... So be careful.

Wish I could control my anxiety in light of that but I appreciated the tip.

I am calmer now but back to not socialising for a bit.