[Mountaindewed]

I was in the waiting room at the mental health clinic. My anxiety was bad because I have a hard time in waiting rooms.

This women was talking on the phone and she was being pretty loud. She was talking about someone deciding she needed to be cleaned and was being rude while cleaning her. She mentioned "lifting up"

My anxiety was already through the roof, and I was already close to walking out. There was only 2 other people in the room.

I mean, maybe that was her only chance to talk to this person I don't know. But was that inappropriate to say that stuff in a waiting room?

I don't get how I can work retail with little problems but the mental health center causes huge anxiety.

Should I have been bothered by her conversation? Or should I have just Ignored her and tuned her out?

Does anyone have any suggestions for getting over my fear of waiting rooms?

[Shazerac]

The waiting room where I go has a big sign banning cell phone conversations in the area. Maybe you could explain to the management that you are uncomfortable overhearing phone conversations. Many people feel like you do about this issue.

Hi bozdickens. I think you felt the way you felt. There's no "should" with feelings. Some people just don't mind or think about talking on the phone in a waiting room, and how it might be perceived or felt by others. I go to a clinic too, and the same thing happens there as well. Maybe try tuning out, like you said. Or bringing music or a book. For what it's worth, sometimes waiting rooms are scary. just breathe.

[Thunder Bow]

Waiting rooms are horrible. That kind of waiting is going to catch the worst of them.

[pegasus]

Totally inappropriate of whoever to be discussing that sort of thing in public, what if you had been a relative of the person they were talking about!

Anyway, you can't control other people's behavior. Try to do some self-soothing and relaxation techniques before going out. You can buy a CD to talk you through the relaxation process and even wear it to the appointment on headphones. Google some stuff on your phone while you are waiting, read a book or write a letter to a friend. Any distraction can help. Also talk to your therapist about this for more ideas on coping with anxiety.