Ahhh thank you!! I didn't know about the cold drinks and I completely forgot about grounding techniques so I'll make sure I memorize a few. Thank you Ash I appreciate it a lot
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No worries. I struggle with crowds and departure times so I'm well practiced. The other thing is to go into the toilets and splash cold water on your face, and lean against cold walls.
And if you start to feel panicky, ask a member of staff for help. I know airports have different standards of security but I had a massive panic attack at a train station a few years ago when I lost my ticket and missed my train because of the panic attack, and the security staff were
amazing. And the ticket office sorted out a replacement ticket for the next train and got me a seat at the busy cafe closest to the platform so I could have a drink and get my breath back.
I had a similar experience with a security guard at the hospital a while back when I got disoriented and hugged a wall trying to hold back the panic. He calmed me down, got me a cold drink, took me to where I needed to be, waited, took me where I needed to go next, and then stood guard like the world's best shepherd dog by the exit and subtly but deliberately steered everyone away from where he'd found me a seat while I waited for my lift.
My theory is that the individual staff members care about the public and the management don't want disruption so it suits both - and therefore us - to help people before it becomes a problem for everyone.