I have problems with people being understanding. Not so much over food as having been a vegetarian for 15 years they are used to it, although I did have some comments on it to begin with. The problem I get mostly is people not being understanding over my phobias, the panic attacks sometimes coming out of the blue.

Most people get annoyed with me and make me feel quilty for having had the attack and are not sympathetic at all. Because they can't see it they think the problem isn't there or that I should be able to control it, or that I am just being awkward.

I find some people are better at handling it than others, but a lot of the time I keep to myself because then I am not a pain to anyon. If people are around it's a lot harder and I feel guilty for ruining their day. I always tell them before we go anywhere that I have an anxiety disorder and get panic attacks, but that doesn't always prepare them to cope with me. Lots of people have said to me "you make us all nervous", and then I feel really bad.

A couple of friends are understanding, though, and that is really helpful in relaxing.