Panic Attacks And Haircuts

bazelbrush

Hello All ,

I like many people have suffered from fairly severe panic attacks and anexity for a long time now. Thankfully I have got a hold on it now and it does not affect my life as much as it used to.

One scenario I just can't seem to get comfortable with though is getting my haircut. I've resorted to talking 2 or 3 xnanx just to go in to get my haircut and even at that I still find it very difficult and it is always something I dread.

I am young guy in my early 20's so having a "trendy" haircut is important to me.

Has anyone else had similar experiences or has anyone got any advice ?

Any help appreciated.

Thanks

Airyfairy12

What is it about getting your haircut that gives you anxiety?

JeffKenna

Some hairdressers work from there house/will go to yours. Would that help or is the issue with the actual hair cutting itself.

bazelbrush

My anexity is all to do with the feeling that I am trapped and cannot leave. I feel this most when I am getting a haircut as I suppose it wouldn't really be normal to just up and leave mid haircut?

This time last year I actually fainted during a haircut because of a panic attack.

Airyfairy12

bazelbrush wrote: »

My anexity is all to do with the feeling that I am trapped and cannot leave. I feel this most when I am getting a haircut as I suppose it wouldn't really be normal to just up and leave mid haircut?

This time last year I actually fainted during a haircut because of a panic attack.

Some hairdressers do house visits, would this help? Stick on a netflix show or the tv when getting your hair done for distraction, it will be over in 20 minutes.

rainbowtrout

bazelbrush wrote: »

My anexity is all to do with the feeling that I am trapped and cannot leave. I feel this most when I am getting a haircut as I suppose it wouldn't really be normal to just up and leave mid haircut?

This time last year I actually fainted during a haircut because of a panic attack.

Would it help when you go into the hairdressers to tell them that you get panic attacks and might need to get up and go outside for a break mid cut? Just telling them that you might need to go could lessen the feeling of being trapped.

smokie72

I had this problem for 10/15 years up to several years ago. I use to get terrible anxiety going to a barbers. It was the thought as mentioned already by the OP of the feeling of been trapped. I use to plan going to a barbers at the quietest part of the day where there would hardly be anybody around. It was always a weekday I would go, never a weekend. The waiting for a haircut was the worst bit. I got over my fear by making an effort of making conversation with the barber, anything to keep me from thinking about the fear. It was the fear of getting the panic attack. I think I only ever got a panic attack once in a barber. I was always relieved to get out at the end. Nowadays I go to a hair salon. I dont have to wait anymore as I book the appointment but I often do be in the chair for an hour sometimes maybe an hour and a half and I never feel any anxiety anymore. Also the fact that the hairdressers there are pretty hot helps a lot as well;)

Dial Hard

I think counselling or CBT might be worth considering.

JackTaylorFan

Hi, OP

It's a pretty common thing for people suffering from anxiety to feel disproportionately fearful of these type scenarios. A women's hair salon is a slightly different experience, I know, but the sense of dread still remains. This same dread used to get to me and prevent me from getting regular cuts. The worst part was having to actually pick up the phone and make an appointment at all - for some reason that used to send my anxiety levels off the walls. Then that was followed by the thought of having to physically be there - sitting in that chair - to have a stranger pay so close attention to me; then, the anticipated pressure to take part in a forced conversation; and what if they don't cut it the way I want? Is the embarrassment of looking like an idiot with an ugly haircut for a few months worse than the immediate embarrassment of saying to the stylist "actually, I'm not sure about this, can you maybe try and take a little more off or something, please?"

...and breathe...

Eventually, over time it got easier... I still wince at the thought of making phone calls to book personal appointments - but that's more a general anxiety thing. I don't feel the need to have a forced conversation anymore. I may say a few words if my stylist is particularly chatty, but it's not necessary as long as you are polite - I don't think they mind. The more you do it; the more comfortable you'll begin to feel. I guess it helps if you have a regular place to go. When it comes to haircuts, not many people like changing their stylist (unless the stylist is awful).

Anyways, if none of that helps, OP, and you still can't work up the courage to get a haircut - don't be too discouraged. Some women love the grungey long haired look on men.

bazelbrush

Thanks for all the help guys, really appreciate it.

This haircut problem has being going on for 2-3 years now and in that time I still have got many many haircuts and all in the same barbers , the same place I fainted in last year ! But it's just not getting any easier..

I like the point of just telling them I suffer from panic attacks I think this might help me feel less trapped etc. Usually when I tell people it puts me at ease

Vetch

When I was getting my hair cut last week, I happened to mention to the hairdresser that a little girl a few seats down was really relaxed getting her hair cut (singing in the chair!), having seen some other kids really bothered by it. She said that it's not unusual for adults to be anxious getting their hair done as well. I don't think you're alone in this at all, OP. The hairdresser I was talking to is a young trainee - I'd imagine this is the sort of thing that hairdressers would cover in their college courses and be sensitive to it.

dd972

I think the issue is probably something to do with having another person in your personal space, I get small twinges of anxiety in the barber's chair but it's important to remember that you can't see this 'head stuff' going on in the mirror in front of you so it's going to be even less so for the person cutting your hair.

never_mind

I get this as well - it’s about feeling trapped and once they start chopping your hair you feel even more trapped. It would look a bit off t you got up in the middle of a cut with it only half done! I get it so much!

This is what I’ve done in the past. Tell them that you have a health issue where you might need to take a break or two during the session. Go at quieter times and stick to the same barber shop if you can and get to know them.

It’s a horrible feeling.. and I hope that you get some relief from the advice above

artvanderlay

I find my anxiety at the barbers is about having to sit in the chair and feeling a bit trapped, worrying about whether the barber may or may not make chitchat (or ****chat as I like to call it ).I wish I could tell the barber what I want, shut my eyes and take a nap while he's cutting! As somebody before me said, the number one thing is to breathe, take yourself out of panic/stressed mode. Focus on things in the background...I personally like to look at the barbicide and wonder does that gunk work at all . Also look around you and observe other people getting their hair cut...do they look super relaxed? Probably not. Some may chat easier with the barber but there are plenty who feel anxious too and just want to get it over with.

by8auj6csd3ioq

Check out Dr Claire Weekes work https://www.amazon.co.uk/Books-Dr-Claire-Weekes/s?ie=UTF8&page=1&rh=n:266239,p_27:Dr. Claire Weekes

A lot of the so called experts today are copying her

LegacyUser

I'd book a half day from work, maybe a weekday morning when the barbers is really quiet, and go in and explain that you get a bit panicky. They will be fine with that and will be happy to get another regular customer.

Chat to them and listen. That way they will remember you and you will be much more comfortable there afterwards. Give a big tip too, they will be sure to look after you next time.

Best to tackle these things head on, rather than working around them.