Drowning in the Sea of People: Overcoming Anxiety in Crowds at Concerts
Navigating Crowds at Concerts: Dealing with Anxiety and Unease
Getting carried away by the rhythm of music and the thrill of live performances, but shying away from the overwhelming croud? Yep, that's possible. Certain individuals have moments when they feel suddenly uneasy, anxious, or stressed in a gigantic gathering - it's simply too much. So, what then?
Psychologist Gabriele Bringer sheds light on the subject in this interview and provides some handy tips to keep your cool in those moments.
What triggers the sudden feeling of anxiety in a crowd at a concert?
Gabriele Bringer: At massive events and concerts, we're dealing with an overload of stimuli: noises, colors, smells. When people are packed closely together, it's always stressful - even if it's entertaining and you feel fantastic among the crowd.
This stress affects people differently. Some can switch it off, while others experience sensory overload. This can lead to feelings of discomfort in crowds, even if it's not that crowded. Sometimes, just the thought of being surrounded by people can induce such a reaction.
It's important to note that some individuals may realize how strongly they react to crowds only when they're in the thick of it. Your current state of health also plays a role: if you're feeling burned out or have worked too much the previous week, you'll react more sensitively to stress compared to when you're feeling balanced.
What should I do if I feel uneasy in a crowd?
Bringer: If you feel anxious, are sweating, breathing faster, or have a racing heart, it's crucial to react to these early signs. If the unease increases, it can quickly escalate into a panic attack, leaving you incapable of making rational decisions.
The key is to stay calm and take control in that moment, then make a decision: Do I want to leave the crowd? And if so, which path should I choose?
Relaxation techniques vary from person to person. Deep, controlled breathing can help. Taking a sip of water (if available) can also provide some relief. Another technique is focusing on one person, like the friend you're with, instead of being aware of how many people are around you.
Describing the situation to yourself can also help. You can think to yourself, "I'm at this concert, I'm standing here, I'm feeling a little overwhelmed." No need to say these words out loud; merely thinking them can help.
All these techniques help you clear your mind and think: Should I stay here, was this just a brief episode? Or should I step outside for a breather? If leaving the crowd feels like a defeat, you can promise yourself to return - or at least stand near the edge of the crowd.
Bringer adds that there are many stimuli at such events, which can lead to sensory overload, especially for those with low self-esteem, past traumatic experiences, or those suffering from social anxiety disorder. In such cases, it's essential to prioritize self-care, reduce exposure, and find moments of peace amidst the chaos.
About the person: Gabriele Bringer is a Diplom-Psychologist in Berlin. She specializes in business and emergency psychology and is a valued member of the Professional Association of German Psychologists (BDP).
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- The overwhelming sensory overload at a concert, combined with the close proximity of people, can trigger anxiety in some individuals, as highlighted by psychologist Gabriele Bringer.
- To manage feelings of unease in a crowd, psychologist Gabriele Bringer suggests several techniques such as deep breathing, staying hydrated, focusing on a single person, and thinking rationally about the situation to make an informed decision about staying or leaving the crowd.
