(no subject)

[cupcake_goth]

Short form: Crypticon was the best convention I've been to in years. I'm a lifelong horror genre fan, and going to a con solely focused on that? Amazing. The panels I attended were all engaging and thoughtful, I met great people, and the vendor rooms were full of things I wanted.

The slightly longer form: SO MANY great discussions around women and their experiences with the genre, and what fans can do to help support creators who aren't cis straight white dudes. Fantastic information about a wide range of international horror. Amazing interviews with guests.

And then, of course, sharing a room with Jen and Rhias was a delight.



On Saturday night I went up to the party floor to find a friend, which meant wandering through the rooms. About 10 minutes in, I had what I can only think of as a panic attack. I felt trapped and claustrophobic; everything was too loud, the assorted black lights and decor screwed with my vision, it was too crowded, and I was suddenly overwhelmed. I found my friend, had a quick conversation, and then fled to our hotel room where I had a snack, lots of water, and some Xanax.

I have NEVER had that happen to me before. A completely new, unsettling, upsetting experience. I've never been a big fan of room parties at conventions, but this wasn't "This is crowded and I'm probably not going to stay long", it was "I am going to faint and possibly die". I never want to repeat that experience.

Comments

[m_cobweb]

That happened to me once at a Blue House party. I found myself running into the street outside gasping for air, and never went back. I don't why claustrophobia like that hits me inconsistently, but I suspect stress levels are part of it. Not fun, regardless!

[staxxy]

I am glad you had a safe space with all of those things available to retreat to for recovery. Eep.

[bork]

Oof - yeah. So sorry that happened to you.

To me, it either sounds like a panic attack, or low blood sugar.

[oldhalloween]

Sounds like a great convention. Sorry about the panic attack. Convention crowds and hot rooms are not my happy place as I get older.

[mschaos]

I am so sorry that you experienced that - it can be truly frightening. Very glad you had found your friend and were able to get back to some quite.

I find the older I get the more I can't manage that sort of thing so if I do attend a con I absolutely need a space of my own

[ironed_orchid]

I used to have attacks like that, mostly at crowded parties and gigs and mostly when other health/mental health stuff is flaring and it's been a long day. It's awful to experience, and you did the best thing by getting out and going somewhere safe and quiet.

Eating a snack and drinking water are excellent responses because not only do they help with things like blood sugar, but they can help slow down the adrenaline that's rushing through your body. This sort of physical anxious response is one of the things that Xanax is best for, so I'm glad you had that option.