What should I do about this???

[Horsegirl]

I have been invited by a very good friend of mine to go to a fair next week. Now, fairs and stuff like that terrify the heck out of me. This friend knows I have Aspergers and understands it as well as any neurotypical can. I said that I wanted to go. And I do. I think. Well, it might not be an enjoyable experience for me. But I'm trying to get a little better with noise, because I know I am a little young to be thinking about this but if I ever want to get my drivers license, I can't be driving off the road whenever somebody honks a horn. And also high school. Gym class is very noisy and terrifies the holy heck out of me, and that needs to stop. I told my friend all this, she says she will help me through it. And I know she will, she's priceless. But I'm still extremely nervous. I think I will wear ear plugs. And I will put some sort of fidget in my pocket to help me with any anxiety. Does anyone have any other strategies for dealing with stressful situations?
Please do not tell me to not go. That is not an option. I need to do this.
And also, sorry if this is in the wrong forum or whatever. I haven't really figured out this site yet, so bear with me.

 

[Mr Allen]

What kind of Fair is it? One with rides? Dodgems and that? I just go on the rides and have a laugh, the noisy kids and that don't bother me.

Just concentrate on having fun basically and block out the unpleasant bits.

 

[Horsegirl]

See that doesn't really work for me. I just get really freaked out with noise and I can't really enjoy myself as you say. The noisy kids bother me. You're lucky they don't bother you.
And the reason my friend and I are going is to see the horses which we both love
We both hate rides.
But I will try to enjoy myself

 

[SusanLR]

If it starts feeling overwhelming, I find a place and sit down and concentrate on just relaxing.
A little mindful break really helps me in theme parks, fairs and such.

 

[Progster]

Earplugs help - you don't need to wear them all the time, just have a set ready to use if and when you need them. Also, your phone or mp3 player and some music. Or going to the horses and stroking them, if they calm you down.

 

[Major Tom]

I use a Bluetooth headset in situations like that and listen to some of my favorite songs. It seems to help.

 

[disconnected]

I managed a big amusement park last weekend. Just try and decide you want to go and mentally prepare. Plan to take breaks. Also at the fair you can calm yourself with the horses.

 

[Mia]

You sound like you have it under control, and have planned it all out. Loved fairs when I was your age. Not thinking about it too much, will help.

 

[Mary Anne]

I have the exact same sensory issues. I avoid these places now, but there were times in the past I tested myself and went.

I take ear plugs, soothing stress toys (like squishies), chew gum (an amazing anxiety diffuser for me), and upon arriving, I immediately scope out places where I could go to recover- peaceful, less crowded places off in the edges away from the crowds. I try and find nature- trees, bushes, flowers etc in which to get away from the crowds and noise. I also find the bathrooms, for that might be a last resort to hide in and recover for a while after anxiety gets the best of me. es are definitely a source of calm and soothing for me, and so you might stay all the day with them, and avoid all the rest of the fair. Good luck!

 

[Highway Cowboy]

Give it a go but stay towards the back of the crowd so if you feel that you can't cope you have somewhere to go and you're not too surrounded by people. As others have suggested ,taking an MP3 or Ipod with your favorite music might be a welcome distraction with some familiarity for you.
Most of all try to enjoy yourself

 

[BraidedPony]

I always bring protein bars of some kind because it takes a lot of energy to be out and i get hungry. Hunger just adds to the stress.
Keep in mind while you are there that you can walk around wherever you want, you are not stuck somewhere you dont like.
So, for example, if you enjoy the horse area, you can hang out there as long as you want. Focus on the sight, sounds and smell of the horses and that will give you joy and comfort.
Have fun!

 

[disconnected]

I always bring protein bars of some kind because it takes a lot of energy to be out and i get hungry. Hunger just adds to the stress.
Keep in mind while you are there that you can walk around wherever you want, you are not stuck somewhere you dont like.
So, for example, if you enjoy the horse area, you can hang out there as long as you want. Focus on the sight, sounds and smell of the horses and that will give you joy and comfort.
Have fun!

That’s awesome! I always function much better when I’m full. If I become hungry I crash quickly!

 

[Highway Cowboy]

I always bring protein bars of some kind because it takes a lot of energy to be out and i get hungry. Hunger just adds to the stress.
Keep in mind while you are there that you can walk around wherever you want, you are not stuck somewhere you dont like.
So, for example, if you enjoy the horse area, you can hang out there as long as you want. Focus on the sight, sounds and smell of the horses and that will give you joy and comfort.
Have fun!

Sounds good! I had a similar predicament earlier this year. I'm a Trucker and absolutely obsessive about trucks and anything to do with trucking.
There was a big Truckfest Event that I went to but was very apprehensive about due to crowds, noise and space to move about. I took a close trusty friend with me and actually really thoroughly enjoyed the day and met the Ice Road Truckers stars and got my photo taken with them. Luckily there was plenty of room to wander around and wasn't overcrowded. I took regular breaks and sat in a quiet place occasionally to get myself together when I got a bit flustered

 

[Mary Anne]

I always bring protein bars of some kind because it takes a lot of energy to be out and i get hungry. Hunger just adds to the stress.
Keep in mind while you are there that you can walk around wherever you want, you are not stuck somewhere you dont like.
So, for example, if you enjoy the horse area, you can hang out there as long as you want. Focus on the sight, sounds and smell of the horses and that will give you joy and comfort.
Have fun!

Great idea! Bring water or a thermos of your fave liquid too, so that you do not become dehydrated. I do NOT stand in crowded noisy claustrophobic long lines to buy food or drinks at these events. I do bring my own healthy snacks too.

Also, maybe you want to bring a fold up chair.... as seating can be non-existent at outdoor events. I have a bad back and it’s important I find seating when in painful discomfort.

 

[Tom]

Often the nervous anticipation of something is the worst part of the whole thing. The actual doing turns out to not be so hard after all and instead fun. Being prepared (like earplugs) is a very good idea and can help keep a experience in the positive.