Whether it's your first Bonnaroo or you’re a music festival veteran, we welcome you to Inforoo.
Here you'll find info about artists, rumors, camping tips, and the infamous Roo Clues. Have a look around then create an account and join in the fun. See you at Bonnaroo!!
I'm definitely with you guys on the anxiety front. It's something I struggle with a lot. At least now I know who all is standing around me when I'm way in the back at What...
Honestly, as long as I don't get in the middle of a huge crowd acting stupid I have less anxiety at Bonnaroo than I do on a daily basis. I'm much more of a "overthink about things until you give yourself a panic attack" anxiety person and at Bonnaroo, I'm so busy watching music and constantly re-tweaking my music watching schedule around my press avail schedule that my brain doesn't have time to dwell. It's days like today when I don't have anything to do but sit and think that make the Xanax come out.
I've had pretty intense anxiety issues for a few years now, so I totally feel you. Mine is definitely the worst when I am stressed, and a lot of things can set it off : definitely crowds, but also bathroom worries, so you would think festivals would be a big issue. For me, though, my anxiety seems greatly reduced at fests. I assume it's because they are so happy and carefree that it reduces the stress issues, but I still have my moments.
For me, managing the anxiety is all about prevention. If I can catch it before it happens, I'm usually good. But if I'm already in full panic mode, my day is screwed. Here are my methods.
1. I try to start the day out with yoga or at least a short meditation. If I can get the day started as calmly as possible, I have a better chance of staying there.
2. I keep my meds on me at all times. Just knowing they are there if I need them can help tremendously, and if I do need them, I got them. I've never had an issue with security. I keep them in the prescription bottle, and have my ID. If they did try to take them, they would have to deal with a pretty irate Clairity. There is no reason for security to take a prescription that you need to function.
3. I make sure to have anything I could possible need for a porto-potty. Bathroom issues get me anxious, and if I'm prepared, there's nothing to be anxious about. Gross, I know, but it's a big thing for a lot of panicers.
4. I mostly stay out of thick crowds at shows. This usually means being towards the back, but I don't go all the way back. Just out of the most dense areas.
5. At the first touch of almost feeling a little anxious, I get the fuck out of there and take my meds. Cut it off before it starts!
6. This one may sound silly, but I dance as much as possible. If I'm moving and having a good time, I don't have a chance to start thinking about all of the horrible things that could happen in this crowd. Avoid sitting/standing in a waiting crowd with no active music going to every extent possible.
I normally don't have any anxiety issues, i did freak out a bit when i saw the crowd for the MMJ show though. I was in the pit on the rail, and the second i saw ALL those people on the big screen i about lost it.