I have anxiety and have been trying to find ways to cope but am terrible at asking for help. But the idea of code phrases was suggested. I need code phases for: 'I need out of here' 'Topic change please' 'I'm about to have a panic attack'?

Dear Anonymous,

Because of the heroism to deal with anxiety, I suggest for you to choose classical, romantic, heroic phrases that nevertheless other people will not immediately recognize what is going on:

1. "I need out of here" - the heroic evacuation of British soldiers across the English Channel in World War II = DUNKIRK

2. "I am about to have a panic attack" - in Victorian times, smelling salts to revive faintness were distilled from the antlers of the stag, in Britain known as the hart = HARTSHORN

3. "Topic change, please" - movies can be a distraction when we need a breathing space in life, and the famous phrase from one of the most famous movies of all time = ROSEBUD

Wishing you well.