Any advice? I have panic attacks while driving; they seem to come out of no where I hate it...
I have feel into a full one in awhile but I still start the sweaty hands, light headed, and so on. I try singing, calling someone on the phone, but it can still happen. Then once in a panic I have to pull over to get through it. I just wish that there was a helpful way to avoid even getting to that point. Anyone have suggestions? Thanks so much.
Panic while Driving...
My advice is to go out and practice driving early on a sunday moring each week, then increase the distance each week, just remember do not beat yourself and give yourself praise even if you just get in the car, next thing you know you will be doing it with no problem. Stay positive and be easy on yourself
I've had trouble with driving myself, especially on the freeways and at stoplights (I was afraid I would pass out and hold people up). Two websites that have helped me is <A HREF="http://www.panicend.com" TARGET=_blank>www.panicend.com</A> and <A HREF="http://www.paniccure.com" TARGET=_blank>www.paniccure.com</A>. Also, books like "Hope and Help for your Nerves" and Peace from Nervous Suffering" by Claire Weekes have been good resources. I am back to driving with the help of Lexapro but I still won't drive on freeways.
Erin,
Had that for years and yes it is awful. Do you have the program? Worked for me to end the panic attacks while driving.
If not, in the meantime, when it starts, begin to breathe slowly 2 slow seconds in and then 4 seconds out and repeat this several times. Talk to yourself repeating that "It is Ok to be anxious, I'm OK, There is no danger, It always passes," Things to think about: accept that you are having a panic attack, don't fight it, give yourself permission to have these symptoms because you know what it is, always do the breathing, and be kind to YOU while it is happening and then realize that it has passed, because it does always pass. Don't worry if you have to pull over. So what!!That's Ok. This is from Lucinda's program, a general idea of it anyway and combined with the rest of the program you will have more relief from the panic attacks and hopefully end them like many of us have. I bring the tapes from the program with me driving when going long distance and used to have to bring them to go only 1/4 mile. They are comforting and helpful. There is also a separate tape to order called "Comfort while Driving" ( hope that's accurate - mine is in the car) that is great for this too.
1-800-944-9460 if you want to order the driving tape. Try this. Keep us posted. God bless.
Had that for years and yes it is awful. Do you have the program? Worked for me to end the panic attacks while driving.
If not, in the meantime, when it starts, begin to breathe slowly 2 slow seconds in and then 4 seconds out and repeat this several times. Talk to yourself repeating that "It is Ok to be anxious, I'm OK, There is no danger, It always passes," Things to think about: accept that you are having a panic attack, don't fight it, give yourself permission to have these symptoms because you know what it is, always do the breathing, and be kind to YOU while it is happening and then realize that it has passed, because it does always pass. Don't worry if you have to pull over. So what!!That's Ok. This is from Lucinda's program, a general idea of it anyway and combined with the rest of the program you will have more relief from the panic attacks and hopefully end them like many of us have. I bring the tapes from the program with me driving when going long distance and used to have to bring them to go only 1/4 mile. They are comforting and helpful. There is also a separate tape to order called "Comfort while Driving" ( hope that's accurate - mine is in the car) that is great for this too.
1-800-944-9460 if you want to order the driving tape. Try this. Keep us posted. God bless.
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Redwood Rose
- Posts: 1
- Joined: Sun Apr 30, 2006 5:01 am
I find myself having scary thoughts when driving, too.
Some things that always help me:
Even if I arrive at a red light just as it turns red, the total time at the light is ALWAYS under three minutes (more like 2 minutes usually). I can put the car into "park" and breathe calmly, reassuring myself it's always only 3 minutes or less. It seems to make it much more tolerable.
Second, I remind myself that I have every right to be driving as the next person. I have the right to travel and to enjoy my life. So, if I have to sit there at the light for 10 minutes, or even pull over, how people CHOOSE to react to me is their responsibilty, not mine. I am giving up the title of "Manager of the Universe"!
Think about how much time we are investing to better ourselves, our thinking patterns, our reactions... People without anxiety are capable of being responsible for themselves, too!
One more thing: remember the "ripple effect." Say I have to pull over and someone chooses to flip me off or shout at me. Okay, first, that's their business. Second, maybe they'll leave me and say to themselves, "Gosh, I have a lot of anger and negativity. I really want to change my life."
Maybe cussing at you was exactly what they needed to become more compassionate, to become better citizens, friends, husbands, or mothers.
Using these "tricks" while driving has really helped me realize my so-called inconvenient actions may be exactly what is needed in the greater scheme of things!
Bottom line: You have every right to take care of yourself, travel to work, and be out of your home. When we have anxiety as a challenge, we tend to forget we deserve to live life, too.
Some things that always help me:
Even if I arrive at a red light just as it turns red, the total time at the light is ALWAYS under three minutes (more like 2 minutes usually). I can put the car into "park" and breathe calmly, reassuring myself it's always only 3 minutes or less. It seems to make it much more tolerable.
Second, I remind myself that I have every right to be driving as the next person. I have the right to travel and to enjoy my life. So, if I have to sit there at the light for 10 minutes, or even pull over, how people CHOOSE to react to me is their responsibilty, not mine. I am giving up the title of "Manager of the Universe"!
Think about how much time we are investing to better ourselves, our thinking patterns, our reactions... People without anxiety are capable of being responsible for themselves, too!
One more thing: remember the "ripple effect." Say I have to pull over and someone chooses to flip me off or shout at me. Okay, first, that's their business. Second, maybe they'll leave me and say to themselves, "Gosh, I have a lot of anger and negativity. I really want to change my life."
Maybe cussing at you was exactly what they needed to become more compassionate, to become better citizens, friends, husbands, or mothers.
Using these "tricks" while driving has really helped me realize my so-called inconvenient actions may be exactly what is needed in the greater scheme of things!
Bottom line: You have every right to take care of yourself, travel to work, and be out of your home. When we have anxiety as a challenge, we tend to forget we deserve to live life, too.
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Mello Nello
- Posts: 299
- Joined: Thu Feb 17, 2005 2:00 am
Erin,
I had my first panic attack driving!!! i was horrified, just knew i was dying!! That was 30yrs ago..
I can share what i did, dont know if it will help, but your welcome to try it.
I always took a bottle of water with me. I always took some kind of music, either something relaxing or something i really loved.
I made sure i had plenty of cool air inside the car. Even in the winter. There were time when these things didnt work. So, i would play a game with the red lights, like counting how many seconds it took them to change to green. It took my mind off waiting. I became aware when i began to tense up , and would begin relaxing my body, starting with my jaw. It was always the first thing to tense up.
IM not saying any of these worked immediately, but each time i went in the car, i discovered the more i practiced the more comfortable i became.... take care Nelly:)
I had my first panic attack driving!!! i was horrified, just knew i was dying!! That was 30yrs ago..
I can share what i did, dont know if it will help, but your welcome to try it.
I always took a bottle of water with me. I always took some kind of music, either something relaxing or something i really loved.
I made sure i had plenty of cool air inside the car. Even in the winter. There were time when these things didnt work. So, i would play a game with the red lights, like counting how many seconds it took them to change to green. It took my mind off waiting. I became aware when i began to tense up , and would begin relaxing my body, starting with my jaw. It was always the first thing to tense up.
IM not saying any of these worked immediately, but each time i went in the car, i discovered the more i practiced the more comfortable i became.... take care Nelly:)
Cyndylou,
That's a tool! Thank you for the phone number I will call. I have my worst attacks while driving. It's a wonder, it sounds like none of us has ever wrecked. It's all in our heads! No matter about the 6 tools I already know, a little thing like a CD of content about remaining comfortable while driving sounds like as much 'must have' for me as a map. Thank you for a specific physical, tangable toll I can check out. src
That's a tool! Thank you for the phone number I will call. I have my worst attacks while driving. It's a wonder, it sounds like none of us has ever wrecked. It's all in our heads! No matter about the 6 tools I already know, a little thing like a CD of content about remaining comfortable while driving sounds like as much 'must have' for me as a map. Thank you for a specific physical, tangable toll I can check out. src
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Carolyn Dickman
- Posts: 264
- Joined: Tue Jun 28, 2005 3:00 am
Hi Mam, my name is Jessica. I am sure you are very busy and might not be able to personally respond to my message. I am simply inquiring about the driving tapes you said were available from StressCenter.com. My worst fear in regards to panic attacks is driving alone. I only work 3.4 miles away and I have yet, since October, to drive myself. My husband has driven me everytime and tonight I think he is going to give up on me. He has been sick with a fever and can not understand one bit why I can't drive myself to work considering he is so sick. He thinks I am uncontrollably selfish and is very much disappointed in me. I feel upset, good for nothing, and just lost. It's 3.4 miles and I can't even do it....