Freeway panic attacks

not · Post by **not** » Thu Mar 26, 2009 4:00 pm

Nrose,

This is a classic case of what if thinking.

Could it be that you are anticipating the panic attack on the freeway way before you ever even set foot out the door?

Self talk I believe is truly the only way to calm yourself down and get through an otherwise unforseen panic attack. It is your negative thinking I believe that is still causing the issue here. If you were not thinking negatively you would not be panicing on the freeway.

I would also like to say that a distraction while you are driving is just that, a distraction and a temporary fix at best and relearning the skills in the program is in my opinion the only permanent way to get a handle on this.

How about going through the program and refocusing on getting really, really good at session #3 Self Talk the Key to a Healthy Self Esteem, and also session #8 Put an End to What if Thinking? Take these tapes with you when you travel and listen to them while driving on the freeway.

I still believe you are anticipating a panic attack and falling back into the what if thinking pattern here. You may very well not be doing this consiously (and who would do that to themselves purposely anyway?

) But it is happening just the same and until you get really good at talking to yourself in a more positive way and stop the what if thinking this will most likely continue to happen.

It is possible that this is the only area left that needs extra attention and by revisiting the tapes you are doing just that. I would say good luck to you but luck really has nothing to do with it, you can do this and from your post you are almost home free

So happy trails to you!

wantstobepanicfree! · Post by **wantstobepanicfree!** » Mon Mar 30, 2009 3:07 pm

Hello this is my 1st ever post & I had to reply, as I too have a fear of driving. If traffic is bad, I will stay in the right lane in case my panic gets bad and I need to pull off the road. I am currently in Week 2 & I have noticed that the breathing technique has REALLY helped tremendously! When I feel one coming on I just do the breathing Lucinda taught us & it passes. I still have a long way to go, but just want you to know you are not alone!

rose_thorn98 · Post by **rose_thorn98** » Tue Mar 31, 2009 11:24 am

I had this problem and listening to Lesson 8 while I was driving got me over it. It took a good 6 months of doing it every day! But now I just drove myself on a 4 hour round trip through the San Francisco bay area yesterday and didn't have one panic attack. First time in over 5 years. Practice as much as possible and it will get easier.

Corinne · Post by **Corinne** » Thu May 07, 2009 12:58 am

I just started this program and have not had any progress yet. I've always had an issue with needles and as a teenager began passing out with blood tests, however its more than that. I pass out, stop breathing, body gets stiff... It happened in the hospital once and they almost called a code. I did some research recently and found i have a rare phobia and reaction and guess what, some people have died form this type of syncopal anxiety reaction. But it was OK because I knew if I layed down before a needle I was fine.

My panic attacks began 1 1/2 yrs ago. I just had surgery and also decided to move in with my boyfriend. I was driving to work and had a bad chest cold, began coughing and almost passed out because I couldn't catch my breath due to the coughing. Well 2 minutes later I had to get on the freeway and had another coughing fit. I thought OH NO and almost passed out again at 65 MPH. Once I got off I had to pull over 3 times and it is only 4 -5 miles to work. Now, my ride to work is 40 miles, most of the way is back roads which is fine except going down hills adn ther freewya. Anything where if I did pass out, I or someone else coudl die. I only travel 6 miles on the freeway but it is the busiest part with merging traffic every 1/4 mile, people weaving all over and yeah I've come close to getting hit several times over the years. But now my panic is all over the place. My anxiety has reached a level were its on driving on freeways, down hills, at traffic lights. It is not about work too. We have meetings all the time and it freaks me out and I can't not go. It is required but I always feels just seconds away from passing out. I have to present to bad cases to our medical board members, CFO's...which is fine as long as I am talking. I have ot go to hosptials and go over the open lawsuits they as to defensiblity. I am worried I will have to quit my job. I have issues with the dentist a nd getting my teeth cleaned, goign ot the doctors....oooooh. I take Xanax, tried Lexapro but it makes the anxiety worse. I NEED HELP.

Nrose · Post by **Nrose** » Wed May 27, 2009 7:48 pm

OMG, Going to the dentist freaks me out too. I thought I was the only one. funny how are panicy feelings are so similar which proves this programs point that we are creating this crazy thoughts and anticipating them and thats why they happen. As long as we are negative about our surroundings the negativity will surround us and make our situation worse. Something that kinda helps me stay on track is motivation I found this dvd its called "The Secret" which talks about the Law of attractions if you constantly think negative it will happen and vice versa. Try to rent it out its really interesting and it really helped me with the panic attack situation.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu May 28, 2009 3:41 am

Corrine....You are associating your driving with the panic attacks...By doing so, you are setting yourself up for that panic attack, while driving...

You need to realize that driving is not what is causing the panic attacks. It is your "negative" way of thinking which are causing these panic attack while driving...

Remember...Panic attacks have become a part of you...If you are home, then, they are there...Everywhere you go, they are with you...They are a part of you and you cannot run from your own feelings and win!!!

I highly suggest you embrace those panic attacks with all of your being...Label them as Donald Duck with the big feet...Remember...Panic attacks are just an illusion, nothing more...

Get really good at play their game!!! Turn around and chase them for a while...They will become very confused, since, they haven't a clue what is going on, since, the tables have been turned on them!!!

Imagine these panic attack symptoms as ocean waves as they wash over you. Observe how you feel during the attacks...Write down your feelings, and how you took action..

Remember, you are not your thoughts...You are your actions!!!

The more you do this, then, the better you will get at it...In no time flat, you will find yourself driving with ease, and being grateful just to get out and enjoy your new-found freedom...

Know that panic attacks are not dangerous...Trust yourself..Know that you are safe and secure during that panic attack...Accept that panic attack with all of your being...Observe it...Practice your positive self talk and watch as it subsides!!!

These are the techniques that I used to overcome my fear of driving, as well as, all of my fears!!!

Have a great day...God Bless

jillzmind · Post by **jillzmind** » Sun Jul 19, 2009 6:20 pm

This is a good thread. Lots of real issues with lots of real tangible help. Thank You all for sharing. I forget where but I heard or read that Carolyn has produced a special CD for driving? I want to look into getting that one. I guess it's extremely helpful to many.
Cool ha?

SeaRunner · Post by **SeaRunner** » Mon Jul 20, 2009 8:12 pm

Does anyone else have trouble doing the relaxation breathing while driving? I do the relaxation exercises as instructed - laying down or seated in a fully reclined position. But when driving, I'm hunched over in the seat and my abdomen can't expand nearly as much as when I'm lying down. It gives me the sensation that I can't get in a full breath and adds to my panic. Any suggestions?