Stress Center Peer Support

I have a question to ask everyone - both to see if they have it in common with me, and if so, if they can help.

If you read my first post, you'll remember I've started college again after a successful career as a musician. (Because of anxiety, I quit the music career, and did NOTHING for 8 years.)

During my last month of classes (I commuted 21 miles each way to school), I started getting EXTREMELY panicky while driving. School's been out for almost a month now, and it's only gotten worse - even when driving a mile or so. I get very, very dizzy; it's like my perception is off. I inch over to the left (I think cars are going to run into me - hit me head on)...it's gotten to the point where I'm getting so bad, I'm scared that I'm going to pass out - even at stoplights.
Has anyone else experienced this - and if so, did they overcome it?
I feel like I'm losing my mind when I have to drive. HELP!

Hi Imbrium,

Been there, done that, bought the tshirt and sold it !!!
I used to get this all the time....especially if I had to go over a big bridge.

My advice....realize it for what it is....it is just anxiety....try the breathing exercise from the relaxation cd and understand that the anxiety is not going to make you pass out.

this helped for me and I am driving around right now with no problems at all. good luck.

This has been my hardest issue to overcome. My first panic attack happened while I was driving. I now get very dizzy, as well. I have learned that the dizziness in my case is caused by holding my breath, shallow breathing. I concentrate on slowing my breathing down, and I even turn the air on higher in my car and concentrate on taking in more air. Also,I have learned to float with the feelings, as Lucinda suggests, and it works. I always have my session cd playing in the car, as well. I hope that this helps you to. I am on session 8 and changing my "what if" thinking has really helped. Instead of saying to yourself "what if I get dizzy and get into an accident" say "what if I breathe and the dizziness goes away" "what if I learn how to breath through this and I can control my symptoms". Power of the mind does wonders.

I can definitely relate to your feelings while driving. The fear of driving was one of the main reasons I bought this program. It has definitely helped me with this. There is als another program that has been a big help to me, it's called the Driving Fear Program. You can read about it at drivingfear.com--if not interested in the Driving Fear Program, just continue to work with Lucinda's program. You'll get over this with work and time. Keep us posted on your progress.