Stress Center Peer Support

Hi Mountain girl! Driving is also scary for me, but mostly just the freeways. I had a major panic attack in Feb after dropping hubby off at the airport 70 miles from our house (he drove the whole way there) and I thought I was going to crash into someone, my whole body was shaking. But you know what? I got over 2 lanes of traffic and onto an exit ramp and found a different way home on the little roads!

A couple of weeks ago, I had a thought while I was driving that people with anxiety are probably the best drivers out there! We watch for everything and the fact that we can drive while distracted by our anxiety, proves were are fantastic drivers!

Today my 7 year old son fell and chipped his tooth. I had to drive 28 miles to the dentist. I did pretty good, had some anxiety for the last part of it while we were driving there (the way home was a breeze). Although I wasn't on a highway, but on a two lane road 55 mph and semis and also amish buggies (have to make sure you go up hills slowly around here because a horse and buggy could be on the other side).

And at first I felt ashamed that I had anxiety, after all I am on week 8! But then I thought, wow, this is why I have anxiety!!! I relaxed, told myself it was JUST anxiety and during my son's appointment, I didn't have a single thought that I would have a panic attack and die.

Remember, baby steps are KEY! I have some really really good days and some not so good days, but the good days keep me going and believing in this program!!!

Ocean

You know even when I get to my destination with a family member or friend I kind of freak out because I am a ways from home and can't just get right back to my comfort zone in an instant and I freak out. I feel like no one will be able to save me. It is sheer terror sometimes being far away from home with someone else. Then I figure how can I possibly do it by myself. I know it is just my thoughts and that I do it all to myself, but I just can't seem to overcome them. It's like they take over when I try to drive alone. I get dizzy and feel like I can't get any air and am going to pass out. The breathing is my worst fear. I feel like I am suffocating. It's horrible. I try to occupy myself and not concentrate on my breating but it doesn't work. I try controlled breathing but it makes my panic worse because I feel like my breathing gets worse. So what am I to do? Like 3 years ago I drove about 2 and a half hours to my dad's and was fine. Now I think about it and I get anxiety. I am going to get the driving cd. Like right now I am thinking about it and I am getting anxiety. Well thanks everyone.

Mountain Girl,

You are your safe place and your safe person, when you realize that then maybe some of your anxiety will subside. You won't feel like you have to rush to get back to where you feel safe, because no matter where you're at or where you go, you will be safe. You will feel comfortable all the time, because your comfort zone is YOU. Hope that helps Take Care and please keep in touch with us and let us know how you're coming along. We're all here for you always!

Your friend,
Dee

So I am so excited. My boyfriend is a log truck driver and is hauling logs to the mill that is 15 miles from our house. So on his last load I had him wait down there at the gas station and drove down there and met him. It was really hard. The worst part was not being able to breathe. Feeling like I am being suffocated and going to pass out. I did it though. Even though I wanted to turn around like every mile and didn't think that I could do it, I kept going and reached my destination. Now the drive home was easy. I was coming back to my "safe" place, my comfort zone. I am going to do this during the week everyday I've decided for desensitization. Hopefully it will help. You are totally right about needing to understand my safe zone is anywhere I go and I am my safe person. It is so hard to erase or correct thoughts that you have had for a few years. I keep telling myself I am my safe person. Thank you.

Mountain Girl,
Wow 30 miles altogether! I'm very proud of you! Your progress is coming along nicely. I'm on Lesson 2 in our workbook and on page 2-5 says "It takes time and lots and lots of practice. But the only way to stop fearing panic and anxiety attacks is to experience them. Then, work your way through them and begin to see that they won't hurt you. There is no need to run. You are your safe place and your safe person. You can make yourself feel better." I love what that says, it always helped me an I hope it makes you feel better too. Congradulations, and I hope that you continue to practice until you feel totally comfortable. We're here for you, keep in touch and let us know how thing continue to go for you, we'd like to know.


Your Friend,
Dee