Driving
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Guest
Hi Ms Moods, I can completely identify with what you are going through. One of my biggest fears was driving and losing control. I think that when you get behind the wheel of a car the stressors really kick in. One part of our disorder is to want to always feel in control and of course when we are operating a car, we put thought in our head like, "oh no, I'm feeling the panic and I'm going to lose control and no one can help me". At that moment we scare ourselves with the thought that this is it, this is going to be the moment I freak and drive off the road or into another vehicle.
I have found what has helped me the most with this is when I turn my thoughts to the fact that I'm okay, it's only anxiety. Then I breath and float through the feeling. I picture myself as feeling very cozy in my car. I concentrate on the road ahead of me and I pay much less attention to the other vehicles around me. In my case I found that when I would begin to feel the panic coming on I'd start looking at the cars in the lane next to me or behind me and think they must know what's happening to me! Of course, they didn't know and quite frankly they really probably couldn't care less if I'm having a panic attack! So, I began to make a point to not be spinning my head in every direction and noticing what was going on around me and I began to soothe myself and feel safe with myself.
I hope this might make sense to you and help you. Just try to change your thoughts immediately and use whatever may help you feel secure and confident.
Donna
I have found what has helped me the most with this is when I turn my thoughts to the fact that I'm okay, it's only anxiety. Then I breath and float through the feeling. I picture myself as feeling very cozy in my car. I concentrate on the road ahead of me and I pay much less attention to the other vehicles around me. In my case I found that when I would begin to feel the panic coming on I'd start looking at the cars in the lane next to me or behind me and think they must know what's happening to me! Of course, they didn't know and quite frankly they really probably couldn't care less if I'm having a panic attack! So, I began to make a point to not be spinning my head in every direction and noticing what was going on around me and I began to soothe myself and feel safe with myself.
I hope this might make sense to you and help you. Just try to change your thoughts immediately and use whatever may help you feel secure and confident.
Donna
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Guest
Hi!!!!Of course I know about those feelings.I have a great way to overcome my panic attacks while driving and is by listening some music of my interest and sing along.I have absolutely no singing aptitudes but I SING!!!!
In my case I'am always listening to Christian music to praise my Lord for the strength and hope that this anxiety will soon be over.
God Bless you!
Maria
In my case I'am always listening to Christian music to praise my Lord for the strength and hope that this anxiety will soon be over.
God Bless you!
Maria
ANGELS CAN FLY BECAUSE THEY TAKE THEMSELVES LIGHTLY
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Guest
Wow can I relate to you Ms Moods....that is exactly what happens to me when I am alone in the car....I do drive a lot because I have to go to work but when I want to go certain places the anxiety is always there....I love your answer Change...I do listen to Christian music too and it helps...and the anxiety always passes.
I feel this same way! I'm alway's very nervous when I drive. I feel that i will lose control or that i will pass out. This has been torture for me because i drive almost an hour each way to work for the past 5 years. Any more ideas out there to make me feel better???
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Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness, that frightens us.
We ask ourselves...
who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous?
Actually, who are we not to be? --Unknown
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[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v649/TheOneAndOnlyDerfy/sigsAvatarsEtc/loveyouguysWave.gif[/IMG] [IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v649/TheOneAndOnlyDerfy/sigsAvatarsEtc/ValHeartsSmiHug.gif[/IMG] [IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v649/TheOneAndOnlyDerfy/SigTags/LynneCocoaMo-1-1.jpg[/IMG]
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness, that frightens us.
We ask ourselves...
who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous?
Actually, who are we not to be? --Unknown
*****************************************
[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v649/TheOneAndOnlyDerfy/sigsAvatarsEtc/loveyouguysWave.gif[/IMG] [IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v649/TheOneAndOnlyDerfy/sigsAvatarsEtc/ValHeartsSmiHug.gif[/IMG] [IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v649/TheOneAndOnlyDerfy/SigTags/LynneCocoaMo-1-1.jpg[/IMG]
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Guest
Danny,
I would try listening to the relaxation tape while driving. Maybe do it before leaving and get directly in the car and start doing it. If you count your breaths the whole way, you may feel anxious, but you won't hyperventilate and pass out. Another thing I do is listen to the sessions while driving. When I get into it, it really helps.
If driving to work is what is difficult for you and you really want to overcome it..PRACTICE driving to work as often as possible, even when you don't have to drive there. I know this can be a bit of a pain because it's so far away...but it will really help you.
It's the same with anything. The more you do it, the easier it gets.
If you need a good supplemental book to read, I suggest "An End to Panic."
When I was agoraphobic and had panic disorder 8 years ago...this program and that book were the two things I used to totally overcome it. (I had to start out by just driving up and down my street! So I know how you feel.) It can be done.
I would try listening to the relaxation tape while driving. Maybe do it before leaving and get directly in the car and start doing it. If you count your breaths the whole way, you may feel anxious, but you won't hyperventilate and pass out. Another thing I do is listen to the sessions while driving. When I get into it, it really helps.
If driving to work is what is difficult for you and you really want to overcome it..PRACTICE driving to work as often as possible, even when you don't have to drive there. I know this can be a bit of a pain because it's so far away...but it will really help you.
It's the same with anything. The more you do it, the easier it gets.
If you need a good supplemental book to read, I suggest "An End to Panic."
When I was agoraphobic and had panic disorder 8 years ago...this program and that book were the two things I used to totally overcome it. (I had to start out by just driving up and down my street! So I know how you feel.) It can be done.