Panic Attacks while driving

nervousmom · Post by **nervousmom** » Sun Nov 21, 2010 6:55 am

I am new to this community..I have been working with the program for a year but have not gone through it all. Just recently, I have experienced the worst panic attacks while driving and now afraid to do anything. I have family and friends helping out with all and as a busy, owner of a business and a mom, I feel so lost. Any words of wisdom out there..

Hope77 · Post by **Hope77** » Sun Nov 21, 2010 8:01 am

Know that you are not alone and you WILL get through this. I am in the same situation as you right now. My panic attacks started getting really bad while driving and now I have been stuck in my house for six weeks due to the fear of having a panic attack while driving. I had these panic attacks for a few months years ago but then went over ten years without very much problem. Keep looking through the posts on here that people have recovered. God Bless.

Barb1371 · Post by **Barb1371** » Mon Nov 22, 2010 3:22 am

Your not alone with this at all..I wish there was a miricle cure..Good Luck to you

manofmusic · Post by **manofmusic** » Sat Nov 27, 2010 1:19 pm

I have attacks while driving too. When I had my first attack behind the wheel, I had to pull over. The only thing you can do is to keep the breathing steady. Go out driving when the roads aren't busy and practise practise practise. I find if I'm running late, the anxiety goes up. Also, I find that if I'm having an attack, I drive faster. One thing I trained myself to do is drive slower. Not too long ago, I also trained myself not to go thru yellow lights. This may seem strange, but if I go thru a yellow light, I make myself go around the block and go thru the intersection again. By doing this, I force myself to slow down. If worse comes to worst, pull over (if you can) and close your eyes and breathe. Once you are ready to go again, do it.

jillzmind · Post by **jillzmind** » Sat Nov 27, 2010 2:22 pm

Mano
I am glad to read that I am not the only one
who caught themselves speeding when anxious. It's like this disease of Leadfootitis came over me and I had no clue haha.. And you are right it totally helps to tell yourself to
Slow Down really helps. I used to punch it thru yellow lights and now I just chill. I am still working on this one and one of the things I remind myself is how much of a privelage and joy driving can be. So freeing

I sure beats a horse and buggy anyday hehehe

Flyer99 · Post by **Flyer99** » Sun Nov 28, 2010 3:36 am

I, too, find myself a little "lead footed" on the gas pedal when I get anxious and panicky. Like manodmusic, I had a really bad panic attack when I was driving in the car on a country road many years ago and still remember it. I think it just took hold. But, I am still working on it. Trying to relax when driving. If I get panicky now, I pull over and breathe slowly. And I always have a bottle of water with me and some tart candy to kind of shake me out of it. I think driving is one of our biggest nightmares at times. You'll conquer this, nervousmom, it takes lots of practice. Good luck!

tina martin · Post by **tina martin** » Mon Nov 29, 2010 1:13 am

Fear of the the road, fear of travel, mild agorophobia have been part of my life. Also have a friend of many years who has had panic attacks most of her life, so I know what that's about.

The program here based on CBT has its place and value, to be sure. But for me it is the Freudian look back that comes first. I spend time and effort analyzing where those fears originate, work on that aspect and then apply the steps in CBT. This has generally worked for me in modified ways. I am not nearly as free to move about as others, but I can deal with my restictions. Understanding them seems to be the foundation to improvement, at least for me.