Hi Everyone:
I hope someone can help me! I have had GAD for about 17 years. Over the past two years I have had an incredibly difficult time driving/riding in cars. I completely lose it- sweat, grabbing on to things, heart palpitations..etc. Could someone who has had or is having these difficulties please provide me with some help? This is really starting to scare me a great deal. Thanks so much.
Shawn
Panic While Driving/Riding in a Car?
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Guest
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Guest
Hey I have been feeling anxiety since last year and i was homebounded during summer because i didnt feel comfortable riding in a car, and now im homebounded again cuz i dont feel comfortable. i get the heart palipiations, sweating and just the feeling of wanting to jump out and run around. VERY UNCOMFORTABALE. I have been in a bad car accident in 2003 i think it was but then i never really let it get to me and now i wounder if it has, I dunno thoe. I dont think about it.
Well n e way is there n e reason why u feel that way in driving or riding in the car??? was there a severe accidient u been into or n e thing?
Well n e way is there n e reason why u feel that way in driving or riding in the car??? was there a severe accidient u been into or n e thing?
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Guest
I know how you feel. I have had and still at times, have the same issue. I've had GAD all my life and recently developed Panic Disorder.
All I can say is practice, practice, practice. Yes, easier said than done but if I can do it, so can you. I would drive a very small distance, even if it's just out of the parking lot. Try that for a few days or more until you feel comfortable to maybe go out onto the main street and turn around to come back into the parking lot/driveway. Baby steps. Little by little you can achieve success and be back driving on the roads like you never missed it.
And don't get discouraged. Anytime you step outside, anytime you get into the car, anytime you drive just a few inches, that is a huge accomplishment. Congratulate yourself on a job well done because the first step in anything is trying. If you did that, you're building up your confidence to keep going cause you feel good about yourself and your accomplishment.
I refused to be homebound and for a long while, I couldn't drive on the freeway. One day, I just went for it. Only drove from one exit to another but I kept practicing that for a long time until I got comfortable to drive past two exits and so on. I felt so great, and so proud, the adrenaline rush I was getting from my anxiety, I turned it into excitement. It sucks to have to take the long way around everywhere, so I just decided no more, and I'm gonna do it my way.
I believe you will get through this, this is just a minor hiccup in your success.
All I can say is practice, practice, practice. Yes, easier said than done but if I can do it, so can you. I would drive a very small distance, even if it's just out of the parking lot. Try that for a few days or more until you feel comfortable to maybe go out onto the main street and turn around to come back into the parking lot/driveway. Baby steps. Little by little you can achieve success and be back driving on the roads like you never missed it.
And don't get discouraged. Anytime you step outside, anytime you get into the car, anytime you drive just a few inches, that is a huge accomplishment. Congratulate yourself on a job well done because the first step in anything is trying. If you did that, you're building up your confidence to keep going cause you feel good about yourself and your accomplishment.
I refused to be homebound and for a long while, I couldn't drive on the freeway. One day, I just went for it. Only drove from one exit to another but I kept practicing that for a long time until I got comfortable to drive past two exits and so on. I felt so great, and so proud, the adrenaline rush I was getting from my anxiety, I turned it into excitement. It sucks to have to take the long way around everywhere, so I just decided no more, and I'm gonna do it my way.
I believe you will get through this, this is just a minor hiccup in your success.
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Guest
libran had a good idea. i was the same way a few years ago.while i was going through the program i was home bound like you and had a job as resident mmanager of an apt building. it was a rugh road until i got to the point that i gave it a try and kept at it. i had to drive 5 hours the first time to see a lady that is now my wife. if we have to do something we can. the program will give you the skills and tools that you need to step out and use them.if you want it bad enough you can do it.if i can you can. take care and good luck and be blessed.if you get a chance my profile will tell you alot more.
don
don