Anxiety sucks!!

[will72jr]

Just started program a week ago. I hope this helps me . I just have been getting worse it seems. I've had this anxiety for 10 years or more. It all started when I was driving, now I get anxious if I have to drive anywhere especially long distance. I used to love driving. It has happened other places to but mostly driving. I sometimes don't think it's anxiety but the doctors can't find anything. They probably think I'm crazy anyway. Sometimes I wonder. I've read other books which don't seem to help at all. It just seems that I have something else wrong with me now. This really sucks!!!!

[Nanner823]

YUP, I know the feeling. I am in the same boat. I used to drive states alone, now I am lucky I could drive more than 3 more minutes alone if you need me Im here.

[jtswenson]

Me too. Driving has become difficult for me too. I feel extra uncomfortable when doing so. I'm not anxious about the car or speed or anything like that. In fact, I don't even feel like I get worked up at all. To me it usually just takes 5 minutes or so in the car and my gut starts to feel crappy and then I have a tough time breathing and can start to feel faint. It seems like there's no way it could just be anxiety when I'm really not even worked up or scared. I just feel like the movement or seating position or something is bothering me so much. Then, when I have a tough time breathing and start to feel faint, then the panic starts. I guess we all need to accept that it could just be anxiety that's causing symptoms and take baby steps towards improvement. I've asked my wife to go "cruising" with me occasionally to just go driving. I hope to keep increasing the distance and trying not to let things bother me. I'm hoping that it will just become more normal again and I won't immediately start thinking about how I feel.

[tina martin]

Hi and Welcome. The program offered here has helped many people, so please do give it your time and attention and patience. It is based on CBT, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, which is a way of reconditioning your thinking (to oversimplify).

Another aspect to trying to help yourself is to explore possible origins of your anxiety. A fear of death has been acknowledged by some. A sense of worthlessness by others, stressful childhood, etc., just to give some examples. Some psychiatrists have noticed an increase in anxiety since 9/11. I know it is when I started yoga. Then there is medication. I'll do just about anything to avoid it, but in reading what others have shared and what I know first hand from a long time friend with serious anxiety attacks, medication can and does help. Sometimes it is necessary, at least at the start. So you may want to consult with a psychiatrist.

I have mild anxiety leaving home and driving. The origins are no mystery to me which I believe helps. Am also big into eating well, exercising and meditation. Perhaps this is a little helpful. Hope others join in. Best to you.

[Flyer99]

Hello,

I also have trouble driving. For me, I don't have much of a problem in the city but it's in the country or on divided highways. I think "no escape route". My first panic episodes happened while driving on country roads so I think that's what is triggering it for me. I used to drive 100's of miles in a day by myself and actually enjoyed it. I'm working on it and hope to be able to do that again. You are not alone.

[tina martin]

As I've thought about this I realized that driving was always something I merely had to do with some anxieties whereas it is a pleasure to many others. My anxiety precedes the driving. Once I'm out there I manage but definitely not highways or country roads.

[will72jr]

Thanks for the replies. Had a bad day yesterday at work but made it through. I've been listening and doing what i'm suppose to but haven't noticed any change. If anything I think I feel worse sometimes. I guess i'm anxious to see if this works or not.Felt a little better today but still have my problems.

[tina martin]

Am sorry about your experience so far, but it's good you posted anyway. You may want to read Fear of Friend Moving (and several earlier threads, esp. The passing of a StressCenter.com......). Believe27 is also just starting out with good results.

The program tries to change negative thinking to positives. Here is one: you made it at work. Much praise for that. I meditate twice a day without fail. I've conditioned myself to look forward to it. Maybe you can start to look forward to sessions with the program. It is your uninterrupted time for yourself to help you become positive about yourself. Hope you have a good evening and good day tomorrow.

[will72jr]

Thanks for the help. I guess my problem is I just want this to go away now. I try to think positive thoughts but the negatives out weigh them. I woke up this morning to a anxiety attack. I'm writing this now to get my mind off things. I start session 3 soon and look forward to more help.

[tina martin]

Sorry it's only me again. I'm up early and am thankful for another day. Our goal is for you to wake up with a smile on your face. Patience. Do you believe you'll get there? YES, with your dedication. Writing and posting are great. Session 3 is a key session. There were times in my life when I thought I didn't even have a Self. A strong, self confident Self is the David that will slay the seeming Goliath of Anxiety.

You are on your way to better days. You may want to read posts by Cancun007 and the thread "The Passing of a StressCenter.com....." They triumphed and so will you.