Suffer from anxiety and panic attacks

[sweetjam66]

I am afraid to drive on parts of the highway where I feel there isn't an exit to hurry and get off on. I do not like to cross over any bridges and I have this fear of crashing or wrecking. I once lost my train of thought while I was on the expressway I completely forgot where I was and what I was doing and started shaking and my heart started beating really fast. I felt like I was loosing my breath and my mind. I get in these panic modes driving at night and I don't understand this because I use to love to drive. I get freaked out if I have to drive long distances. I usually take the back roads every where I want to go and this is a hindrance to me because I remember a time in my life where I was confident about driving. I haven't been a bad accident to make me this way. I also found out that "ASTHMA" comes from fear and anxiety which is what I was diagnosed with a few years ago. I really want to overcome my fears and not be afraid of what I actually use to love to do. But I can always tell when I'm about to have these attacks as my hands start shaking and then I start feeling outside of myself. What is wrong with me? I am not taking any medications and I really don't want to because I was told that it makes it worse. Please Help!

[NewBeginning010]

Hi sweetjam66, Sorry to heat that you are going through this. I also suffer from panic attacks & general anxiety disorder.

Firstly, please speak to your doctor about this as their are good medications & therapies that can help. Sometimes just knowing that I have medication with me can help me to feel calmer (ativan).

My panic attacks can get quite severe & I am barely able to do anything. Your body is going into what is called a fight or flight response. Basically, you release chemicals & adrenalin into your body that are needed when you need to fight off an attacker or flee. The problem is that in today's society the "attacker" can be perceived to be anything (driving for example).

One of the techniques that can be helpful is to work on "riding the wave" of the thoughts that you are having when you start to experience the anxiety/panic. Notice it & tell yourself that you are ok & that this will go away (easier said then done I know). Maybe do some "test" driving in your area when you tell yourself that you are going to go onto the highway for one or two exits & then get off.... hopefully you feel ok then you can start to stretch out your drives.

Another good thing to do is practice at home (sounds silly I know ;-) Sit back on the couch & imagine that you are driving over a bridge, start to feel the fear/feelings start to come on & then "sit" with them & notice that they dont feel great but you can handle it, it will go away & imagine driving over it & feeling good about yourself & your accomplishment. Keep trying different situations that you are uncomfortable in & try to be ok with them.

I was working on this earlier today as I am going to be flying for a funeral soon & I am not comfortable being 10,000 feet in a tin can lol.

Here are some good reads on anxiety & panic disorders. Cognitive behavioral therapy can also be very helpful (last link)

Take care & all of the best in your recovery.

Anxiety - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Anxiety Symptoms, Causes, Types, Signs and Treatment on MedicineNet.com

Panic attack - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Psychology.com Articles Blog Archive A Perspective on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

[NewBeginning010]

SJ, This is also a very good thread, the anxiety program at the end is also helpful.

http://www.soberrecovery.com/forums/...disorders.html (Coping with anxiety and panic disorders)

Take Care,

NB