Panic attacks while driving
Hi everyone,
I am a new member and I would be so interested to hear of anything that helps when I get a panic attack while I am driving.
At the moment I avoid motorways completely, can't stand the feeling of not being able to get off or stop so a simple journey takes me hours.
I am driving with my parents onMonday a long journey so any help would be so welcome.
BTW I have had CBT and got the relaxation CDs, and they help with my everyday life, but the driving is still causing me endless anxiety!
Many thanks
Izzab
Re: Panic attacks while driving
Hey everyone, I felt I was alone with these panic attacks but it is great to have others that are going through the same thing. My life has become unbearable, I can't drive long distances and avoid freeways. It is getting worse and I feel like I am going to lose control and drive off the road. I used to go to church but now find myself making excuses because of the large crowds and when I do go I always have to sit in the back row as I fear people are looking at me and when there is communion I panic as I can't hold the little cup as I shake too much. I am having a terrible time and feel like a prisoner in my own home, basing my days around my anxiety. Anyone have any comments or ideas as I can't do the things I used to love doing. :weep:
Re: Panic attacks while driving
I used to get terrible PA's whilst driving a few years ago. However, mines were more to do with being alone and having time to think (my dad had just died and we had just nursed him), than the actual driving itself.
A coping strategy for me was to listen to audio books. I found that they made me lend enough of my concentration to them, to stop me thinking too much but left me enough to get on with the driving.
Happyone