Obessessed with being near medical help

[chellebelle]

Hi, I've had panic disorder for 16 years, but over the past 5 years it has morphed into a delightful mix of health anxiety and an obsession with being near medical help.
Sometimes I sit outside a hospital or ambulance station for hours just to feel safe.
I find if I have to drive somewhere I am constantly counting the kilometers between ambulance stations, medical clinics, hospitals, and even nursing homes (at a stretch). I am having lots of trouble driving any significant distance where I feel medical assistance would not readily be available. I can no longer do my job properly because I can't do site visits to see my staff. I can't even begin to count the times that I've faked a migraine because I've been too scared to drive.
Does anyone else experience similar and, if so, have you had any treatment that has helped?

Thanks!

[glassgirlw]

Funny you say that....I am terrified to fly so if we go on vacation we have to drive. My brother got married in Florida in August. I live in Kansas. I was very nervous about the drive because I was unfamiliar with the route and had no idea how far between hospitals I would be. Long stretches of the drive were just empty of any civilization. That being said....we did it....and I made it. Had a couple mild attacks on the way home but was also coming down with a cold so part of it was due to that I think. Was very proud of myself. Unfortunately now my HA is back in full swing so I am back to square one dealing with it. I did start a therapist last week. Going to give CBT a try.

[Mi]

Yes, I can completely relate to this! I've been in and out of a&e and my doctors almost on a daily basis! Like you, I will only go to places I know where the hospital is and I've considered parking outside a hospital just to feel safe. Before all this I was always one to avoid doctors and hospitals, but now I feel like I want to live at them! I feel like I have 111 on speed dial! Was even contemplating going tonight but so far I've managed to stay away