panic going to work

[Dracked]

I have read a lot about panic attacks and esperienced them before (a
lot), but I haven't had one outside the house, or even outside my bed (I
usually get them when I wake up in the middle of the night and start
thinking about work) in a looong time.

However, this morning there was a bad frost. I decided not to take my
usual back-road route to work as it would be too dangerous, and took the
busier roads. Barely up the road from home, sitting in traffic, not
moving, I suddenly felt as if I had smoke up my nose - I swear I could
smell it - and felt like I couldn't breathe. This just went on and on. I
got a few bouts of relief where I thought I was okay, but then it
started again.

I had to turn off the heat in the car and open my window all the way to
work in the freezing cold to try and just breathe, in wheezes! When I got to work, a
colleague was outside having a cigarette and I couldn't talk to him, I
just had to stand there and try to breathe. It hasn't recurred all day,
but I am dreading the drive home and back in tomorrow.

I guess it happened because I hate driving on icy roads, and my boss is
visiting from the U.S.!

Anyway, that was a bit of a rant, just wanted to get it out.

Thanks,
D

[andie73]

Hi Dracked

I too felt panicky as a result of the drive to work cos of the icy conditions. I think it is normal for some of us to feel like this while the rest are driving like idiots we are taking our time eyes popping out of our heads looking for the shinny bit on the road!!!

You should be really pleased with yourself for getting to work and not turning round. I'm soooo glad I'm not at work tomorrow as the forecast is horrendous. Still I have to go out early so I'll still be anxious.

Hope tomorrow is a bit better and at least if you are anxious it means you are aware of the conditions on the roads and are being extra cautious. And if you are anxious tomorrow you have proved to yourself that you can ride it out and succeed, that will give you strength for the next time.