Hi all
Just a quick update for anyone who doesn't know my situation in full.....
I have suffered with panic/anxiety for over 12 years and I now have the panic attacks under control. I think the last time I had a panic attack is nearly 2 years ago. What I am left with is anxiety and in particular when driving. I can drive anywhere as long as there is a hard shoulder or somewhere to pull off and I absolutely hate road works and traffic jams. As for contra-flows :([:O]
Driving has always been an issue for me because I started having panic attacks in the car 12 years ago so it stopped being a safe place for me. Then I had a car accident which made it worse.
I have had the confidence to keep doing it over and over (JFDI) and I have not avoided them very often but I am just not comfortable in them and I hate every minute of it. I often call Meg in tears asking her to talk to me whilst I drive through them and then I come out shaking and feeling that I have failed cos it is not getting any easier for me.
So after that update, on to my question ....
I have talked to Meg about this and we think I need CBT again to try and help me change my thoughts and really believe and KNOW that I am fine in roadworks etc and nothing can harm me.
So, I have a doctor's appointment to discuss this in a couple of weeks time. The thing is that I know the NHS waiting list can be up to 18 months (if he even agrees to refer me atall) but I do have private medical insurance (well Alex does but I am named on the policy so I can use it).
The thing is that they will not take on existing conditions and I guess they could say that this is part of the anxiety I have had for years.
I guess they can't prove the driving has always been an issue and it did come back with avengence last year when I had to drive over the Severn Bridge so it is fairly recent that I have gotten worse.
I don't want to lie to anyone but does anyone have any experience of being referred to a private CBT therapist and will it go against me that I have it on my medical records as having suffered panic/anxiety for so long.
Did you manage to get it easily enough and did your medical background go against you?
Just want to prepare myself in advance so any help would be appreciated.
Thanks all.
Nicola
"Nearly all happiness comes into our lives through doors we don't even remember leaving open"