Anxiety Support Group

yes! i hate it i feel toataly out of control! i want to flight but stay and fight! um i listen to my ipod? do u have one? um try understanding and listening to yourself why do u get like this in the car? and does it help getting anxious what will it solve? thats what i do truth only makes me feel worse! get to know why by going in a car with people and going through the motions of how your feeling and try to understand why? it might help! good luckx

I can totally relate to what you go through. My anxiety in vehicles or around vehicles is because my mind tells me they aren't safe, that I'll be in an accident and seriously injured... or worse! I had to give up my car several years back because I would experience panic attacks when driving. About 4 years ago I was a passenger in a friend's car and we were re-ended. I was injured (whiplash), but it also set my anxiety to such a degree that I could barely walk down the street, thinking cars were going to jump the sidewalk and hit me. Horrible place to be in your mind. All my friends know of my anxiety around vehicles and have come to accept it. I try and make humor with it when I'm in a car. It helps and it also helps to let others know that I need them to be extra cautious when driving with me in the car, please don't follow too close or use excessive speed. Sometimes they let me drive, which puts me in control of the situation and less anxious.

I do and not always as a passenger. I have panic attacks while driving and am known to have to pull off the road. I don't know what will help, but if anyone has suggestions..I am willing to listen too!

I have to have meds for long trips, in the city air conditioning at high and cold cloth on back of neck. In panic mode I get extremely hot and sweaty so if my body cold less chance of attack. Hubbie understanding and a calm person and I always sit in front too claustrophobic in back. So when you see an old Ma and Pa in minivan tooling down the highway, that's us.
LOL
Marg51

I too get really bad attacks. I don't have the answers but I seem to cry and it gets me through. If I recline my seat and do breathing it helps with my eyes closed. Doctors say get out there and the more exposed the more used to it you'll be but gas is so high, I can't go everyday to my "unsafe spots". Hang in there.

I don't have this but I thought of something.. is it just the car or the driving part? If it's just the car I suggest sitting in the car, with your husband, and just you know.. sitting there, face your fears. Do it in your driveway or a parking lot so you're not moving at all. When you feel better about that, drive around an empty parking lot, move on to full parking lots, etc. It's gonna be scary, but I think it could help you.

Hope this helps,
Iris.

Yes I have this too! I get scared when I get to far away from a "safe area." I agree that the more you face your fear and realize that you can handle it the more comfortable you will become. When I feel fear while driving I try to let the fear run its course and tell myself that it's only anxiety and that I can handle it. I've come to realize that when I have a panic attack that anxiety cannot hurt me. The minute you tell yourself "I'm scared, I can't handle this" etc the worse the anxiety will get. You have made it this far through the fear so beleive in yourself that you will overcome it!

I get this too its been bothering me quite alot too..............i get my usual pain in the b*ut swollen thorat feelings and tite chest then have to pull over i often try and fight it but it becomes to much most times...........I just zoom home as fast as i can i just get really desperate to get home.........within 10 mins or so of being back at home im fine ! It drives me nuts!