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Panic Attack Driving..

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Posted 8/18/2009 8:48 PM (GMT 0)
Yesterday I felt anxiety coming on out of nowhere in the pet store....Today, I was going to my friends house and started panicing going over the bridge..stuck in traffic. I had to breathe my way until i was off the bridge. Then on the highway it happened again...I pulled over and had my first panic attack. I was dizzy, my hands and legs were trembling..I thought i was going to pass out. I was a wreck. I took a .25 xanax and just waited to calm down and drove to her house. I was on celexa for a month and switched to zoloft and in week 3. But this attack wasnt like any other....I was a real mess.

Any thoughts??

als, do u know of any interactions with zoloft and synthroid or birth control?

Sunshine :(

Posted 8/18/2009 9:00 PM (GMT 0)
It sounds like u did all the rite things! You pulled over. You concentrated on your breathing. Perfect. These panic attacks while driving will pass. Don't be afraid to drive because of them. If you stop driving it will make the attacks worse. Your medication will kick in and help a lot. Something in your life is bringing these attacks on. Try to figure out what is bothering u. What needs to be fixed or eliminated? Hang in there and things will get better!
Posted 8/18/2009 9:00 PM (GMT 0)
I'm so sorry you had to go through that. The severity of the attack could have something to do with the change in meds and hormones. You should speak to your Dr to confirm. Being stuck on bridges sets me off too. Hang in there!

Posted 8/18/2009 10:14 PM (GMT 0)
Hello Sunshine!
I can sure relate to panic and driving and riding in a car. Been my biggest trigger for almost 25 years. Don't really know what to tell you or
I'd tell myself (LOL). But I have gone from NO driving in my twenties to driving most places (except long distances and highways) just a couple years later, after therapy. I used to drive everywhere, lots of long distances as a teen, but something came out of nowhere in my twenties and stopped me dead in my (driving) tracks. I empathize, and know how it feels. Wish I had the magic words. Other than the usual: therapy, meds, relaxation, exercise, challenging yourself to drive, etc. I know panic can jump around from one trigger to another (don't know if this was your first attack while driving or your first attack period). Try not to let it overwhelm you or defeat you! Work through it. Get help before driving anxiety possibly gets worse?
Peace to you!
Spinnaker
Posted 8/19/2009 2:21 PM (GMT 0)
I just turned 16 in May, and I drove to my boyfriends Grandma and Grandpas to pick him up which is about 3 hours away and its right off the interstate. Well I was doing fine until i had Semi's all around me....I start getting really hot, I started breathing heavily, i was shaking horribly, and I was getting really lightheaded. I didn't know what to do so I kept driving..

 

 

 

Any Comments on what I shoul do?

 

 

Thanks

Posted 8/19/2009 3:46 PM (GMT 0)
I have not been driving for over 6 months now because I get panic attacks all the time. I try only to stay in town. I get them stuck at traffic lights. I feel like I am trapped. It is very hard for me because I am usually driving 2 kids around. I am afraid for there saftey to. I now am trying to force my self to drive. Keep drving because I stopped and it does it worse.

Anne
Posted 8/19/2009 3:48 PM (GMT 0)
Hello Sunshine!

I am sorry you had your first panic attack while driving.  Many members have posted over the years re their Driving phobias.  I think you did the right thing in taking your Xanax and waiting until you felt safer in continuing your journey.

Here are a few tips for anyone with a driving phobia.


1. Take small steps and you will eventually get to your destination -- A lot of people who have a fear of driving simply give up using their car altogether. This is the way to perpetuate your condition, not to heal yourself. If you feel that you're unable to drive, simply use the car for short periods. Either drive around the block, or to the grocery store, or take frequent pit stops to make sure your fear doesn't build up. By doing so, you're conditioning your mind to gradually overcome your fears.

2. Listen to soothing music while you're driving -- Music has great effect on our mood. Find some music that you can relax to and play it while you're driving. It will lower your overall stress levels and your will enjoy your ride more.

4. Take deep breaths -- If you're ever driving and start to experience one of the many symptoms of your phobia (sweating, stomach aches, nausea), take a few deep breaths. Inhale and exhale slowly. Deep breaths steady the heart beat and help you to relax

Think positive thoughts, leaving no room for failure that you “just can’t do this.”

I wish you peace and please do keep talking with us.

Kitt

Posted 8/19/2009 3:51 PM (GMT 0)
sportsgirl18

Hello and welcome to HealingWell. I am so glad you found us.  You are a very young driver and being surround by semi trucks that really swamp you scares me so I understand your fears.  I did post some tips on driving phobias above which may give you some ideas on how to manage your fears when driving.

Again a warm welcome,

Kitt

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