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Posted 5/1/2011 9:26 PM (GMT 0)
Hello--I'm new to this site, and my major problem is depression, but I also have some anxiety issues.  One of the things that really sends me into a panic is driving in the city, and I have to drive across the middle of a large city to pick up my two sons from my ex every other Sunday.  I get tunnel vision and hyperventilate if I don't take a xanax before I leave, and even with meds on board I'm white-knuckled the entire hour's drive.  It just really makes me nervous having all those people driving so fast so close to me--not knowing who is behind the wheel!  I know that at any moment one of those people could cause me and lots of other people to crash. Since this is something I have to do 2-3 times a month (started in September), I was wondering if anyone had any advice for driving anxiety (besides don't drive in the city, because unfuortunately that's not an option!).

Twenty-six minutes until I have to leave.  I keep telling myself to put on your big girl panties and deal, but myself doesn't listen very well.  It doesn't help that the last trip I got stuck beside someone who kept weaving in and out of his lane--drunk?  dunno.  I am ready to see my children, but the fact that I have to drive there hangs over me all day like a dark cloud.  a dark cloud with fangs and claws.  Twenty-three minutes. 22.  Anybody out there?

Post Edited (polianna) : 5/1/2011 3:38:32 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 5/1/2011 11:33 PM (GMT 0)
Welcome to HealingWell.  I understand how you feel about the freeway traffic.  I prefer a deadlock as people move much slower then at regular speed changing lanes constantly just to get ahead of you.

Is it posible for your ex to pick up and return the children to their home with you ? Could you meet somewhere half way that is in a lower traffic area ? 

My ex had to pick up the kids and return them back home.  I hope this gets easier for you.  I also worry ahead of time when a anxiety producing event is ahead of me on a particular day.

Kindly,

Kitt

Posted 5/2/2011 12:41 AM (GMT 0)
Hi polianna,

Do you experience the same problem if you are in the car in the city, but not driving, someone else is driving?

If not, do you have a friend or relative that can go with you to pick up the kids?
Maybe that can be a solution
Posted 5/2/2011 2:38 AM (GMT 0)
Hi and welcome to the A/P board! I am sorry that you have to go through this axious activity. City driving can be a challenge! I drove through our biggest (traffic & population wise) city, and in an unfamiliar area on a day trip this week. Everything went fine, but I was absolutely wrung-out when we got home! That shows me that I was stressed to some degree during the trip.

Are you less stressed on the way when you have your kids with you? If so, then maybe the distraction helps. On the way when your alone, maybe a calming C.D., or a book on disc could help get your mind off the worry?

If you tend to hyperventilate, this will increase your mental and physical discomfort. I have this struggle as well, in fact I'm not even aware that I'm doing it until I'm dizzy and feeling weird. Check out our A/P Resource Guide at the top of the forum main page. It has some links to some great breathing exercises that I'm sure can help you. Practice them everyday, especially when faced with a stressfull situation. They can even be done while driving:)

Good luck, and post here anytime you have a question, or just want to share. This is a great place full of information, awesome people and support:)
Scaredy Cat
Posted 5/2/2011 3:51 AM (GMT 0)
Highway driving gives me bad anxiety more so than city driving. I think it has something to do with the speed, in that it is greater.

Fwiw, my PCP filled out some paperwork for me to allow to Disability Mobility Bus Service and Taxi Service (I have Chronic Pain/Crohn's so I am physically disabled also). (Like run through the Public Transit Authority or Administration)
I have no idea where you are, if even you are in the U.S., but perhaps there is something similar in your city.

The taxi service is on call and picks up as needed at your door, pay a 2 or 3 dollars fee and and they take you anywhere up to $20 one way..
The bus is 24hrs notice, pick-up at the door. 0.85 cents one way
Posted 5/2/2011 4:04 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Polianna,

I just wanted to tell you I admire your courage in actually driving through the city. I suffer with agoraphobia and am currently trying to get used to driving again, so the fact that you are doing so despite your anxiety is very admirable! When I go for my driving exposure therapy, I always prepare with some positive affirmations before hand, and keep index cards of more affirmations in my wallet (in case I need to pull-over and calm down). These are supposed to help retrain your brain so that eventually you will no longer be so nervous getting behind the wheel. Of course, a half decent radio station doesn't hurt either, lol!

Best of Luck,

DarkWolf
Posted 5/2/2011 10:20 AM (GMT 0)
I really do not have any good advice for you, just wanted to say I know the feeling and eventually you will overcome this too.  I think often times, as the years go by, things change and this feeling may become a thing of the pass, hopefully not replaced by something else.  I used to have a terrible time in traffic, even a 3 minute wait at a red light made me crazy.  There were times I nearly jumped out of my car and left it in the street at the light.  I never did it, but I sure wanted too.

Do you have to drive through the city, can you take a little extra time and go around the city?  I live on Long Island and there always seems to be a parkway that goes around the city.   Traffic is horrendous here and I do fine.  On a bad day, I just stay away from the areas I know may be backed up.

One more question.  Do you take any other med for the anxiety?  Xanax is good for the moment, but maybe something like Celexa, Paxil, Zoloft, etc may help you more.

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