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Progress with anxiety slipping away

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Posted 9/21/2014 8:40 PM (GMT 0)
I am new to this site, just found it today. I am a 39 yo female with anxiety/panic attacks since 1999. They first started with Graves Disease. I have had years of struggles with them so that they didn't run my life. I had been doing really well but over the last few weeks I feel I am losing all the control I had worked so hard to get back. My main anxiety comes from driving by myself. Can anyone offer any coping skills that they have used for driving? I get to the point I feel like I am losing control and if I can't get help fast, I end feeling the need to call 911. Thanks to all in advance.....I want my life back.
Posted 9/21/2014 9:01 PM (GMT 0)
Shelly

Welcome! You are in good company as the people here provide true and honest support.

My mother-in law used to experience "driving anxiety". I know how debilitating this can be and my heart goes out to you.

On our resource section (1st page, 1st post) there are a lot of coping exercises that have helped me immensely. Check it out and let us know what you think.

Are you currently taking any medication? Have you ever talked to a therapists about this?

Keep posting and let us know how you are doing? Sending prayers your way!
Posted 9/21/2014 9:07 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Shelly! I'd like to extend a welcome too. There are lots of kind people here that can offer lots of suggestions and support.

I manage my anxiety and panic (some days better than others!) with meditation, walking and vitamin supplements. I've also been looking into finding a therapist that does CBT. What things have you tried?

Like Cornell suggested, check out the resources. There are so many great skills to explore on there.

I noticed the 830 on your name. Is that your birthday by any chance? You don't have to answer that if you don't want to. It's mine, and I just turned 39. Just curious. :)
Posted 9/21/2014 9:29 PM (GMT 0)
I am on medication. For the past maybe 5 years i have been taking Celexa and Klonopin. I do see a therapist regularly....thank goodness i will be seeing him Thursday. I regularly tell myself that im going to be ok, but do often forget my breathing exercises in the car. MissGigi, that is my birthday, what a coincidence that we have the exact same one! Thank you both for your kind words.
Posted 9/21/2014 9:41 PM (GMT 0)
I'm glad you'll be seeing your therapist soon. This a great place to get some support and understanding in the meantime. Keep posting whenever you need to. Someone will always be along shortly to help!

I just had a feeling that was your birthday! I can't believe we share the EXACT same one! Happy belated birthday to you! :)
Posted 9/21/2014 9:52 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you, happy belated birthday to you as well! :-)
Posted 9/22/2014 12:51 AM (GMT 0)
Shelly,

I have driving anxiety. It's a hard one for me to have because I absolutely LOVE driving. I had a panic attack (after not having one for five years)mid April on a long 21 hour drive home from vacation. I couldn't drive for months. I couldn't even be a passenger in the car for a long time. I can't offer much advise, as I'm still working on this. But I do give myself permission to pull over and get myself together if I feel too stressed. The trick is pull over before you get to wound up.

I long for the days when I could roll down the windows and crank up the radio and drive for how ever long I wanted to. I will get there again, someday. And so will you:)
Posted 9/22/2014 2:20 AM (GMT 0)
Mom...thanks for your input. I still after all these years havent driven more than about 30 miles by myself, but i worked really hard to even get that far. I will have to remember to pull over earlier next time, and see how that works for me.
Posted 9/22/2014 2:20 AM (GMT 0)
Mom...thanks for your input. I still after all these years havent driven more than about 30 miles by myself, but i worked really hard to even get that far. I will have to remember to pull over earlier next time, and see how that works for me.
Posted 9/22/2014 2:15 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Shelley and welcome,

It is great that you have reached out, and we are glad that you found us! I hope that you find much support and comfort here.;)

It is great that you are working with a therapist currently! Do you focus on your driving anxiety specifically with him/her?

I think that working on the anxiety from a two pronged approach may yield the best results.

For one, reducing your overall anxiety in general is a great step of course. Using your coping skills everyday as a regular part of your managment plan will help carry over into all aspects of life, including triggers such as driving. We have some great self-help coping exercises in our Resources (link below) if you need some new ideas.

https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=9&m=104206



The other key is to target the specific problem areas(s) such as driving. I believe that your therapist could really help you with this specifically...or if you'd like, I could look up some resources for you at your request. (I believe I've seen therapy type C.D.'s that you can play in the car for help?)

Post with us anytime. We do understand and care, and support is key!!

Scaredy Cat

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