Mickeylover: When I had trouble driving - feeling anxious and the negative thoughts really hammering away at me - I would sing any ol' songs I could think of. It didn't matter if I guessed half the words, just sing at the top of my voice. No one could hear and it was a great distraction. It forced me to take deep breaths. I breathe very shallow when I'm nervous and by singing I have to open up the lungs. It always got me from A to B, even though at the end of the trip I felt kind of wrung out sometimes. Hey, I did it! I won! and then rewarded myself with a nice cup of tea, a hot bubble bath, some "me" time. I didn't go in heavy traffic right away. I took the quiet roads at first even if it took a little longer to get there. Hope this suggestion can give you some ideas. The first few times, just sit in the car, have a coffee, listen to the radio. Do this a couple of days in a row. Then, start the engine, just drive up and down the driveway a couple of times. Do this a few days in a row. Next, just around the block, and so on. Let us know how it goes.
Panic is the reaction to a stimulus. It is what makes us slam on the breaks instead of hitting a deer. There has to be a stimulus. In your case and in the case of every one else who is having this trouble the stimulus is false. If you drive down a quiet street and nothing bothers you and no one runs out in front of you there is no reason for panic. So why any where else. Especially if you used to drive where you can't now. What has made something as normal as driving difficult. What have you exaggerated. That is how panic works. It takes minor little things and makes them huge. You have to look for the reason in a quiet setting because panic will block it. I don't think it is the driving that bothers you but the fact you are going into a situation you do not have total control over. (agoraphobia) But you do. You can get out of the car and leave it. Not practical but you could do it. Two things to do. One is have an escape plan. Two is to yell I won when you don't need it. Keep telling yourself there is always a way out. You are the one in control. And if it only happens in heavy traffic then work your way up to it. Do it as a challenge to get back control. Try to make "I did it" more than just "I did it" but "I won" and "that was fun". I have a scary hill I roar down just to prove to me that I am the one in control. I love it. If there is no reason to panic then there is no reason to think you will right. I know it is not that simple to your way of thinking but it really is.
In order to get rid of the thoughts of having a panic attack while you drive, it will be a good idea to try exposure therapy. In order to this you can try taking small steps:
1) Visualize yourself sitting in the car, starting it,
driving it, coming home safely.
2) Actually sit in the car, start it, drive it out of the
driveway only and increase the distances progressively.
You can also try using positive self-talk to challenge your negative thoughts. You can read more about self-talk in the program.
Hi Mickeylover2002: I know someone who was afraid of driving and followed Samantha's suggestions. Today she can drive just about anywhere, even busy traffic areas. Don't give up and hope you give it a try, Good luck.
I would like to know a bit more my problem is driving alone and the thought of it just gives me extra panic and leaving my "safe zone" or my home to do it it's just horrible.
Thank you for sharing your experience with your fear of fainting. Take a look at the Panic Program. Session 4 of the Panic Program deals with exposure work, learning fears, responding to fears and unlearning fears and more topics that might be helpful to you. We are here for you, continue to post often!
My issues stem from the fear of fainting. While I have never fainted the feeling that is associated with the panic attacks make me feel that way. It started about a year ago and had just gotten worse. However, I find that some days when I feel good I can go a few places and not fret about anything. Although, these days are very far and few between they are there. I actually ventured out today and just told myself that people don't faint when they panic. I know I am very stressed out and don't really deal with it very well. I have begun to write letters to the people that have hurt me in an attempt to lighten the burden off my mind. I just want to feel good and normal again!!
I am glad you found us. Have you ever talked to a counselor about what you are going through? He/she can possibly direct you to resources within your community that may help. Working on this program can also help. Be sure to stick with it. Post often in the support group. We are all here to support you.
Leaving work and going back to school while support two children can be very stressful. What have you been doing to manage your stress levels?
