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Swgirl49 profile image
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I’m new to this site but I’m no stranger to anxiety and depression. I have been suffering for years. However, lately my anxiety has increased and I don’t know why. For the past few weeks, I have been having panic attacks when I leave my house, especially when I try to drive. I am so afraid!, I have an appointment with my psychiatrist on Wednesday but am afraid of trying to drive to his office ( He is about 50 miles away- I live in a rural area). Right now I am taking hydroxyzine twice a day but it doesn’t seem to be helping now. Does anyone have any advice on how to cope with or avoid panic attacks? Any advice on non-benzodiazepines meds to help with the attacks? I am so afraid!!

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Swgirl49
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jkl5500 profile image
jkl5500

Is there someone else who could drive you this time? You might feel more relaxed next time if you made it to his office and back home with someone else driving on Wednesday.

Yes, panic attacks are terrifying, but avoiding them isn't the answer. When you deliberately avoid those situations, the feelings of panic usually start to occur in other places. If you keep retreating, you'll end up afraid to leave the house. I'm sure your doctor will tell you that those panics have to be faced. You just have to do it at a step-by-step pace that you can handle. Be sure to talk this over with your doc.

Swgirl49 profile image
Swgirl49 in reply to jkl5500

Thanks for the response. I’m thinking of asking someone to drive me to my appointment. Facing the panic attacks is scary. I feel as if invisible walls are closing in on me. It’s hard to explain the feeling.

jkl5500 profile image
jkl5500 in reply to Swgirl49

It's scary to even THINK about facing the panic attacks. I know, believe me. You'll conquer them when it doesn't matter whether the anxious thought occurs or not. You're not there right now, but you will be with your doc's help.

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