Bay bridge

[Pharmlisa]

Hi everyone! If you’re not familiar with the bay bridge it’s four miles long connecting main Maryland with the eastern shore. I have driven over it alone a few times without problems. Today my husband was driving and we encountered many trucks, careless drivers, a cruise ship under the bridge and so much traffic we were forced to slow to 30mph. As we approached the bridge I started getting tight in my chest and overwhelming fear I wanted to leave the situation but of course that was unreasonable. I felt trapped, shaky and lightheaded even though I wasn’t in control of our car. This was a first for me. I have generalized anxiety disorder and take medication but for some reason took hours to get over this panic.

[JAYnLA]

This is really common. What’s important now is to focus on facts, not feelings. Have you ever had a problem on a bridge? Are bridges really dangerous? Thoughts like these are imperative in reversing the traumatizing event you’ve had.

[Kkimm in reply to JAYnLA]

Helpful comment

[JAYnLA in reply to Kkimm]

Thank you!

[Pharmlisa in reply to JAYnLA]

I do try to focus on facts but the feelings are so intense they seem to win most of the time.

[Pharmlisa in reply to JAYnLA]

Actually yes, I did have a prior bridge event. A few years back I was to drive the 19 mile Chesapeake Bay bridge tunnel which is not even tall. I approached it, paid the toll and next thing BOOM I was terrified. So much so after I pulled over I just froze. Then got an escort to drive me over.

[JAYnLA in reply to Pharmlisa]

That sounds really frightening. What I meant was, other than anxiety and / or panic, have you ever been in actual danger on a bridge (like having an accident)? Anxiety and panic is always in our heads - it's not actual danger, it just feels for the world like it is.