About 2 months ago while I was driving, I had such an onset of panic attack during a construction zone. Thought I was going to die. I have never had such an experience and it was sweating, shaking, heart racing and just out of mind. I finally got off the road and could not move for over an hour. I haven't been able to drive since. Trust me, I have tried and each time, needed someone to come get me. I have been off work, barley function. My primary care doctor gave me new medication to try and it seems to be working but my fear of driving is killing me. I slept for over a week, barely got out of bed and have missed 3 weeks of work. I am just trying to figure out why now. I live in a small town with very limited resources for therapist.
Any one else have such an onset panic attack driving?
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Addie1965
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Yes, many years ago I had a panic attack while driving - frightening while behind the wheel. It came on suddenly while returning home after visiting my mum who lived 40 miles away from me. I debated whether to turn round and go back to her house or continue home. I knew that if I stopped that I would never set off again so I continued home, really trying to focus on driving and gradually the panic went. The memory is still vivid. I don't know to this day what triggered it but I didn't try to understand. I hope that you manage to start driving again, perhaps by taking short journeys from home and if OK gradually drive a little further. You may find that lessens your fear and brings back your confidence.
I used to have the same issues in drive thrus and sometimes I still do. Mine is when I am stuck in traffic. I have to plan an escape route no matter what it be. I think to myself ok I can get out and ask somebody to move, I can drive over that curb in my truck, etc. it’s more of a “if I have to I can get out” thing with me and I seem to find comfort in that. That is actually how I knew for the first time that I ever knew something. I was living with my girlfriend at the time who had severe depression and anxiety. I always tell people that I am thoroughly convinced that depression and anxiety are contagious. From there it had all spiraled out of control for me and I have been battling ever since. I have lost multiple jobs over it. It’s just a tough way of life but together we can get through it!
Thanks for your thoughts and story. It’s hard to tell people around me cuz most don’t understand the panic. One day at a time, that’s what I have been doing.
I wonder if you might be able to try online therapy? I haven't tried this, but one of my friends uses it and finds it helpful. I think there are various services that provide it.
I hope you can find something that works for you. The nice thing about therapy is that I think they could guide you through doing gradual exposure i.e. working up to driving again.
There's also some self-help resources out there. I bought this book:
I liked it, but ultimately realized that I wasn't actually having panic attacks, rather anxiety attacks (high anxiety state with physical symptoms, less intense than a panic attack, but can continue for days). However, I found the book well written anyway. You can take a look at the resources on that website, to maybe get a feel for if you like the approach.
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