New to panic attaks

[Addie1965]

Hi,

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?

[CDPO16]

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.

[Addie1965 in reply to CDPO16]

Thank you! Will certainly try short short drives first.

[CDPO16 in reply to Addie1965]

I hope it works for you. Good luck.

[Ryan2786]

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!

[Addie1965 in reply to Ryan2786]

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.

[CatIsMyCopilot]

That sounds terrible

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.

[Addie1965 in reply to CatIsMyCopilot]

Will definitely look into online help. Thank you!

[CatIsMyCopilot in reply to Addie1965]

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:

anxietycoach.com/panic-atta...

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.

[Addie1965 in reply to CatIsMyCopilot]

Thank you!