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[BluePeppermint]

I'm new to this group, and just wanted to introduce myself. I am 44, and a long-time depression sufferer, which has recently gotten worse. I've suffered panic attacks while driving for several years and I avoid driving. Last month, I started getting panic attacks in other situations, mostly while going to work or at work. I'm now on short term disability until I am able to speak with a professional. I was given a prescription for Xanax, which works really great, but I don't want to have to rely on it too often as it can be addictive. I'm terrified about losing my job over this, even though I know I'm protected under the ADA. I'm very stressed about this entire situation. If anyone else has dealt with something similar your thoughts and advice are truly appreciated.

[Hb2003]

Welcome to the site I hope that you are doing well how are you ?

[BluePeppermint in reply to Hb2003]

Thank you. Right this minute I am doing okay, but I don't have the stress of worrying about work. When my short term disability is up after next week, I'm worried that I'm going to have a full blown panic attack. I know worrying about it this far in advance doesn't help, but I can't help myself.

[Hb2003 in reply to BluePeppermint]

Always drink some lavender tea when you feel like it’s gonna happen it always helps 😊

[yellowbee4]

I'm similar in the since of panic attacks while driving (in the rain). A coping skill I learned - and its gonna sound weird- but listening to upbeat happy songs helps me. maybe it'll help you?

[BluePeppermint in reply to yellowbee4]

Thank you. That is certainly something to try. I appreciate it!

[Hb2003 in reply to BluePeppermint]

😊👍

[shoppingblue]

Hi I can relate to you I suffer from depression and anxiety and know how bad it can get I take diazepam which is also addictive ! Stay strong I hope you can get through this!!!!

[BluePeppermint in reply to shoppingblue]

Thank you! I'm truly glad I found this group. I've known I'm not alone, but having others to share my experiences and read about others' experiences, is such a great help.

[Aplumsss]

I too am going through Panic Attacks, Anxiety and feelings of sadness. I also have been prescribed Xanax. I have never had so much anxiety in my entire life. I too started having anxiety at a young age over the death of a friend. The only way i cope ( besides medicine) is through prayer and bible study and talking to God daily. I do not have any hope in our world. It is a temporary place that has become more evident to me in the last few months. I stay concerned for my friends and family along with my self. Some days I barely make it to work and have not been putting on make up or fixing up like as I always have. I will pray for you BluePeppermint.

[BluePeppermint]

Thank you so much for sharing and I welcome your prayers. I'm so glad I found this group.

[Hidden]

Welcome, How can we help ?

BOB

[BluePeppermint in reply to Hidden]

Any suggestions in dealing with panic attacks would be appreciated. I'm also just trying to connect with others going through the same thing as myself. Thank you Bob.

[FearIsALiar]

Have you heard of the 54321 grounding technique? If not you should google it. Very helpful.

Is there any reason why you have panic attacks driving? Did something happen? I can understand because I get lots of anxiety driving too because I have a fear of getting into an accident and being paralyzed... deep breathing and listening to calm music helps when driving. When was the last time you drove? What helped me was driving even if it was for 5 minutes and then going home! You have to push yourself a bit each time. You just add 5 minutes each drive . I hope this helps

[BluePeppermint in reply to FearIsALiar]

Thank you. No, no actual reason for the driving panic attacks. They started out of the blue in 2003. I was driving up until a few years ago. I do have a car I'm comfortable driving, but it is a shared vehicle, so I just choose not to drive most of the time. Will Google 54321.

[FearIsALiar in reply to BluePeppermint]

Oh okay! So you basically just fear having an attack while driving and that’s why you avoid driving?

[BluePeppermint in reply to FearIsALiar]

Not really. I'm not afraid of panic attacks while driving anymore. I have driven recently, and I'm okay, but since I share the car and my roommate does all the shopping, he drops me off at work. It works out. The panic attacks while I'm not driving are very concerning because they are new.

[Hidden]

You are basically recommended to keep taking your medications for as long as recommended by your Doctor, He will inform you when to reduce and come of the medication(s). You will find medications take about five weeks for getting used and benefit from these medications

You could try Mindfulness Relaxation Technique, you can get books on the subject on Amazon. Breathing Techniques can also help, Again find explanations on the web. When you feel in panic mode, try slow, deep breaths when you need to relax your panic attacks.

BOB

[BluePeppermint in reply to Hidden]

Thank you!

[BluePeppermint]

I'm very happy to have found this group. Getting into therapy is taking a while. I was told it could be 2-3 months, but thankfully, it's only going to be about two more weeks.