Fear of driving

[OldestSibling]

My psychiatrist has referred me to a partial hospitalization treatment about 45 minutes away to treat my paralyzing panic attacks. I’m very fortunate that my insurance company will pay. I’m really grateful for this opportunity as medication and counseling have not been enough to help.

My problem is that I’m afraid I will get a panic attack while driving there. I would be there for 5 hours daily M -F, so I don’t have anyone that could drive me due to their working hours.

My panic attacks begin with shaking and double vision. I quickly have to get to the floor or a couch because I can’t stand or even crawl. My body becomes too tense to move, I can barely speak, and also end up vomiting. The attacks are starting to come nearly everyday. Taking a Xanax in the a.m. is the only way I have been able to prevent them thus far.

Of course, because I’m afraid I might get one, I know I am more likely too. Ugh! I may be able to if I take a Xanax, but not even sure if I should be driving then.

I may have to try to take an Uber although I get nervous thinking of that.

Is anyone else dealing with this fear of driving? It keeps me home most of the time, which only makes it more difficult to get better.

[Dolphin14]

Welcome to the community

Your concerns are valid. Safety is a big concern.

I'm not sure what the answer to this is.

I hope you get to your program safely and that you find it helpful

🐬

[Hidden]

I highly recommend getting there any way possible. Uber, walk, bike, however.

Nothing was working. I checked myself into a hospital. 4 day stay. Changed everything. I was severely under medicated. Saved my life. 89-90% reduction in symptoms.

Obviously there are no guarantees but if your suffering so much.

Please try and get there

Much love

Craig

[gajh]

I stopped driving when I loaned my car to someone who had been in a car accident. He ended up keeping my car much longer than expected. By the time I got my car back, I was too afraid to drive. I went a long time without driving. When I was working on driving again I took it in steps. First just sitting in the driver's seat, then just driving around my parking lot, then just driving a couple of miles down the road and back. I am still working on this process. I have not overcome my fear yet, but I continue to make progress. I am not sure if you are coming from the point of not driving at all or not, but if that is the case, I really recommend doing it gradual instead of just jumping in the car and driving for 45 minutes. If your program is starting too soon to give you time to work your way up, Uber could be your best option. I understand the anxiety around that too though as I would not be able to be driven by a stranger. Whichever would make you feel less uncomfortable and anxious either driving yourself or taking an Uber would be the way to go. I think it is great that you are determined to overcome your fear and get yourself to the program. I am sure you will be successful.

[Sunrisetabby]

It is wonderful that you were able to get into an intensive outpatient program! I hope it will provide you with new strategies and relief. If possible, I think it would be good to drive to the classes with a couple prechosen spots where you could park and get an Uber if your anxiety gets too high to reduce the pressure on you. Is there somewhere 1/2 way or close and perhaps 3/4 of the way where you could stop and take an Uber of driving was no longer feasible? Anyways, just a thought, but I am excited for you about your upcoming program!

[OldestSibling in reply to Sunrisetabby]

That’s something I haven’t thought of. I feel if I get into the severe attacks I’ve been having, getting into an Uber will not even be an option.

My first appointment is for an hour tomorrow for a screening, so I may see if I can do that over the phone and then do a practice run with my husband over the weekend. I’m angry at myself that I have this opportunity and I’m afraid I won’t be able to get there. It’s also very embarrassing because this fear seems ridiculous.

Thank you so much for your good advice, I really appreciate it!

[84withb12d in reply to OldestSibling]

Sorry you are going through this, Don’t be embarrassed at all. It’s real and you can’t help it. Not your fault that this has happened to you. Xanax helps ! Uber would be best option. Take extra Xanax before they pick you up. Hope you get better and Anxiety is terrible for some people.