Driving with anxiety

[warkie]

I'm finding it really hard driving,about a year ago I had a really bad panic attack behind the wheel,and now everytime I get in my car that's all I think about,then start to feel funny,weak,dizzy,it's awful as I try and avoid driving now,anyone else suffering with this? X

[OakTreeBlossom]

Hiya,

I haven't had anxiety while driving but I cant understand the anxiety of returning to a situation you had a panic attack in. I had one in the school playground before collecting the kids and returning there afterwards, to do the same thing, was really bloody hard. But it's easier now. I promise it gets easier. You just have to tell yourself, over and over and OVER again, that those feelings are because you're worried it'll happen again but that doesn't mean it IS actually happening again.

For me, faking being in control helps, eventually the faking it because reality. I also plan plan plan so I can feel in control even if being in control of when you get a panic attack is impossible. I made sure I had a plan of action should a playground attack happen again. I made sure I knew were the toilets were, I planned to get to the school early so I could get any attack out of the way but figured out the exact time to enter the school gates so I had the least amount of waiting around to do in the actual playground, I made sure I always have water and a hood with me (for these things calm me down). Do you have a plan of action should you have another attack in the car?

My temperature raises significantly during an attack - is it the same for you? Maybe you can think practically about things that might help like keeping the car cool or taking off your coat before you drive. Maybe in control all the peripherals, I get a feeling like I'm not so lost and that in turn affects my anxiety.

Good luck xxxx

[kathyellen]

Your already having anxiety about driving so you most likely will, but dont let it take over your independance, let it happen if it gets to much, pull over and let it pass and get back in the saddle.