Traffic lights again.

[jennylove12]

Every single time I get in my car I always get stuck at red lights and train track boom gates. My anxiety goes they the roof straight away. I get panic attacks so bad my hole body shakes. Week ago I run straight thru 4 red lights, I feel so trapped when lights go red. Oh I hate this feeling.

So I sold my car and I’m never driving again. I’m just going stay home and go nowhere.

It’s the only way I can c out of this mess. I’ve tried deep breathing exercises and trying to keep busy in the car, it just not working. I give up.

I hate myself.

I hate anxiety

I hate traffic lights.

I hate living.

[Agora1]

Hi jennylove, I hear your frustration, anger and pain. But never say never. You did what you had to at the moment and that was sell your car and decide to stay home and go no where. That was a plan at the time. With anxiety, having a plan sometimes helps reduce the anxiousness within us. It's not the answer but for now is may help.

You can hate anxiety and traffic lights but jenny, don't hate living and don't hate yourself. You didn't do anything wrong. It's a freak of nature that we were born with and had no control in having an over sensitized nervous system. It happens. The thing we do have control over is how we deal with this issue. Rationally, you know that we can't run away from anxiety. It follows us everywhere because it's a part of our subconscious. Deep breathing may not have worked for you right now, but it is the answer in calming both your mind and body in the long run.

I think of your time w/o a car as a respite from life for a while. Working with a therapist can help you get a handle on some solutions in not staying stuck in this time frame. Start working on yourself as well. You Tube holds a variety of answers for the anxiety ridden person. Type in what you are afraid of and it's sure to pop up. Pick and choose what works for you right now. As you get stronger in believing in yourself again, I know you will think more positively in how to approach life again. Just remember, it is not the car that made you anxious nor the stop lights. It was/is your mind telling you lies that your body then believes and acts out with symptoms.

I had stopped driving for the 5 years I was agoraphobic. However my first goal was to get

back in that car. Small steps but I did it. Deep Breathing is my companion where ever I am. In the house, on the road, in the store etc. It's my comfort. Find what you comfort is

and slowly start your steps forward. However long it takes, remember that giving up is never an option. It's not the answer, only an escape for the moment. Hugs, Agora xx

[jennylove12 in reply to Agora1]

I’ve been seeing a therapist for 10 years,cos I had agoraphobia for the last 9 years. I did hypnotherapy and that got me out of my house and I was doing well, now this.

I’m so scared that now I’m falling back towards agoraphobic again.

I can’t stop crying, I have failed again.

If I get stuck in this house again I’m going to end my life.

[Hidden in reply to jennylove12]

Could you use a driving instructor to take you out in their car, maybe it would help you out.

In the meantime, could you use a bicycle for short to medium trips, not only will the exercise help with your anxiety it will get you out and about also, might even give you some confidence.

[jennylove12 in reply to Hidden]

That’s a good idea I will ride my bicycle around.

Thankyou. Didn’t think of that. Just stay away from traffic lights.

[Bunny2020]

Jenny I am glad I am not the only one that goes nuts at traffic lights....traffic in general has been making me crazy for the past year.....but yes now since I have been having these passing out attacks....I really panic at red lights and basically waiting anywhere at all.....it is so scary.....I hope we get to the bottom of all of this for all of us

[jennylove12 in reply to Bunny2020]

It’s awful isn’t it. It brings me terrible feeling of being trapped.

[Bunny2020 in reply to jennylove12]

Yes that is it...you feel trapped and like ok so if I pass out right here at this light what will happen.....or I don't want to die with all these cars around me...LOL....I am not sure..but it is definitely a feeling of being trapped.....I don't know how to fix it....Valium was helping me but I am all out of it...and not sure anyone will give me anymore.....so I am trying self help stuff but it is not working

[Agora1]

jennylove, I agree with Jimmyjimmy's advice. Riding a bike for short distances is a way to exercise which in turn will bring up your Endorphin levels. However..it is not the full answer. You know that avoiding the things we fear only allow anxiety to take it a step further and make us fear something us.

The years I was Agoraphobic I didn't know that there are therapists who deal in anxiety while driving. They actually will come on the road with you and guide you through the steps to take when coming to stop lights, railroad crossings and heavy traffic. But don't be surprised if Deep Breathing is going to be a part of the therapy. Deep Breathing is a universal way to calm our mind and body. but it takes practice upon practice. Don't give up and don't allow the anxiety to take you down that lonely road of agoraphobia again.

It doesn't have to be. I wish you my best. I understand how powerful the mind is. xx