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| madison65 | -- 07-13-2004 @ 11:13 PM |
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I am wondering if anyone experiences panic attacks while driving or being the passenger on highways on longer trips? I have suffered with panic attacks for over 20 years, but have come a long way from where I used to be. I now mainly just get panic attacks while driving on highways. But I find that this is really debilitating for me. My 20 year high school reunion is later this month (4 1/2 hrs away) and after looking forward to attending it for the past several months, I have decided that I probably won't go after all. The reason is that I'm dreading the panicky feelings and attacks I may get. I just want to be safe and free from panic attacks. Can anyone relate? If so, how do you cope? Michelle
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| Lauralai | -- 07-13-2004 @ 11:50 PM |
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Hi Magpie, I, too, am terrified of riding in a car since I was in a serious car accident. Unfortunately, due to my son's cancer treatments, I had to travel 200km every week or so for over a year. To get myself in the car, I take two clonazepam, two gravol and one large shot of whiskey. I sit in the back with a pillow and wear ear-plugs. When I do come to conciousness again, I'm still pretty relaxed, and am able to cope. The downside is that once I'm in a "safe" place, I immediately need to sleep off the drug cocktail. My doctor is aware of my coping stratagy, and while he'd like to find something better, for now it's the only combo which is safe for my son, who still breastfeeds. My son's oncologist is convinced the breastmilk is why my son is doing so well on the high risk protocol of chemo he takes. Most of the other kids have tons of addmissions and keep having to have there chemo reduced ( which puts them at greater risk of relapse). So for now, that's how I cope. Apart from the PD, I'm basically healthy, so you may want to give it a shot. TTFN Lauralai
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| njl | -- 07-14-2004 @ 10:57 PM |
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Actually my last event was while traveling - what drove me here. I think it's because being in a car is so confining. There's no escape from what you believe the problem is. And what can you do? Fill up the car with water and take a bath? Sometimes I wish I could. If the problem occurs on long trips then perhaps the solution is to break the trip down into smaller ones. If the breaking point is about 1 hr then maybe driving 1/2 hr at a time, pulling over and trying to relax. But of course for rural areas this can be problematic. mp where would you be driving to/from where? God bless, njl
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| mcheryl | -- 07-15-2004 @ 10:11 PM |
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I can totally relate but am certainly not much help. The only technique that somewhat works for me is to let my husband drive,take the headphones and try not to pay so much attention to what is going on. Lose yourself in the music or anything. Sometimes I'll climb into the backseat with my 7 yr old son and play some silly made up game to preoccupy myself! If you have to be the driver...well, I haven't figured that one out yet...let me know if you do because I feel confined and out of control even more in the drivers seat. Mel
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| celticddrummer | -- 07-16-2004 @ 9:55 AM |
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Hi Michelle, Yes, I can definitely relate to what you are saying about travelling and I too suffer greatly from anxiety that comes along with riding/driving in a car for distances greater than 10 minutes. I have to take klonipin and xanax to get me through anything longer than that.....and usually start the day before the trip as the anxiety the day before is just as bad as the actualy trip itself. That's how I cope....the only drawback is that by the time I get to where I"m going I'm usually pretty drugged and not able to participate wholeheartedly in the event that I travelled for in the first place. If you find something that works better, please share!!!!!! kathy
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| Carmela | -- 07-18-2004 @ 5:46 PM |
Wow! I guess i'm not the only one freaked out about driving, or even being in a car. I was in a car accident too last year.  Does anybody head feel weird though when driving? It's hard to explain, there's too much going on and your head inside starts feeling kinda dizzy, but not really dizzy. I guess it would be the chemical imbalance.. What is it? Carmela
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| Charlotte101 | -- 07-23-2004 @ 3:07 PM |
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Hello Maggie, Wow, I really understand your situation. I just had an awful morning and for the first time since my panic attacks started, actually passed out in the Vet's office this morning, while I watched my animal have blood taken. I had to be carried to the back room and be put on a sofa while I threw up. Felt better after a few minutes, but scary since my panic is in a car. I previously (till few weeks ago) traveled three states for work in DC, Maryland and Virginia and had to daily for my job. Hours of driving for me is best broken up by stopping every hour to get juice and just stretch your legs out. Are you on a current daily medicine to cope or do you have anything like a benzo to help you out??? I think you should maybe bring someone too to come in the car. Sometimes the guilt of not going is going to eat you up more than the panic. Also try self help tapes or books on tapes to distract you. Let me know!!!
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| kjohnson | -- 07-23-2004 @ 7:34 PM |
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It's good to know there are others out there who panic in the same situations I do. I was in a bad car accident several years ago. I use that as my excuse not to drive because people seem to be able to understand it more. It's really all the panic attacks I've had while driving,though (they started many years after the accident). I haven't driven in a car by myself for about 3 years. It's posed quite a few problems getting back and forth to work. I also can't stand to be in the car for long trips. That started on my honeymoon when we were driving from NC to Vermont. I discovered dramamine. I take one before we leave on a trip and it tends to relax me just enough to get by. We're moving to a new city 8 hours away next week! That's caused a lot of sleepless nights. Not only do I have to deal with this monster drive, but once we're there, I have to deal with finding a new job and a way to get there. Yuck! I did have one step forward today. My license has been expired since December and I was terrified to get it renewed. I finally did it today and it wasn't so bad (except my new picture). My husband said he was proud of me. Having a current license, unfortunately, doesn't mean I can drive by myself yet, but at least it's a start. Hang in there everyone!!! Katie
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| Charlotte101 | -- 07-23-2004 @ 8:00 PM |
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Hello everyone. . .I am still driving all over but now am questioning is it safe. Have you ever heard of anyone ever passing out on the road??? I previously worked for a major Pharmaceutical Company and called on Psychiatrists. One of the docs there was also a dinner buddy and he told me people don't actually pass out from this that he has ever heard of, but after passing out today at the vet, I am concerned. I drove to the gas station a few minutes ago and was hyperventilating the whole way there so tense. My job depends on driving and now I am freaked out. Also I can't get into see a cognitive behavioral therapist till August 30th, which means I am going to have to stick this out the whole month. . any suggestions??
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| Carmela | -- 07-23-2004 @ 8:16 PM |
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All I have to say is, "we do it to ourselves!" All the negative think ing we have done, did this to us! Think positive, believe, pray, be busy!! Being positive is the way to go. Watering a dry lawn is depressing. Watering green grass makes you happy! Carmela
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| derran | -- 08-03-2004 @ 12:19 AM |
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Hi. I very much relate to this. I suffer from very high anxiety levels and at times very severe depression. I have just gotten over a major depression but I am still left with anxiety levels that just cannot seem to be totally controlled. I feel like an absolute prisoner. I used to get panicky on the highway but I never thought that much about it. I would cut down on coffee etc and usually the panic attacks would subside. In 1991, I was diagonsed with HIV and was working in a company that involoved a very long commute here in Atlanta. The traffic here is some of the worst in the US. I thought I was loosing my mind and I could hardly get to work. Many times, I did not arrive on time. In the past two years, I have also been diagnosed with cancer which so far has been controlled but that brought on more stress etc. My partner of 6 years has to leave permanently tommorow because he cannot immigrate legally and I am afraid I will be in constant panic. All of my anxieties, fears etc seem to get worse once I get on the freeway. It is just a nightmare. I am on Effexor, Luvox and now Lexapro. I take ativan as needed. I have to take an ativan to even think about getting on the freeway. I am fine on city streets---where I have more control. I would love to have contact with people who suffer as I do and share my experiences and listen to others. I welcome all comments.
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| Carmela | -- 08-03-2004 @ 1:13 AM |
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All I have to say is ,"PRAY!" It really helps. If you really believe, he willj answer your prayers. Get on your knee's and ask him to help you, in the name of Jesus. He will help you. He may even make a miricle happen. He is God! He is the creator. All you have to do is ask? Carmela
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| Miggwilson | -- 08-04-2004 @ 4:16 PM |
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Hi...I have had trouble crossing bridges for only a few years. It seems to be getting worse. Going on long trips to other States not knowing if I'll run into a bridge or not takes most of the fun out of the trip itself. For example...I can drive from Michigan to Florida and can only note a few problems...Toledo, Dayton, Knoxville, and one near Ft. Myers. Most of the trip is flat or hilly without problems. I generally have my wife cross the bridge for me but what happens if your committed to crossing and can't pull over? Just this past weekend...I was going on an unfamiliar bridge on a trip to Niagara Falls and I put the car in reverse (on the bridge no less) and backed down from it. It's awful. I am glad I am not the only one. I thought there could not be a phobia for this type of thing until recently. Going over bridges near your home can probably be handled by repeated passings as the writer posted above...but what about unfamiliar ones...How long? How high? Can I stop and pull over? I seem to have two issues: the loss of control feelings when crossing and that's it's man made and I get the feeling it's going to fall apart as I cross it. Just strange. I know it's irrational but I can't seem to help it. I also have a fear of heights to go along with it. What a party! I do not believe the heights is the big thing but it might be...I can't seem to self-diagnose the cause(s). I'll keep reading...Chime in when you can!Text
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| ohansen | -- 08-14-2004 @ 1:11 AM |
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I can totally relate to this topic. I have had a majority of major panic attacks while on the highway. In the past I was reckless and stupid, and I would drive while very drunk. I would be cruising up the highway with a case of beer beside me, or a bottle of whiskey. Because I couldn't get there any other way. I've grown up since then, and realized the error of my ways. I mostly just try to grin and bear it now. I have a job that requires me to drive to many different locations. It's hell for me most of the time, and I feel like I'm about to totally break down alot. I think I just take it moment to moment, and I think of how I've come through this before. Other than that, I don't know what to say. *L*
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| RBunyard | -- 08-16-2004 @ 6:17 AM |
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Hi. This is my first posting. It is 5 a.m. and I was freaking out since midnight. I am so glad to have found this site. I actually think reading through all this stuff has calmed me down. I plan to discuss this with my therapist who I have just started seeing. I didn't realize until I read the other postings that what I have been experiencing in the car is panic. Just thinking about it can start to scare me. I, too, feel kind of dizzy (not sleepy) but like I'm out of control and going to wreck the car if I don't "snap out of it". And then 5 seconds later I'll be fine and think, "what in the world was that" and then 20 seconds later feel it again. I hate it! It usually occurs when I am tired (which I am alot because I can't remember the last time I slept a full night)and it's night time and I believe my vision isn't good enough for the road I'm on. Like on two-lane highways with big trees blocking the moonlight. I am looking forward to learning and growing from this site. Thank you all for sharing. God is good and He has truly blessed me through each of you. I'm not goofin'. I was FREAKING OUT! I was afraid my husband was going to take me to the hospital and the white coats would shoot me up with meds and I would die that way because nobody really could understand what was going on in my head. I could NOT snap out of it and believe me I tried. I walked and walked outside, danced, talked and shouted to myself, (then I really thought I was crazy), anyway, apparently you all understand and I am just thankful you're here. Oh, two questions... 1. does anyone every feel like they need to cry because they are so scared but the tears won't come or that if you cry it will make you freak out more? That is really bothersome to me. The whole thing is. I'm done. really, for now. thanks. 2. does anyone have any idea if these attacks are at all related to menstrual cycles?
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| -- 08-16-2004 @ 8:53 AM | |
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Hi Rosey, Welcome to the site! You have come to the right place! Please feel free to roam the site at your own pace. If you look to the left of the screen under "TOOLS" you will find many supportive tests. These tests are not diagnostic tools and are not a replacement or substitute for a physicians advice. The purpose of these tests is to prepare you with information that you can present to your physician. When you're finished the test, you can either print your Final Report or email it directly to your doctor. We also have developed a Panic Program. This program is 12-weeks and involves the tools mentioned above. Each session is based on the previous session, so we strongly advise that you work slowly through the program and not jump ahead. If you have any questions or concerns with our "TOOLS" you can contact our support department at [email protected]. Looking forward to hearing from you soon! Be sure to post often and let us know how everything is going. You will find lots of information and support on this site. Others will be responding to your questions soon. Casey _____________________________ The Panic Center Support Team
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| madison65 | -- 08-17-2004 @ 6:22 PM |
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Hi Rosey, I just wanted to reply to your 2 questions. I will sometimes cry when I get a panic attack, and crying actually helps me. Crying actually made my panic attack go away. I think because crying can make your feelings come out, instead of the feelings being bottled up inside. Also, I find that I am more panicky during certain times of my cycle - also more depressed. Michelle
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| RBunyard | -- 08-17-2004 @ 8:02 PM |
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Thank you Casey and thank you Michell for responding. After I was panicking for five long hours monday midnight to 5 a.m. (not exaggerating)i finally went to sleep for about an hour and a half. i woke up rested and grateful to be alive but still shaky and a little apprehensive (foggy) later that day i visited with a friend and explained to her what had happened and what I had read on the site. She asked me why I didn't just cry and I told her I was afraid of what would happen because I was already so terrified. So, I am glad to know this Michelle. I did cry with my friend a little about my mom's death and a young friend of ours (15) that just died recently and some of the fogginess cleared up (if that makes any sense at all). so, really thank you. i am going to visit an endocronologist (spelling?)to see if any of this could be hormonal.
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| kheitzin | -- 10-18-2004 @ 6:32 PM |
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hello,glad to have come across this site.17 years ago i had my first panic attack while approching a bridge on the highway that goes over the mississippi river. i was afraid to cross that bridge for a couple of years until i could no longer drive over it at all. the first problem was not getting help right away. after seeing my doc i got some meds and talked to phyc. it got better after time but was always on my mind however i could drive over it or any other bridge. this past summer i had another small attack but it totally shut me down i did not want to drive over any bridge or any ramp (ect) that did not have an out. as of now can i drive over small non highway bridges. i did go back to my doctor and need stay on a managment program. starting here will help me
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| CanadianMe | -- 10-18-2004 @ 7:02 PM |
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Hi Rosey, I have the same feeling of wanting to cry but it just not happening. Its really weird, i think it is just a build up of anxiety and our bodies trying to find some way of getting rid of it. Sometime though I ball my eyes our for no apparant reason, i think that is more depression...I'm not really depressed but the panic makes me depressed so I cry when I get panicky. It sometimes is a good release. Like I said on a previous post, I took my first paxil cr yesterday and today I could not stop crying, don't know if its the med or just because i'm so upset about having to take it...probably the latter considering everyone says it takes at least a week to kick in. Everyone on this board is great, its nice to have a place to express your fears to others who understand. 
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| -- 10-18-2004 @ 7:08 PM | |
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Zing, You have come to the right place! Please feel free to roam the site at your own pace. If you look to the left of the screen under "TOOLS" you will find many supportive tests. These tests are not diagnostic tools and are not a replacement or substitute for a physician's advice. The purpose of these tests is to prepare you with information that you can present to your physician. When you're finished the test, you can either print your Final Report or email it directly to your doctor. We also have developed a Panic Program. This program is 12-weeks and involves the tools mentioned above. Each session is based on the previous session, so we strongly advise that you work slowly through the program and not jump ahead. If you have any question or concerns with our �TOOLS�, you can contact at [email protected]. We are the Support Specialist for The Panic Center and are open to any questions or concerns you may have. Keep us posted, Josie ______________________________ The Panic Center Support Team.
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| elijah | -- 10-19-2004 @ 12:12 AM |
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Hello , I have just joined this program and im hoping it works, I only have panic attacks while driving, somedays i much better than others, I find that most times i have much more anxiety going than coming back from work . Perhaps Im thinking if I made it here I can make it back very frustrating for me.
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| -- 10-19-2004 @ 7:54 AM | |
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Starsher, Please feel free to roam the site at your own pace. If you look to the left of the screen under "TOOLS" you will find many supportive tests. These tests are not diagnostic tools and are not a replacement or substitute for a physician's advice. When you're finished the test, you can either print your Final Report or email it directly to your doctor. This may help better assess the situation. We also have developed a Panic Program. This program is 12-weeks and involves the tools mentioned above. Each session is based on the previous session, so we strongly advise that you work slowly through the program and not jump ahead. If you have any question or concerns with our �TOOLS�, you can contact at [email protected]. We are the Support Specialist for The Panic Center and are open to any questions or concerns you may have. Keep strong, it will get better. Josie ______________________________ The Panic Center Support Team.
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| dCheryl | -- 10-19-2004 @ 4:39 PM |
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Hi Everyone. I haven't been in here in several months, because frankly, I've been doing great. I'm by no means cured, but the Paxil CR and the therapy have seemed to help. I no longer suffer from daily anxiety or frequent panic attacks. I still get nervous in some situations and still avoid a lot of things so I know I have a long way to go. I felt the need to post because my anxiety/panic attacks ALWAYS occur in the car. Mainly when I am stuck in traffic. I have cars in front of me...behind me....and on either side of me. Its that thought of being trapped and unable to get out that terrifies me. I always stay in the right lane if I can and I am aware of all the turn offs I can make if I need to get off the road. The problem with some highways and most bridges is there is not always an easy escape. I keep a magazine in my truck with me at all times. If I happen to get stuck in traffic (and sometimes "stuck" simply means I'm surrounded by cars at a red light for 2 minutes....I find that reading the magazine helps distract me. As soon as I feel the anxiety creeping up, I pick up my magazine and start searching for an article of interest. I also keep a list in my car that helps change my thinking pattern: I'm not going to pass out because I'm anxious. Its never happened before...its not going to happen now. I'm not going to suffocate. Its never happened before, its not going to happen now. I'm going to take slow deep breaths and calm myself down. I'm not going to have a heart attack. Its never happened before, its not going to happen now. I can control my heart rate by controlling my breathing. Its only a few minutes til the light changes. I've sat here before and made it thru safetly...I will sit here now and make it thru safetly again. Telling yourself that awful things are going to happen just feeds the panic. We all need to counter that with postive thoughts and positive feedback. The key to beating this is changing our thinking pattern (cognitive behavior therapy). I thought it was a load of **** when I first heard about it...but its been a life safer. Cheryl
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| dCheryl | -- 10-19-2004 @ 4:50 PM |
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Make that "life saver." lol Forgot to mention that one of the first things I did was cut out caffiene. I love my morning cup of coffee and started off by getting Folgers Half Caff. Then I cut back to de-cafe. I also use decaff teabags. (still smoking the cigarettes which the doc says I need to quit but I haven't gone down that road yet.) Rosey mentioned crying. Crying helps tremendously. It helps relieve alot of the stress and tension that we've allowed to build up. Sometimes when I'm home alone I cry just for the heck of it and when I'm done I feel relaxed. And did I mention exercise?? My gawd it helps too! I was sooo resistant to all of these suggestions just 8 months ago. I finally started slowly incorporating all of these things into my life and in a matter of months I could feel a difference. Change can be good.....better yet....change can be great! Stop fighting it and participate in your treatment. If like me you are waiting for a magic pill to make it all go away...its just not going to appear. YOU have to put in the effort to make the changes in your life that are going to get your anxiety/panic to go away. Good luck and God Bless you all.
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