Panic Attacks Support Group

well the first thing I can think about is that the express way is alot busier, alot more cars, alot more things to look for. Perhaps your feeling a little be claustraphobic? I feel like that when I'm on the highway sometimes, I get really panicky when I'm passing a line up of transport trucks cause there so big and intimidating. So you're not alone.
Another idea I have- perhaps with the highway being so much more hectic it's playing into your emotions; fast and busy tend to panic people more then nice slow senic routes; you have the ability to stop faster in the city than you do on the highway.
Don't know if this helps, but at least you're not alone in the subject :)

this is very common, you wont crash the car, CBT relaxation methods help

You are not alone at all. There are a lot of people I know, including myself sometimes, that get panicky and anxious when they are driving on the highway. My problem with it is that it's less easy to just get off a highway than it is to just get off the scenic route. You are pretty much stuck there until the next exit and that is very nerve racking for me. Or it could be that there is way too much going on when you are on the highway. On the scenic route, you can stop and take a deep breath at every stop light light, when you are on the highway, you have to constantly be watching your surroundings and you can't relax.

Just maybe try to listen to some calm music while you are driving on the highway. Maybe drink some hot tea before driving, so that you are relaxed. You are not alone!!

I totally understand that!! What worked for me was to take a small xanax dose and combine that with breath work starting with short distances on the freeway. Then began just using the breath work. I'd add longer distances and pretty soon I was able to drive without having an attack.

The breath work I used was paced breathing (so you won't hyperventilate making panic worse). Start with inhale/exhale count of 3/4 for a couple times. Then 4/5 working up to 4/6. You can add pursed lip breathing (like blowing out a candle) gently on the exhales. This engages the vagus nerve that sends a message to the brain to relax. Hang in there. This is NOT a forever thing.

I have the same problem. My panic attacks started in the car in 1998 when I moved from a small town in Michigan to Atlanta (whether I'm driving or a passenger). I have a problem being the in center/left lane surrounded by traffic (not good when you live in a big city! :)) I never had any problems before-used to go out of town with my friends with no problems. ..I would ask myself why do I have the problem on the highway but not side streets or in the city? What everyone on this site said makes so much sense. Hwys just seem so busy and fast,lots of traffic plus I"m claustrophobic (always been) and maybe the stress of moving triggered something? I am a type B personality, don't move too fast., lol!. But, I'm working on this with my counselor ...just finished reading "Mastery of Your Anxiety and Panic" working on breathing techniques and doing a lot of praying and reading bible scripture. I'm doing better as we speak. I will be praying for you.

Thanks everyone! I'm glad I'm not alone..goodness. I tried yesterday driving a mile on the freeway coming back from the doctor. It was rush hour too. So that made it kind of better. People was crawling on the expressway. But I did get that feeling a little, and as soon as i felt it coming on, I got off! LOL

I am So glad i am not the only one.. my boyfriend ALWAYS thinking i was faking or AM... Glad to know i was not the only one that cant drive on the express way...

Remember people that its not the driving that's the problem...I know some might disagree, but its our thinking that creates the fear while were driving..In most every case we set our self up before we even get into the car....What might happen, I cant do this....I had a attack before ect.... Its called anticipatory thinking....I too had this problem and didn't drive for 6 months.... I go any where now.... PD is a cycle...It begins with feeling...Then we feed it, causing the what ifs, more negative thinking, more fear then a full blown attack...Then things subside but the memory is there...Doug

Hey there Dizz.....Your post absolutely mimics the same exact way I feel!

I used to LOVE driving. I used to find the greatest pleasure to be driving down the highway for about 40 minutes, pushing the same 80mph, tunes cranking, loving having the windows down the air rushing throughout the car, then just getting off some exit to turn around and go home.

But about 3 years ago, the panic just started to happen all of a sudden. I would get so freaked the hell out, my body would tense up, I got this rush of pins and needles in my hands and feet, and I would feel as if I were going crazy!! I've had to pull off to the shoulder and get out and walk around because it was just too much for me to handle. A half hour drive would literally wind up taking me about two hours, because of all of the stopping and turning off on side roads just to get off the highway. It's hell.

I've been on Zoloft, and that has seemed to help a bit, and the Xanax...well....it makes me feel a bit dizzy and I personally don't care to drive while in that state of mind. I've tried doing the breathing techniques, and that helps to a certain degree, but I think because I am in constant fear of the attack, nothing seems to ward it off once it's occurred.

I really have no advice on how you should deal with this, because I, myself, cannot get a grasp of it. You're so not alone, though, just to let you know that. I actually felt the same as you....alone....until I talked to a few people and found that they've felt the same thing!!! Just keep posting on this board. The people here are very helpful and their advice is in your best interest. Try the breathing and relaxation techniques, and maybe even the Xanax could help you.

I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers!! =)

I can relate. I have to sometimes force myself to get on the freeway instead of taking the city streets. It helps if I put in a favorite CD or turn to my favorite radio station..