Anxiety Support Group
Anxiety is a physical condition marked by intense and persistent feelings of distress, fear, angst or dread. General anxiety caused by routine day-to-day stresses usually passes quickly and is experienced by almost everyone at one time or another. However, such feelings that linger over time and are very difficult to cope with, and which lack a clear cause, may indicate...
Driving is becoming a horrible nightmare for me again. I now am anxious before I even enter my car, whenever I know I need to drive somewhere. Especially when I have to go on the highway or drive over a bridge. And don't even get me started if I get stuck in traffic (THIS is the absolute WORST for me).
I always knew that my anxiety and panic attacks are irrational and they can't actually physically harm me and I am safe even though I feel like I'm literally dying, but when I'm driving there is actual danger-I'm in control of a car-I can hurt myself and others!
How do people deal with this? What helps you? I can't stop driving or start asking others to drive me places because it is only giving the anxiety and panic more power. I've been there, it will consume my entire life and make my comfort zone smaller and smaller until I can't leave my home.
I'm forcing myself to drive-I'm having panic attacks every time I drive-it's exhausting, it's horrible, I feel like I'm dying, I shake/tremble, clench, sweat/clammy, heart races, foot trembles over the pedal, feel like I can't see, super sensitive to my environment (everything is louder, lights are brighter-the lights shining through the trees feels like a strobe light!).
So far I have tried putting essential oil like lavender on a tissue in the car, I also repeat a mantra to myself out loud "I am safe and in control".
Please give advice? Anyone go through the same thing? What has helped?
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I got an email from Kohl's that I had a 40% off coupon for today and tomorrow only. It took me about an hour but I placed an order and got some great deals. I have been wanting a new dress. I like dressing up sometimes. My birthday is coming up and I have dinner plans at a nice restaurant. But, honestly, I'm a little out of control again. I went through this in the fall. I bought...
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Has anyone else noticed that clearly speaking and doing things intentionally is liberating because it helps combat the feeling of depression and a sense of hopelessness? Let me share a little more: in my experience, when those who have tried to project a hidden agenda that is obviously not aligned with integrity and well-being, it's best to be firm and speak clearly from self-awareness and...
What got me through, was "learning again". I practiced on empty streets in the middle of the day. Empty parking lots. And just drove and drove and drove.
One thing that helped me is prayer. And knowing that every time you go and do it- you're stronger than the anxiety. It always gives me a little boost. To know I kicked its ass that day. And I'm getting better.
Maybe ask a friend to go with you for a drive when there's free time. Try to get a positive experience while driving. And work from there. Praying for you; I know you can get through it.
***I didn't like other people in the car with me either. It was just one more thing to keep track of...at least in the beginning.***