Well I clicked enter before making my statement...anyway...here goes..
My son came home from work needing new work pants because his had ripped. My daughter was already in town so to avoid a trip..I called to see if she could get them but she didn't have enough money. So, I decided to just go myself. I made a few phone calls on the way to distract myself...(anybody else do this?) to keep from getting anxious...it helps somewhat. I got there...went in and got the pants and looked around a little bit...then my what if thoughts started up...what if I panic, what if my heart shoots clean out of my chest...what if I lose my mind...and the biggest one for me is what if I totally lose it and they have to call 911 and haul me out of here. I called my husband to distract myself and it helped....I checked out and we talked all the way home. I was fine once I started rolling towards the house..it's only about a 12 mile trip. I'm at home now and just so frustrated with myself at how after all these years..I still let panic and the thoughts that precede it...get to me. Guess I have to get out some of my materials that I have..books and whatnot and start brushing up.

Don't be so hard on yourself we all have bad days and this was just a bad day for you. When you are in the mist of a panic attack and not in a comfortable environment it is hard to deal with. You did the right thing by using the coping skill that works for you, you called your husband, next time will be better for you and if not just keep using any coping skills that work for you to get you through it. You should be proud of yourself that you did it.

Oh yes, I also have those fun filled get to my destination panics...

In addition I have the same fears, of what if I have to pull over, call 911 and be taken to a hospital...

These fears keep me from taking my grandchildren on outings alone, as well as inhibit me to doing other things I enjoy.

At times in my life I am completely fine, I have had this for YEARS.

Often when I am ok, I can't even recall the difficulties I have had with this particular channeling of my anxiety when driving.

It frustrates me so that I don't know what causes it and why mine comes and goes out of the blue! Sometimes I think it is worse when I am overtired, but who knows.

I get upset with regrets that I could not do what I wanted to do and am missing out. Hey, and it takes all that energy to fight off the anxiety too, I am tired out afterwards and usually end up with a headache.

I also make calls, it helps me to talk. Thank goodness for some good friends. My husband of 30 years, just does not get it, sad but true. He tries, but he has not had anxiety episodes.

Sometimes I put a Xanax under my tongue if I get like I am going to just loose it, since I don't take meds often I have hopes it might just relieve the severe anxiety. Sometimes it works, sometimes not.

I try to pull over though, so I don't get a ticket for talking and driving.

Once I get near home, I too feel a bit better but all the fuss gives me a slight headache.

Uggg. I wish I had some advise for you, but since I suffer the same predicament, I don't know what to offer, except your not alone in this matter.

Hopefully we can support each other and hear of some ways to find ways to cope, ease the anxiety and be able to live a more "normal" way of life. I hope your son appreciated his work pants after the great efforts it took for you to get them. (chuckle) Hang in there!

Pattylyn

Thanks Rsk and Linda, for taking the time to comment. Much appreciated. You're right Rsk...it was just a bad day...that doesn't need to turn into several bad days...thanks. Linda, at first I teared up a little reading that you go through the same thing...then I found myself laughing when you said that about my son appreciating his pants and the great efforts it took to get them... LOL I needed that. :P Thanks again.