Question:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – snip: "I hate this thing, too, but I’m not quite sure as to how to stop it, yet." kili Hi Kili — I hear ya loud and clear espcially about the what do I wear. I use to agonize over that so much that I’d be in tears with half my clothes thrown on the bed 10 minutes before I was suppose to be somehwere. I think one of the greatest tools I took away from group therapy was the permisson of the group for me to say SO WHAT to all those nagging questions. My biggie was what if I have a panic attack and faint. I was afraid to go anywhere until my therapist led me down the so-what path. So what if I faint? Someone will come to my aid. So what if someone doesn’t like how I look? So what if I choke on my words in front on a group? So what if you panic in the car? And on and on until I was able to begin using the so-what thinking and then able to apply the sword to stop it. The "I don’t give a fig (won’t use the cuss word I actually use) technique works when its learned and applied. Sorry for the rambling but I do feel your pain. -frizz
Thanks for the validation and the hope that maybe I can eventually stop it. {{{{{ Frizz }}}}}} I really *do* appreciate your input. kili — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm
Response:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – It sounds like your anxiety level is way up there, Kili. And it’s probably related in part to your medical problems. Are you on any psych meds? What’s the dose? A high enough dose of a benzo taken on a regular daily basis would make you feel *calm*, or calmer. Chip I was on alprazolam, but I can’t get any more of it; my Mayo Clinic doctors won’t prescribe it anymore. I have to see my local doctor. That would be great, if I *had* one. I can’t get one because of my medical problems. Oh, the irony! :-/ Can you go to a local mental health clinic and get treatment for your anxiety……panic disorder and/or acute stress disorder? Maybe Mayo Clinic would be willing to refer you for treatment of anxiety. They could serve as the referring doctor and write a letter of referral. Chip
I’ve asked Mayo, but they have no idea of anyone in my area (they’re half the state away) and I wouldn’t know who to turn to around here. I should start checking p-docs in the phone book to see if they take my medicaid HMO. One of the problems I have is getting to an appointment, though. I don’t drive, nor do I have a vehicle if I did drive. When we go up to the Mayo, we already KNOW when we’re going and my husband can request time off of work, because it’s automatically an overnight journey. (5 hours to the clinic and 5 hours back, plus actual clinic time.) Soooooooooo, I sit. But, you may have inspired me to pick up the phone tomorrow and ask around. Thanks for that, Chip. kili — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Group: I just have to vent for a while. I have been going through such a rough time right now with my panic/anxiety. My driving phobia has been getting worse and I’m feeling more and more self conscious about it. I am being hard on myself. I started seeing a new therapist and I’ve seen him twice. I really like him and am hopeful that he will help me get back on the right track. I HATE HATE HAATTE this! I am so tired of analyzing EVERY little thing that happens or doesn’t happen in my life and I want my FREEDOM PLEASE Tell me that I can get back to a place where my anxiety/panic isn’t the only thing on my mind ALL THE TIME!!!!! I appreciate this group so much because it’s nice to know that I’m not the only one going through this even though I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy. I only live less than 5 miles from work and it’s gotten so bad that sometimes I have anxiety attacks on the way to work and has gotten so bad that sometimes I get anxious just by being in the vehicle. Thanks Kellie
Hi Kellie, I can relate. I struggled and still do with a highway driving phobia. Mine did not extend itself to all driving but I do understand the feelings. Elise i is right.. don’t let this thing take over, it cripples you to not be able to drive and leaves you dependent upon others, and that, in turn, makes you feel worse about yourself and more helpless.. I’m so glad you like your therapist – that is the main thing I look for in a therapist, someone I like and someone I feel like I can have a good working relationship with. Maybe you could leave early for work and give yourself permission to pull over and relax if you need to when the stress builds. It helped me to consider that possibly *I* was not the only one driving that was afraid, for some reason that helped me not feel so bad about myself, I think. Benzos too, can make a difference in anxiety levels.. just don’t be hard on yourself, but don’t retreat either.. Feel free to talk about how you feel and what your thoughts are when you are driving.. your thoughts are the culprits here. Those are what is scaring you, not the driving itself. Take care, Sally — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm
Response:
kellie, sorry to read you’re feeling bad. I’m sure it will get better!! I know it feels like an eternity when you feel lousy even for a short time. Hang in there and see if you can improve just a tiny bit each day until you’re through this rough spot. Your therpaist will take care of you! best wishes, z
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Group: I just have to vent for a while. I have been going through such a rough time right now with my panic/anxiety. My driving phobia has been getting worse and I’m feeling more and more self conscious about it. I am being hard on myself. I started seeing a new therapist and I’ve seen him twice. I really like him and am hopeful that he will help me get back on the right track. I HATE HATE HAATTE this! I am so tired of analyzing EVERY little thing that happens or doesn’t happen in my life and I want my FREEDOM PLEASE Tell me that I can get back to a place where my anxiety/panic isn’t the only thing on my mind ALL THE TIME!!!!! I appreciate this group so much because it’s nice to know that I’m not the only one going through this even though I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy. I only live less than 5 miles from work and it’s gotten so bad that sometimes I have anxiety attacks on the way to work and has gotten so bad that sometimes I get anxious just by being in the vehicle. Thanks Kellie — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm
– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm
Response:
Frizzie wrote…….
::I just restarted driving after 40 years of being terrified that I ::would have more panic attacks behind the wheel. I stopped driving ::after my first and the anticipatory anxiety (I think worse than an ::actual attack) was so great, that I refused to drive until the past 8 ::months when mom flunked her driving test and asked me to please take :: over the driving. You are awesome, Frizzie!!! And an inspiration 
Jackie ~*~Life is not the way it’s supposed to be. It’s the way it is. The way you deal with it is what makes the difference~*~ ~~ Virginia Satir — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm
Response:
Frizz-
THANKS SO MUCH FOR YOUR POST. YOU ARE AN INSPIRATION TO ME AND I APPRECIATE YOU HELPING ME SO MUCH! I HAVE BEEN FEELING A LITTLE BETTER THE PAST FEW DAYS. I do feel as though the panic is ruining my marriage as well. He CHOOSES not to deal with it and therefore I can’t depend on him for support! That’s not helping things event though he was fully aware of my problems before we got married. Thanks Again- Kellie The charter is available at:http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm
– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm
Response:
::Soooooooooo, I sit. But, you may have inspired me to pick up the phone ::tomorrow and ask around. Thanks for that, Chip. Dear Kili, Call a local social services health clinic and inquire how much it would cost for a psych appt. More than likely it will be free or super cheap. The only drawback is you may have to wait for awhile for a psych appt. If you explain your health issues they may get you in sooner. Good luck! (((((Kili))))) Jackie ~*~Life is not the way it’s supposed to be. It’s the way it is. The way you deal with it is what makes the difference~*~ ~~ Virginia Satir — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Can you go to a local mental health clinic and get treatment for your anxiety……panic disorder and/or acute stress disorder? Maybe Mayo Clinic would be willing to refer you for treatment of anxiety. They could serve as the referring doctor and write a letter of referral. Chip I’ve asked Mayo, but they have no idea of anyone in my area (they’re half the state away) and I wouldn’t know who to turn to around here. I should start checking p-docs in the phone book to see if they take my medicaid HMO. One of the problems I have is getting to an appointment, though. I don’t drive, nor do I have a vehicle if I did drive. When we go up to the Mayo, we already KNOW when we’re going and my husband can request time off of work, because it’s automatically an overnight journey. (5 hours to the clinic and 5 hours back, plus actual clinic time.) Soooooooooo, I sit. But, you may have inspired me to pick up the phone tomorrow and ask around. Thanks for that, Chip.
Here’s another possibility, Kili. http://www.mayoclinic.org/psychiatry-jax/ Psychiatry & Psychology at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Fla. Psychopharmacology consultations Evaluation and treatment of affective disorders Evaluation and treatment of anxiety disorders Psychotherapy Maybe you could get an initial psych evaluation there, with recommendations for treatment including psychopharmacotherapy (I may have just made up that word . They might have a better idea who to refer you to in your area. Chip — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm
Response:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I can totally relate to everything you have said. I have had the driving phobia (and it hit me right after I was finally able to afford the car I had wanted for so long), and still suffer from it sometimes. Alprazolam does the trick every time. The only problem is, some doctors simply will not prescribe it! They act like you a junkie just wanting drugs when you ask for it and try to tell you that the high- priced anti-depressants are what you need, and those never worked for me at all. Alprazolam is cheap and IT WORKS!!!! And the thing is, if you are having true anxiety/panic-you dont get a buzz from it at all. I also have the store thing going on, I have never been able to figure that one out. Just today I was in the grocery store with my mom (and as usual, she was taking FOREVER to pick out what she wanted) and it started. I was so relieved when my cell phone rang and I had an excuse to go outside to return a phone call. Hang in there, you are not the only one, and things do get better. Now when my symptoms start up, I know what it is and I have learned to handle it a little better. I found comfort in a chat room that used to be availible through yahoo when I first learned that there were other people out there living with this and they were doing fine. This group also helps a lot.
I’ve never gotten a buzz from Alprazolam either and that’s why I can’t understand why people abuse it. Within twenty minutes of taking it, my shaking stops, my racing brain calms down, my jaw relaxes (does anyone else clench their teeth in an attack?) and I can function. My husband has even commented on how different I am during the attack and after I take a pill. Alprazolam is like a little miracle for me and gives me the freedom to enjoy life with my husband instead of being afraid of life. kili — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm
Response:
Hi Kellie: Man oh man can I relate with everything you typed. I’ve had this monkey on my back (panic disorder/GAD/SAD/levels of depression) since I was 16 and I’m now 65. Danged condition ruined two marriages, my career and kept me in what seemed like prison for more years than I can to remember. I can tell you that with the help of medication (alprazolam stopped the panic attacks) and the group therapy I attended for years, I am no longer having to think about EVERY danged thing before I do it. I just restarted driving after 40 years of being terrified that I would have more panic attacks behind the wheel. I stopped driving after my first and the anticipatory anxiety (I think worse than an actual attack) was so great, that I refused to drive until the past 8 months when mom flunked her driving test and asked me to please take over the driving. So I girded up my loins and said a few cuss words, took 1/2 alprazolam and got back behind the wheel. I told myself that if I started to panic, I would just pull over and wait for it to pass. I had to overcome this fear no matter what. Now I can drive anywhere – even on the freeway and I feel empowered by being able to at least for now deal with one of my boogies. The monkey almost took hold yesterday when I took mom’s car in for servicing. Gal told me it would take hours and mom was with me and there was no way we could have sat there all day (mom is 84). Gal offered me a loaner car (the monkey whispered in my mind’s ear — you won’t be able to drive another car cause I’ll make you panic) and I had one of those fear freeze up moments. Then my mind whispered back "soooooooooo what — I can just pull over and wait it out — I ignored the monkey." I took the loaner and drove off without another thot. I’m sorry you’re feeling bad now but with the proper meds, therapist, possibly group therapy and work on your part by reassuring yourself that a panic attack will not kill you, you will get to the point where you won’t have as much stinkin thinkin as you are now experiencing. Hang in there and tell that monkey you are not afraid of it. Put up signs (I did and it helped) and feel better real soon. -frizz — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Can you go to a local mental health clinic and get treatment for your anxiety……panic disorder and/or acute stress disorder? Maybe Mayo Clinic would be willing to refer you for treatment of anxiety. They could serve as the referring doctor and write a letter of referral. Chip I’ve asked Mayo, but they have no idea of anyone in my area (they’re half the state away) and I wouldn’t know who to turn to around here. I should start checking p-docs in the phone book to see if they take my medicaid HMO. One of the problems I have is getting to an appointment, though. I don’t drive, nor do I have a vehicle if I did drive. When we go up to the Mayo, we already KNOW when we’re going and my husband can request time off of work, because it’s automatically an overnight journey. (5 hours to the clinic and 5 hours back, plus actual clinic time.) Soooooooooo, I sit. But, you may have inspired me to pick up the phone tomorrow and ask around. Thanks for that, Chip. Here’s another possibility, Kili. http://www.mayoclinic.org/psychiatry-jax/ Psychiatry & Psychology at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Fla. Psychopharmacology consultations Evaluation and treatment of affective disorders Evaluation and treatment of anxiety disorders Psychotherapy Maybe you could get an initial psych evaluation there, with recommendations for treatment including psychopharmacotherapy (I may have just made up that word . They might have a better idea who to refer you to in your area. Chip —
I can totally relate to everything you have said. I have had the driving phobia (and it hit me right after I was finally able to afford the car I had wanted for so long), and still suffer from it sometimes. Alprazolam does the trick every time. The only problem is, some doctors simply will not prescribe it! They act like you a junkie just wanting drugs when you ask for it and try to tell you that the high- priced anti-depressants are what you need, and those never worked for me at all. Alprazolam is cheap and IT WORKS!!!! And the thing is, if you are having true anxiety/panic-you dont get a buzz from it at all. I also have the store thing going on, I have never been able to figure that one out. Just today I was in the grocery store with my mom (and as usual, she was taking FOREVER to pick out what she wanted) and it started. I was so relieved when my cell phone rang and I had an excuse to go outside to return a phone call. Hang in there, you are not the only one, and things do get better. Now when my symptoms start up, I know what it is and I have learned to handle it a little better. I found comfort in a chat room that used to be availible through yahoo when I first learned that there were other people out there living with this and they were doing fine. This group also helps a lot. — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – It sounds like your anxiety level is way up there, Kili. And it’s probably related in part to your medical problems. Are you on any psych meds? What’s the dose? A high enough dose of a benzo taken on a regular daily basis would make you feel *calm*, or calmer. Chip I was on alprazolam, but I can’t get any more of it; my Mayo Clinic doctors won’t prescribe it anymore. I have to see my local doctor. That would be great, if I *had* one. I can’t get one because of my medical problems. Oh, the irony! :-/
Can you go to a local mental health clinic and get treatment for your anxiety……panic disorder and/or acute stress disorder? Maybe Mayo Clinic would be willing to refer you for treatment of anxiety. They could serve as the referring doctor and write a letter of referral. Chip — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm
Response:
Hi, Frizz, Big pat on the back to you for driving the loaner and for driving again after 40 years…TERRIFIC! I guess there’s still hope for me. I haven’t driven on the highway or interstate alone in about 6 years…ugh! Does take away a lot of freedom. smiles, Elise – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I just restarted driving after 40 years of being terrified that I would have more panic attacks behind the wheel. I stopped driving after my first and the anticipatory anxiety (I think worse than an actual attack) was so great, that I refused to drive until the past 8 months when mom flunked her driving test and asked me to please take over the driving. So I girded up my loins and said a few cuss words, took 1/2 alprazolam and got back behind the wheel. I told myself that if I started to panic, I would just pull over and wait for it to pass. I had to overcome this fear no matter what. Now I can drive anywhere – even on the freeway and I feel empowered by being able to at least for now deal with one of my boogies. The monkey almost took hold yesterday when I took mom’s car in for servicing. Gal told me it would take hours and mom was with me and there was no way we could have sat there all day (mom is 84). Gal offered me a loaner car (the monkey whispered in my mind’s ear — you won’t be able to drive another car cause I’ll make you panic) and I had one of those fear freeze up moments. Then my mind whispered back "soooooooooo what — I can just pull over and wait it out — I ignored the monkey." I took the loaner and drove off without another thot. I’m sorry you’re feeling bad now but with the proper meds, therapist, possibly group therapy and work on your part by reassuring yourself that a panic attack will not kill you, you will get to the point where you won’t have as much stinkin thinkin as you are now experiencing. Hang in there and tell that monkey you are not afraid of it. Put up signs (I did and it helped) and feel better real soon. -frizz — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm
– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm
Response:
snip: "I hate this thing, too, but I’m not quite sure as to how to stop it, yet." kili
Hi Kili — I hear ya loud and clear espcially about the what do I wear. I use to agonize over that so much that I’d be in tears with half my clothes thrown on the bed 10 minutes before I was suppose to be somehwere. I think one of the greatest tools I took away from group therapy was the permisson of the group for me to say SO WHAT to all those nagging questions. My biggie was what if I have a panic attack and faint. I was afraid to go anywhere until my therapist led me down the so-what path. So what if I faint? Someone will come to my aid. So what if someone doesn’t like how I look? So what if I choke on my words in front on a group? So what if you panic in the car? And on and on until I was able to begin using the so-what thinking and then able to apply the sword to stop it. The "I don’t give a fig (won’t use the cuss word I actually use) technique works when its learned and applied. Sorry for the rambling but I do feel your pain. -frizz — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm
Response:
<gently snipped ::I appreciate this group so much because it’s nice to know that I’m not ::the only one going through this even though I wouldn’t wish it on my ::worst enemy. :: ::I only live less than 5 miles from work and it’s gotten so bad that ::sometimes I have anxiety attacks on the way to work and has gotten so ::bad that sometimes I get anxious just by being in the vehicle. Dear Kellie, I’m sorry you are struggling so much lately! And yes, you will get to place where anxiety and panic isn’t foremost on your mind. My panic and agoraphobia were so bad a few times that I stopped driving completely. The first time lasted two years and the second time was a few weeks. I used to panic while scary intersections and left hand turns. I was terrified to drive over overpasses because of the height. Screw highways and parkways, I would not get drive into NYC, maybe I never will and that is okay. I can drive pretty far by myself, I drive on highways and parkways and have no issues going over small bridges and overpasses. Round trip to work is 50 miles…. most of which is highway driving. If someone would’ve told me two years ago that I would be traveling that far to work I would have laughed at them. If I can do this…….anyone has the potential as well. I’m glad you like your therapist. Is he doing cognitive behavioral therapy with you? CBT would really help address your driving issues. I also suggest getting "The Anxiety & Phobia Workbook" by Edmund J. Bourne. Lots of advice and tips on how to approach your driving phobia. Hang in there Kellie, it will get better! Jackie ~*~Life is not the way it’s supposed to be. It’s the way it is. The way you deal with it is what makes the difference~*~ ~~ Virginia Satir — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm
Response:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I feel for you, Kellie and I completely understand where you’re coming from. The anxiety/panic *is* always in the back (or front?) of your mind. I have to stop and question it for minor things, like, when my husband asks me to go to the store with him. It’s a simple thing. He wants me to go to the store because I remember what we need. If he goes by himself, he picks up meat – no veggies. So he asks me to go and my mind starts racing – ack, the store? Oh no! Which store? Are we only going to just *that* store? Do I look okay to be seen in public? Do my clothes match? What do we need at the store? What are we out of? What if my stomach goes off? What if I have to use the bathroom and someone is in there? Am I dressed warmly enough – the store is cold. Ack, the store? Which store? Are we only going to go to just *that* store? (repeat phrases incessantly and start shaking, insuring hot flashes, heart palpitations and stomach flutters.) Thank God I quit driving! I used to second-guess directions all the time and get lost. I hate this thing, too, but I’m not quite sure as to how to stop it, yet. It sounds like your anxiety level is way up there, Kili. And it’s probably related in part to your medical problems. Are you on any psych meds? What’s the dose? A high enough dose of a benzo taken on a regular daily basis would make you feel *calm*, or calmer. Chip
I was on alprazolam, but I can’t get any more of it; my Mayo Clinic doctors won’t prescribe it anymore. I have to see my local doctor. That would be great, if I *had* one. I can’t get one because of my medical problems. Oh, the irony! :-/ kili — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm
Response:
Hi, Kellie, I understand your driving phobia. Please work with your therapist to help you stay driving. It’s something valuable you don’t want to lose. I feel you can get back to a place where anxiety isn’t the only thing on your mind. I’ve also been there back in 1983 when my disorder started. I know I’ve come a long way with the help of meds and talking with a therapist, in the past. I also read a lot of books and put my worries into the hands of a higher power. You can get there. It takes work. Do you take any meds? Do you have a benzo that you can take when you drive? This might help with the anxiety. Always feel free to vent. We all have our own stories and they mainly come back to anxiety and/or depression…ugh! Wishing you tons of success… ((((((Kellie))))))) smiles, Elise
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Group: I just have to vent for a while. I have been going through such a rough time right now with my panic/anxiety. My driving phobia has been getting worse and I’m feeling more and more self conscious about it. I am being hard on myself. I started seeing a new therapist and I’ve seen him twice. I really like him and am hopeful that he will help me get back on the right track. I HATE HATE HAATTE this! I am so tired of analyzing EVERY little thing that happens or doesn’t happen in my life and I want my FREEDOM PLEASE Tell me that I can get back to a place where my anxiety/panic isn’t the only thing on my mind ALL THE TIME!!!!! I appreciate this group so much because it’s nice to know that I’m not the only one going through this even though I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy. I only live less than 5 miles from work and it’s gotten so bad that sometimes I have anxiety attacks on the way to work and has gotten so bad that sometimes I get anxious just by being in the vehicle. Thanks Kellie — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm
– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I feel for you, Kellie and I completely understand where you’re coming from. The anxiety/panic *is* always in the back (or front?) of your mind. I have to stop and question it for minor things, like, when my husband asks me to go to the store with him. It’s a simple thing. He wants me to go to the store because I remember what we need. If he goes by himself, he picks up meat – no veggies. So he asks me to go and my mind starts racing – ack, the store? Oh no! Which store? Are we only going to just *that* store? Do I look okay to be seen in public? Do my clothes match? What do we need at the store? What are we out of? What if my stomach goes off? What if I have to use the bathroom and someone is in there? Am I dressed warmly enough – the store is cold. Ack, the store? Which store? Are we only going to go to just *that* store? (repeat phrases incessantly and start shaking, insuring hot flashes, heart palpitations and stomach flutters.) Thank God I quit driving! I used to second-guess directions all the time and get lost. I hate this thing, too, but I’m not quite sure as to how to stop it, yet.
It sounds like your anxiety level is way up there, Kili. And it’s probably related in part to your medical problems. Are you on any psych meds? What’s the dose? A high enough dose of a benzo taken on a regular daily basis would make you feel *calm*, or calmer. Chip — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm
Response:
I just have to vent for a while. I have been going through such a rough time right now with my panic/anxiety. My driving phobia has been getting worse and I’m feeling more and more self conscious about it. I am being hard on myself.
Was someone hard on you (or critical) when you were a child? Tell them to get off your back. PLEASE Tell me that I can get back to a place where my anxiety/panic isn’t the only thing on my mind ALL THE TIME!!!!!
You will get to that place. I only live less than 5 miles from work and it’s gotten so bad that sometimes I have anxiety attacks on the way to work and has gotten so bad that sometimes I get anxious just by being in the vehicle.
I’ve been there several years ago. You’ll get better. Chip — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm
Response:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Group: I just have to vent for a while. I have been going through such a rough time right now with my panic/anxiety. My driving phobia has been getting worse and I’m feeling more and more self conscious about it. I am being hard on myself. I started seeing a new therapist and I’ve seen him twice. I really like him and am hopeful that he will help me get back on the right track. I HATE HATE HAATTE this! I am so tired of analyzing EVERY little thing that happens or doesn’t happen in my life and I want my FREEDOM PLEASE Tell me that I can get back to a place where my anxiety/panic isn’t the only thing on my mind ALL THE TIME!!!!! I appreciate this group so much because it’s nice to know that I’m not the only one going through this even though I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy. I only live less than 5 miles from work and it’s gotten so bad that sometimes I have anxiety attacks on the way to work and has gotten so bad that sometimes I get anxious just by being in the vehicle. Thanks Kellie
I feel for you, Kellie and I completely understand where you’re coming from. The anxiety/panic *is* always in the back (or front?) of your mind. I have to stop and question it for minor things, like, when my husband asks me to go to the store with him. It’s a simple thing. He wants me to go to the store because I remember what we need. If he goes by himself, he picks up meat – no veggies. So he asks me to go and my mind starts racing – ack, the store? Oh no! Which store? Are we only going to just *that* store? Do I look okay to be seen in public? Do my clothes match? What do we need at the store? What are we out of? What if my stomach goes off? What if I have to use the bathroom and someone is in there? Am I dressed warmly enough – the store is cold. Ack, the store? Which store? Are we only going to go to just *that* store? (repeat phrases incessantly and start shaking, insuring hot flashes, heart palpitations and stomach flutters.) Thank God I quit driving! I used to second-guess directions all the time and get lost. I hate this thing, too, but I’m not quite sure as to how to stop it, yet. kili — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm
Response:
Hi Group: I just have to vent for a while. I have been going through such a rough time right now with my panic/anxiety. My driving phobia has been getting worse and I’m feeling more and more self conscious about it. I am being hard on myself. I started seeing a new therapist and I’ve seen him twice. I really like him and am hopeful that he will help me get back on the right track. I HATE HATE HAATTE this! I am so tired of analyzing EVERY little thing that happens or doesn’t happen in my life and I want my FREEDOM PLEASE Tell me that I can get back to a place where my anxiety/panic isn’t the only thing on my mind ALL THE TIME!!!!! I appreciate this group so much because it’s nice to know that I’m not the only one going through this even though I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy. I only live less than 5 miles from work and it’s gotten so bad that sometimes I have anxiety attacks on the way to work and has gotten so bad that sometimes I get anxious just by being in the vehicle. Thanks Kellie — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm
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