Comments on: I am having anxiety attacks while driving. What can I do? http://www.difficultrelationships.com/2006/03/15/anxiety-attacks/ Difficult Relationships - honest answers to relationship dilemmas Sun, 22 Jan 2012 11:30:48 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Nikki http://www.difficultrelationships.com/2006/03/15/anxiety-attacks/#comment-4607 Nikki Tue, 30 Aug 2011 18:34:59 +0000 https://rodesmith.wordpress.com/2006/03/15/anxiety-attacks/#comment-4607 I drive in one of the most dangerous places in America. It takes me 30 minutes to get to work. I tried using safer roads to get there, but the attacks still are there. I have tried listening to music, rolling down the windows, singing, taking my mind off of it. Nothing works. I always have to pull over and I feel so dizzy and sweaty and my mouth goes dry and I feel like I am not in my own body. I start shaking and crying and end up late for work. The worst part is going over bridges and being stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic. Sometimes just driving in general is enough to make the attacks happen. After the attacks, I still feel weird hours later. Like I am not myself. Whenever I try to look up solutions, it's just some "doctor" trying to sell me some DVDs and what-not. This is the only site I have found that actually made me feel a little better. Reading testimonials of others. I drive in one of the most dangerous places in America. It takes me 30 minutes to get to work. I tried using safer roads to get there, but the attacks still are there. I have tried listening to music, rolling down the windows, singing, taking my mind off of it.
Nothing works. I always have to pull over and I feel so dizzy and sweaty and my mouth goes dry and I feel like I am not in my own body. I start shaking and crying and end up late for work.
The worst part is going over bridges and being stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic. Sometimes just driving in general is enough to make the attacks happen.

After the attacks, I still feel weird hours later. Like I am not myself.
Whenever I try to look up solutions, it’s just some “doctor” trying to sell me some DVDs and what-not. This is the only site I have found that actually made me feel a little better. Reading testimonials of others.

]]> By: amber http://www.difficultrelationships.com/2006/03/15/anxiety-attacks/#comment-309 amber Thu, 17 Mar 2011 22:38:51 +0000 https://rodesmith.wordpress.com/2006/03/15/anxiety-attacks/#comment-309 I started having anxiety attacks about 5 yrs ago. I ony get them while driving. First it started just on bridges, then highways, and now sometimes when I am sitting at a stop light behind someone feeling trapped. I have never been in a car accident and i used to drive everywhere!!! I don't understand why this is happening and I am not sure how to deal with it. It is slowly limiting me and I dont want it to because I want to be able to take my kids places and not be scared. I dont get how you can just breathe deep and think good thoughts, it takes over my whole body and i can't see straight. I hate it! I just want to feel better. I started having anxiety attacks about 5 yrs ago. I ony get them while driving. First it started just on bridges, then highways, and now sometimes when I am sitting at a stop light behind someone feeling trapped. I have never been in a car accident and i used to drive everywhere!!! I don’t understand why this is happening and I am not sure how to deal with it. It is slowly limiting me and I dont want it to because I want to be able to take my kids places and not be scared. I dont get how you can just breathe deep and think good thoughts, it takes over my whole body and i can’t see straight. I hate it! I just want to feel better.

]]> By: Krissta http://www.difficultrelationships.com/2006/03/15/anxiety-attacks/#comment-308 Krissta Wed, 16 Mar 2011 17:53:53 +0000 https://rodesmith.wordpress.com/2006/03/15/anxiety-attacks/#comment-308 I'm glad I came across this article. I googled "anxiety while driving" and it came up. I've had anxiety and fears ever sense I can remember. But ever sense I've been driving (I'm 19) I've had panick attacks. I have to drive to work a few days a week that is an hour away and on the freeway the whole time. On these days I wake up with anexiety and have it the whole way to work. I feel spaced out, dizzy and feel like I'm going to pass out.. It really freaks me out. I fidget with my air conditioning/ heating and music trying to get my self feeling normal again. I hate it more than anything. I think I should go see a Councelor. I’m glad I came across this article. I googled “anxiety while driving” and it came up. I’ve had anxiety and fears ever sense I can remember. But ever sense I’ve been driving (I’m 19) I’ve had panick attacks. I have to drive to work a few days a week that is an hour away and on the freeway the whole time. On these days I wake up with anexiety and have it the whole way to work. I feel spaced out, dizzy and feel like I’m going to pass out.. It really freaks me out. I fidget with my air conditioning/ heating and music trying to get my self feeling normal again. I hate it more than anything. I think I should go see a Councelor.

]]> By: Trent http://www.difficultrelationships.com/2006/03/15/anxiety-attacks/#comment-307 Trent Sun, 13 Mar 2011 10:37:01 +0000 https://rodesmith.wordpress.com/2006/03/15/anxiety-attacks/#comment-307 I am 21 and I have been dealing with anxiety since I was twelve. At first I got them quite often but as I got older they somewhat went away. Then when I started drinking they came back when I got any sort of buzz so I quit. Then a few years went by and I hadn't had any panic attacks so I started drinking again and everything was fine but then I became a big drinker. Almost every night from when I was 18 til almost 21. Eventually it started taking it's toll on me. I couldn't sleep and I never left my house. Then on new years I went out and I had been having chest pains all day but I ignored them and got drunk and then went home and tried to fall asleep and then all of a sudden it happened. The worst panic attack I had ever had. I couldn't catch my breathe nor could I get my heart beat down. Usually when I go outside and talk that helps but not then. It went on for almost 4 hours. I had to stop myself from calling 911 it was so bad. Ever since that night I couldn't be alone, couldn't drive, I couldn't even shower without there being someone there with me. I have gotten some help since then but not enough. I'm taking zoloft and It has helped but I still cannot drive anywhere other than around my small town except when there's someone with me then I'm ok. During the day anyways. At night I feel weird like I'm not all there. I don't know how to explain it but it sucks. I just wish it would go away. I have a kid on the way now and i want to give it a good life but I can't if I'm stuck here. Please help. I am 21 and I have been dealing with anxiety since I was twelve. At first I got them quite often but as I got older they somewhat went away. Then when I started drinking they came back when I got any sort of buzz so I quit. Then a few years went by and I hadn’t had any panic attacks so I started drinking again and everything was fine but then I became a big drinker. Almost every night from when I was 18 til almost 21. Eventually it started taking it’s toll on me. I couldn’t sleep and I never left my house. Then on new years I went out and I had been having chest pains all day but I ignored them and got drunk and then went home and tried to fall asleep and then all of a sudden it happened. The worst panic attack I had ever had. I couldn’t catch my breathe nor could I get my heart beat down. Usually when I go outside and talk that helps but not then. It went on for almost 4 hours. I had to stop myself from calling 911 it was so bad. Ever since that night I couldn’t be alone, couldn’t drive, I couldn’t even shower without there being someone there with me. I have gotten some help since then but not enough. I’m taking zoloft and It has helped but I still cannot drive anywhere other than around my small town except when there’s someone with me then I’m ok. During the day anyways. At night I feel weird like I’m not all there. I don’t know how to explain it but it sucks. I just wish it would go away. I have a kid on the way now and i want to give it a good life but I can’t if I’m stuck here. Please help.

]]> By: debi http://www.difficultrelationships.com/2006/03/15/anxiety-attacks/#comment-306 debi Mon, 17 Jan 2011 19:50:51 +0000 https://rodesmith.wordpress.com/2006/03/15/anxiety-attacks/#comment-306 I have been having attacks for the past 6 years now. i got my first one on the beltway. so, i thought i cant drive the beltway for awhile. well, later on i started getting them in short places. I is really bad for me. i own a cab company and, drive for a living. In the past i have had 2 bad car wrecks when i use to drink and drive alot. then i was in a bad wreck while i was working one nite. a bus pulled right out in front of me. and, it was a bad wreck. it took about 5 months then my attacks got worse! I didnt drive for about a year and a half. but, in that time i was getting attacks in the car with other people when i wasnt even driving. im back to work but, still get them very, very bad to were i got to pull over and, have someone who works for me come get me. i have tryed programs and, nothing is working!!! I have been having attacks for the past 6 years now. i got my first one on the beltway. so, i thought i cant drive the beltway for awhile. well, later on i started getting them in short places. I is really bad for me. i own a cab company and, drive for a living. In the past i have had 2 bad car wrecks when i use to drink and drive alot. then i was in a bad wreck while i was working one nite. a bus pulled right out in front of me. and, it was a bad wreck. it took about 5 months then my attacks got worse! I didnt drive for about a year and a half. but, in that time i was getting attacks in the car with other people when i wasnt even driving. im back to work but, still get them very, very bad to were i got to pull over and, have someone who works for me come get me. i have tryed programs and, nothing is working!!!

]]> By: Tiffani S. http://www.difficultrelationships.com/2006/03/15/anxiety-attacks/#comment-305 Tiffani S. Mon, 08 Nov 2010 02:44:24 +0000 https://rodesmith.wordpress.com/2006/03/15/anxiety-attacks/#comment-305 I am 20 and have just realized I have been having panic attacks. I myself am glad I bumped across this article because the feelings I have been having were described by almost every single one of you guys. I mainly have my anxiety attacks when driving in the car. I was in a very bad car accident when I was 19 and I thought that was the reason I have them. Driving has merely became an obstacle instead of enjoyment, the freedom, which I used to love. My main problem is I try to hide my attacks from other people in fear of them thinking I am just going crazy. The only thing is I have noticed mine are not limited to the car and have increasingly became worse and more frequent. I have been freaking out when at work (i am a walmart cashier) in class, in the car and even sometimes late at night when falling asleep or when I am alone in the house. It almost feels like I am living in fear of the next attack, which they now happen about twice a day almost everyday of the week. I am 20 and have just realized I have been having panic attacks. I myself am glad I bumped across this article because the feelings I have been having were described by almost every single one of you guys. I mainly have my anxiety attacks when driving in the car. I was in a very bad car accident when I was 19 and I thought that was the reason I have them. Driving has merely became an obstacle instead of enjoyment, the freedom, which I used to love. My main problem is I try to hide my attacks from other people in fear of them thinking I am just going crazy. The only thing is I have noticed mine are not limited to the car and have increasingly became worse and more frequent. I have been freaking out when at work (i am a walmart cashier) in class, in the car and even sometimes late at night when falling asleep or when I am alone in the house. It almost feels like I am living in fear of the next attack, which they now happen about twice a day almost everyday of the week.

]]> By: S Nicole http://www.difficultrelationships.com/2006/03/15/anxiety-attacks/#comment-304 S Nicole Tue, 31 Aug 2010 05:18:58 +0000 https://rodesmith.wordpress.com/2006/03/15/anxiety-attacks/#comment-304 I am 26 and just realized that I'm having panic attacks while driving, I get sweaty hands and feet and feel dizzy, like I'm not in my body. It's weird because Ive always been a good driver, and it's really starting to effect my life, I don't want to go far... Stay in my neighborhood... It's really scary, once had one on the highway when my hands went numb luckly I had others in the car so I pulled over and they took over from there.... I really hope I don't have this problem my whole life, recently married and my husband doesn't understand at all... At first I just thought I was going crazy! It's nice to read all your comments and know that I'm not alone. Any other good books or stragies would be greatly appriated. Thanks :) I am 26 and just realized that I’m having panic attacks while driving, I get sweaty hands and feet and feel dizzy, like I’m not in my body. It’s weird because Ive always been a good driver, and it’s really starting to effect my life, I don’t want to go far… Stay in my neighborhood… It’s really scary, once had one on the highway when my hands went numb luckly I had others in the car so I pulled over and they took over from there…. I really hope I don’t have this problem my whole life, recently married and my husband doesn’t understand at all… At first I just thought I was going crazy! It’s nice to read all your comments and know that I’m not alone.
Any other good books or stragies would be greatly appriated. Thanks :)

]]> By: TAMARA http://www.difficultrelationships.com/2006/03/15/anxiety-attacks/#comment-303 TAMARA Tue, 17 Aug 2010 15:45:41 +0000 https://rodesmith.wordpress.com/2006/03/15/anxiety-attacks/#comment-303 I too get anxiety attacks while driving. Crowds, traffic and the fact that I am getting far from home. I will be just fine when I start out..but as soon as traffic starts up...the heart starts racing a little then a little more. I find that drinking a soda has helped me out a lot..slows down my heart rate. I too get anxiety attacks while driving. Crowds, traffic and the fact that I am getting far from home. I will be just fine when I start out..but as soon as traffic starts up…the heart starts racing a little then a little more. I find that drinking a soda has helped me out a lot..slows down my heart rate.

]]> By: Steve O'Hara http://www.difficultrelationships.com/2006/03/15/anxiety-attacks/#comment-302 Steve O'Hara Tue, 16 Jun 2009 19:52:03 +0000 https://rodesmith.wordpress.com/2006/03/15/anxiety-attacks/#comment-302 Hi Jeannette, Similar to others I have had this problem with driving for 8 years. Very happily married, great family, successful business man, I travel the world so planes no problem lol. I used to cover sales in the UK and do 25,000 miles driving a year. Then started to feel funny driving, it got worse on certain roads, certain places and no idea why. I have been to two therapists that helped for a short time but long term did not help. I can now only drive locally in town and get the usual symptoms if I think I have got to drive out of town. It is spoiling my life I want to do something about it, I know it is stupid but panicking when driving is a bit different from tackling a spider. Any advice would be greatfully received. Thank you STEVE Hi Jeannette,

Similar to others I have had this problem with driving for 8 years. Very happily married, great family, successful business man, I travel the world so planes no problem lol. I used to cover sales in the UK and do 25,000 miles driving a year. Then started to feel funny driving, it got worse on certain roads, certain places and no idea why.

I have been to two therapists that helped for a short time but long term did not help. I can now only drive locally in town and get the usual symptoms if I think I have got to drive out of town. It is spoiling my life I want to do something about it, I know it is stupid but panicking when driving is a bit different from tackling a spider. Any advice would be greatfully received.

Thank you STEVE

]]> By: Kate http://www.difficultrelationships.com/2006/03/15/anxiety-attacks/#comment-301 Kate Wed, 10 Jun 2009 17:21:40 +0000 https://rodesmith.wordpress.com/2006/03/15/anxiety-attacks/#comment-301 I agree with the reply including the book by Dr.Claire Weeks Hope and Help for your Nerves. I've read it and recovered and then relapsed lol, well if I could only accept what she wrote in the book-I certanly BELIEVE it, but I gotta accept it..and that's the final step that's inhibiting my recovery sadly..I avoid all kinds of situations just INCASE I get an anxiety attack ugh, its annoying, now I can't even tell if I'm avoiding the situation cause I don't want to do it or go OR if its cause I"m afraid I'll have an anxiety attack. Remember everyone no self pity either! I hope the good Lord answers all our prayers for healing. I agree with the reply including the book by Dr.Claire Weeks Hope and Help for your Nerves. I’ve read it and recovered and then relapsed lol, well if I could only accept what she wrote in the book-I certanly BELIEVE it, but I gotta accept it..and that’s the final step that’s inhibiting my recovery sadly..I avoid all kinds of situations just INCASE I get an anxiety attack ugh, its annoying, now I can’t even tell if I’m avoiding the situation cause I don’t want to do it or go OR if its cause I”m afraid I’ll have an anxiety attack. Remember everyone no self pity either! I hope the good Lord answers all our prayers for healing.

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