Panic attack when I was driving! Help!
I recently got into a fender bender and although I wasn't driving, I have been really apprehensive about getting back on the wheel. I already have been very anxious lately with school starting and with an impending graduation in 3 months. I have been suffering severe anxiety and insomnia and haven't been in the best shape. I started driving yesterday and had a mid-drive panic attack that I had to stop the vehicle in the shoulder. I felt so uncomfortable and my heart was racing. Thankfully I had someone else in passenger seat who could drive me back safely. I recently read up on magnesium supplements and they have been helping me with my sleep. They work like a charm! Insomnia aside, these panic attacks and underlying anxiety are debilitating. Is there anyone who has had this before and what are they doing to alleviate panic attacks while driving? Would appreciate any leads!!!
@unassumingWater9583 Hi I haven’t really went through a driving panic attack but I had one when I was depressed/anxious in college so I’ve been dealing with anxiety and depression for over 20 years. Which came back again last month. I guess my anti depressants have taken a break. Last week I went to see a psychologist for the first time in 7 years and it went well. I have my second appointment on Monday. For my anxiety this past month I take a 0.25mg Clonazepam in the morning and at night. I know all this will pass so I decided to take action and see a psychologist. I told him I want some coping mechanisms for when this crap happens again. He gave me a chapter out of the book Feeling Good by David Burns which is cognitive therapy and The 10 Best-Ever anxiety management techniques by Margaret Wehrenberg. I ended up buying them both and am currently reading them. So I guess after all my rambling have you considered seeing a counselor/therapist/psychologist or a Dr to give you something for your anxiety until it passes?
Hi there. I'm so sorry you're going through this phase. Are your meds helping you sleep better/eat better/feel better? Thanks for your book suggestions I'm definitely going to read those too. Also please feel free to share your thoughts on this thread as well. I've been considering seeing a counselor at my Uni and I finally made an appointment today! I just want to get rid of the anxiety without medications and I feel as though ssri's are really "band aids" to the wound and merely cover the wound. Don't get me wrong, it helps with some people but I truly feel something that could help heal the wound would be going through with a trained professional to help me psycho-analyze where my fears and underlying anxiety is coming from (past, repeated emotion patterns, behaviors, expectations, repressed childhood fears etc . Therapy is definitely looking like my only saving grace right now.
Btw - How do you exercise? I've barely been able to do anything without huffing and puffing and my heart breaking into uncomfortable palpitations. So I stick to yoga and meditation. It's great for soothing my already heightened adrenergic response in my body. Thanks for your response!
Hi @unassumingWater9583 I’m pretty sure the Clonazepam is temporary until this passes. It does help me sleep and eat though. My Dr did give me seroquil 25 mg about a month ago to help me sleep also. I know I know, these dang pills but it got so bad I needed something. I totally get the no medication route and that is why I’m going to stick with my psychologist to develop coping skills so I just don’t have to rely on medication. As for my exercise I live in a hilly area and I go for about a 30 minute brisk walk with a short jog in there now and then. Sometimes I over think my breathing also and it freaks me out a bit but then it goes away. It’s all part of the anxiety/depression that’s going on. Worrying and focusing on negative things. We will get through this.
@unassumingWater9583 I am so sorry to hear about your mid-drive panic attack, glad you had someone to drive you back home. Yes , panic attacks are common. Is this the first time you are experiencing one or have you had other before?
@unassumingWater9583
Had the exact same situation a while back. Panic while driving.
In my opinion only time, sleep and healthy ways helped. It got better pretty quickly. Also What I got from a specialist was, that try to accept that its happening, like okay im feeling like that etc. It helped me immensly to controll the duration and the intensity of the panic attack at a sketcy situation like being at the wheel.
Wow! Thanks for your response. I can't explain how poor my sleep is at the time. But you're right- plain ol acceptance goes a long way! Thanks so much for those reassuring words.
@unassumingWater9583
I totally feel you. I also stopped by the road and just laid down by the highway to get that bad feeling of me to drive. But these small things helped me. I liked to think, that okay I am not in danger etc. Small things but it may help, at least some new weapons to your arsenal to try out. Feel you and it sucks cheeks. Take care m8 and it will get better :P
