Driving & anexity

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-29-2006
Driving & anexity
13
Sun, 07-01-2007 - 9:49pm

Would be interested to hear from others who have, or are learning to (or want to??) dealt with anexity attacks while driving.

A friend of mine is having a rough time with anexity attacks right now, which tend to arise when she is driving. I don't want to push the issue with her, in case it makes her more anxious about getting behind the wheel, so would be interested to hear about others who experience the same, and how they may have, or are trying to, correct the issue.

Thanks in advance!

mblade2006

"Just because everything is different 

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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Mon, 07-02-2007 - 12:14am

Hi! Nice to see you;) What a good friend you must be to inquire about driving anxiety & want to be supportive of your friend. Kudos to you:) You are so right that you shouldn't push the issue. She will have to deal with this on her own. It will be in her own way & on her own timeline.


I can say that my driving phobia developed during a very stressful time of my life( birth of my 2nd child, divorce, death of my only sister.) I had anxiety/panic for many years but this cropped up out of the blue. I had a panic attack behind the wheel & over a short period of time, I became terrified of having a breakdown or flat tire or would be in a rural area & need help & be alone in the car. For 3 years my car didn't move. When I finally got tired of making excuses to my kids & asking others to take me places, I went the meds/therapy route. Once the anxiety & fear were reduced, I began the small step approach to driving again. I would sit in the car. Then drive to the end of the driveway. Then to the stop sign on my street. Each day I would push myself a little farther, but never until I was panicking. I had setbacks, but would try again the next day. I learned progressive relaxation from my therapist. I taught myself belly breathing(found in the *coping tips & tricks* folder below.) I want to say again, that until the underlying fear/anxiety is controlled, it's counterproductive to force a person into a situation that they fear.


Our former co-cl used hypnosis for her driving phobia. It was very successful. I hope others will post & let you know how they *un-learned* their fear.


Good luck & GBU! Keep us posted. We would love to have your df join us. (((hugs))) jan

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iVillage Member
Registered: 01-29-2006
Mon, 07-02-2007 - 10:48am

You're right - pushing the issue (much less one I have not experienced myself, and therefore have a limited personal understanding of) is something I shouldn't, and won't, do.

Granted my friend is under a great deal of personal stress right now, this is the first time personal stress has translated to fear - in this case, of driving. Sometimes, she is OK, but other times, driving sends her into complete panic mode (including while at the wheel).

It would be insightful to know what others experience during an anexity attack - what does it feel like?

mblade2006

"Just because everything is different 

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-22-2003
Mon, 07-02-2007 - 10:56am

I didn't drive for many, many years, about 7!

Sheri Ann

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-29-2006
Mon, 07-02-2007 - 11:06am
Congrads on your victory... be proud of the fact you have taken control and you CAN and ARE getting behind the wheel!

mblade2006

"Just because everything is different 

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Mon, 07-02-2007 - 11:34am
 

 


 



iVillage Member
Registered: 04-15-2007
Mon, 07-02-2007 - 8:33pm

I seldom post and spend most of my time lurking and reading other posts, but when I read about your friend I had to share my story. I had not driven and relied on my husband and family to take me places for almost 6 years. I had tried months and months of traditional therapy without any results. 4 weeks ago I started hypnotherapy and it has done wonders. Although I don't drive far or by myself I am now driving short distances and sometimes even up to 12 or 13 miles from my home.

It's great to hear how supportive you are without being pushy! I have had many people try to force me to drive or tell me that all I had to do was get in the car and all my fears would go away, but it only made things worse. Make sure that if/when your friend does drive you are exited about it and give lots of positive feedback.

DaisypathAnniversary Years Ticker>
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Mon, 07-02-2007 - 8:40pm

Hi, Izzy! Thank you so much for sharing your experience w/hypnosis. I wish you continued success with it. I have lived for years with my mother telling me to just *Stop worrying. This is all in your mind.* We could write a book;)


I also want to say how nice it is to know you are out there reading. Please don't be a stranger! (((hugs))) jan

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iVillage Member
Registered: 05-07-2007
Wed, 07-04-2007 - 7:46pm

Hi,

I'm Lu, I had my first panic attack while driving and had to pull off the road to collect mself. Ever since then driving has been scary for me. Always afraid I'll pass out, so I'm especially nervous driving my kids. I listen to a calming cd while I drive. Therapy and meds has worked the best for me. I told my husband that I want to practice getting on the freeway this weekend. That always scares me, you can't just pull over!

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Thu, 07-05-2007 - 7:46am

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I know this is scary, Lu. I freak out on the interstate because you simply can't turn around & go back. Well, I guess you can, but there's a fine when you get caught;) But, I have worked through the small step approach & have driven 2 hours on the interstate without problems. I still sip water, practice my belly breathing, fiddle with the radio & keep the positive thoughts coming.


I wish you lots of luck & am glad to hear that you have dh to support you. Let us know how things go. (((hugs))) jan

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iVillage Member
Registered: 05-16-2007
Thu, 07-05-2007 - 3:38pm

Hi I'm new to the boards as well but joined for the Weight loss support and stumbled upon you guys. LOL

I have panic attacks and have had them since I was a child. About 3 years ago I quit my job and had a "break" from the stress. I switched doctors because mine was a pill pusher and ended up with a dr who specialized in panic disorders. My fear is public places and being "stuck" and unable to get out of a situation. I used to have attacks in the car while driving because of a car accident where a lady hit me and try to leave. Anyway, the therapist helped more than I can ever say. I now see her only on a need to basis and am down to 40 mg of Prozac a day w/Xanax only when I need it and it's 1 mg and I cut those in half. You all are so inspiring and seem so supportive. I have a horrible fear of flying and only drive places. My attacks usually strike when I am not the one driving and I feel out of control. Does anyone else experience this and what did you do to overcome it? Lately I have been letting DH drive me to work and so far after a couple of months no attack. I hate feeling this way and think that finally the medication is working (after several attempts with other meds)

Thanks for listening.

Kimie
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