Hello

[annie]

I'm a 44 year old woman who had her first panic attack in 1991. They really didn't interfere with my driving until about 10 years ago. I have three kids who are very active and I'm able to drive them to all their activities. I will drive on the interstate but absolutely dread it before I have to do so. I even managed to drive my 13-year-old to a dance camp 3 hours away. Anyway, I find myself obsessing about my panic attacks to the point that I'm becoming more limited in where I'll drive. For example, I find that I panic at stop lights of all places and can't go when the light turns green. Country roads terrify me because I can't "escape" and I dread someone coming up behind me. Often, I'll put on my brakes which is not a safe thing to do. I really want to get over this and have started the Fear of Driving program. I've also been to two psychologists and it didn't help at all. They thought I was suffering from post traumatic stress syndrome since I'd been in two serious car accidents years ago. I don't know about that since I was able to drive just fine for years afterwards. anyway, thanks for listening.

[Rich-Admin]

Hi Annie,
I remember you :)
Your story isn't that uncommon and you can certainly overcome this fear like so many others have.
I think you'll find the people here very supportive and kind.

Rich

[drsusieq]

Hi Annie,
I also had a horrific freeway accident with my kids in the car on the way to Palm Springs many, many years ago. I was able to drive right after the accident and for about 7 year more...then for some unknown reason, the panic hit me. We will all get over this together with the baby steps. I sometimes wonder if I didn't live in large city with freeways, if I could drive country roads.

[Lupe]

Hi Annie,

I'm just amazed and delighted that I'm not alone in this "fear and anxiety thing." The conditions and details all vary for each one of us; but the limits, fears and frustrations are all identical.

I've stopped driving on mountain highways. When I drive on them I have this dreadful feeling that I went too far or I've gotten lost so I stop breathing because I should turn around...but I can't because it's a two way highway and I'm trapped so... I pull over and let my husband drive (I'm actually laughing at this thought process as I type).

I'm glad you shared your story, Annie. I, too, am able to drive all around town but I want to drive everywhere!! I feel like I'm stuck on an island that I can't get off of because of...sharks? :?:

Lupe