Quick Question

[NickHull50]

I have been getting panic attacks for like a year now. I used to be able to control them but now i cant and i can barely drive because everytime i do drive i feel like i completely lose control i sweat, breathe hard, get hot, and feel very anxious. Splashing water in my face seems to cool me down and help me get trhough it but that always doesnt work. My fear is really having a panic attacl in the car i guess because ill be fine driving one second and the next im completely panicing and ill be on a back road with no fearful thing in site. When you do that thought popping process, what kind of images should i use to associate with driving? any suggestions would be great i really want to get over this and begin feeling like my old self. or if you know any other excerises to do with the fear of a panic attack in the car.

[deanstnt]

You really have to get the program. It has soooo much helpful information. I love boating and water sports. Oddly, I can drive a boat all day long and feel great, so I imagine myself driving a boat on the lake on a beautiful day with good friends around and pulling my son on the kneeboard for the first time.My favorite thing to do.

[teaser]

Hey There Nick -

I'm assuming you got the program all ready as you are talking about the thought popping? I'm a huge believer in thought popping. Oddly, I thought that was the one thing I wouldn't be able to do. Visualize? ACK... I thought the breathing exercises would be the hugest benefit. Boy, was I wrong. It was just the opposite (although, breathing is important :lol: ). As far as what to visualize? That is totally up to you. Whatever makes you feel good. And as the program suggests - write it down! When I first started - I felt kind of silly writing it down. But hey - feeling silly beats the anxiety. And absolutely make it a priority to do it every day. After a while - I ended up changing my visuals as they suited me.

Good luck!

teaser

[NickHull50]

thank you guys i really appreciate it. i did get the program and its helped a little bit. ive had it for a week or so and ive been trying the thought popping and i just dont know if im doing it right. i picture myself on the beach until i get a really clear image and then i try to think of a car moment that scares me but i dont know what to think about in the car because theres no certain thing that brings on my anxiety its just the fear of having an anxiety attack. any help on what to think about while in my car would be great. thanks again guys

[teaser]

Hi Nick - a couple of thoughts...

Maybe thought popping between your good scene and "a panic attack" rather than the car visual might help. You need to retrain your brain that you can handle the panic attack.

Using the ROAD technique is very effective WHILE in the car. I'm going to guess your mind starts racing, etc., before the panic comes on. This is where the ROAD technique - brings you back into the "now."

Just some thoughts.

Don't get discouraged and keep on working at it.

teaser

[NickHull50]

I think thats a good idea. I will try that i didn't know what to think abou really because no specific event triggers it. Thanks for your input its much appreciated. I'm dying to get better i can't keep living my life this way. This has been so hard on me and i just really need to overcome this fear.