Driving anxiety

I have been reading everyones posts regarding their experiences with anxiety while driving but haven't really seen anyone post anything that helps take it away. My attacks come when driving above 40 mph on our little two lane divided highways around here. I can get to town just fine and am completely fine around town. I pray for traffic so the traffic is slow on the highways, and sometimes have to find backroads which are difficult. It started at night, and now during the day sometimes too. You know the symptoms, light headed, lump in my throat, white knuckle, feels like I am going to pass out or have a stroke.  I am fairly certain that it's mental. Singing, munching, talking to someone doesn't help. I dont want pills.I know how you all feel, because I have been living this hell for about 8 years. I am investigating exercise, vitamin B-12, sleep apnea, vertigo. My doc referred me to a therapist but they were too busy to call me back.  If anyone has any other ideas please share.

[Rich99]

Its a common phobia that causes those panic attacks.      I have a family member who cannot drive on major highways where traffic goes much faster than most of the side roads.       But it will probably require some 'exposure therapy'  where you might hop on a road where traffic goes above 40 but only for a quarter mile then exit off of it.    Once you see nothing happened for that very brief exposure to faster traffic,  you may over time be able to increase the distances gradually until you no longer have this phobia.  

[29sillygirl]

Good luck.  My first panic attacks were on major roads, and I have never completely conquered this fear.  I do drive and push myself to go further from my safety zone now, but hey! in my fast growing city..traffic is a b****.  Accidents left and right ..even close to my apt.

My worst is sitting at a light..in the inner lane.  My doc says if I let the thought 'trapped' enter my head my body will respond ...fight flight here we go...  The attacks I used to have as I had to take major highways to work are calmed down as I can ..most of the time...chose time and roads.  

A physical difficulty for me is that I am an anal cancer survivor..with no sphincter ....need I say more?  The fear of being stuck in traffic and suddenly needing to go is a real fear based on a real problem.

Generally I prepare for trips, and if shopping, make it a focused shop.  No more aimless driving.  I have to have a plan and stick to it. Same in stores: meandering around in a hugh store is sure to bring on panic.  So again I now plan and stick to it.  One department for shoes.  No checking out several stores or departments.

I don't believe in 'immersion' therapy.  And neither does my psychiatrist. Facing your fears: yes, but not the extreme stuff I've heard about.

Clonazapam is my medicine, and I get out with few problems each day.
Acceptance that I am agoraphobic was key to my getting back into life.  
Believe it could help you too.

[trdofbeingtrd]

Feel free to message me, I have tips for anxiety, panic disorder and if you need to talk to someone, just let me know.

[StuckSarah]

I've had anxiety while driving for years now. I'm also very agoraphobic. At this point in my life, I am unable to drive and very rarely leave the house. Problem right now is that I am moving about 1/2 hour away by the end of the month. Luckily, I have the best boyfriend in the world and he will be doing pretty much all of the moving by himself. Packing and unpacking will be my job, but I don't mind it at all. In any case, I'm going to have to drive down to the new place at some point. I have to get my car there. But I am absolutely petrified!! I was going to go with my boyfriend today to bring some things there, but I couldn't do it. I did get in the car with him while he drove a little down the street, but I made him turn around and take me home. I just can't seem to get the horrible thoughts of being stuck out of my head. I detest traffic lights and heavy traffic and am afraid that I will just freak out while I am driving. I just don't know what to do anymore.