~~~~~~~~~~~Don't read if you have car anxiety~~~~~~~~~~~~












Do you suffer panic/anxiety attacks like I do? I have started taking lorazapam for the panic (about three weeks ago) when it's really bad, it helps but I don't like that it's only a temporary fix, what things do you do to help alieviate pain and anxiety in your life?

Yesterday I had to get water into the radiator of my car and the stupid hood release would not open! I had an instant anxiety attack, because I had to go out to pick up some forms and the car had nearly overheated when I had been out shopping Tuesday. I have so much anxiety about my darn car, driving I am fine with, except for my broken dashboard, I sometimes have to hold it up when I am going from a full stop, it's so loose it moved around and sets off anxiety when I am driving that I won't be able to get it back into place.

I know, I need a new car, hopefully we'll get one this year sometime. But seriously, when you have no choice but to face things that make you anxious, how do you deal with it? I have to drive the car to get things done, so there is no escaping that reality. I used to deal with it fine, but the stupid hood release did finally open and I got what I needed done, however I was shaking so bad I had to take 1/2 a lorazapam when I got back inside. I know I can't depend on it forever since it is addictive, so I am asking if you suffer this problem what steps do you take to calm down and shut the attack down maybe even before it's started?

I used to have a lot of anxiety attacks all the time. I even developed agoraphobia so just leaving the house caused panic attacks. I still have this to some degree. But I rarely take my Klonopin because I see a therapist every two weeks. He always makes me feel better and has taught me a lot about coping and anxiety. He told me I do a lot of forecasting as he calls it which I am working on. In otherwords I think something bad is going to happen even when I have no idea how it will turn out. I wish I could explain the things he has taught me but I'm not very good at that. I really do have a lot of faith in my T and I think he has helped me tremdously. My suggestion would be to find a good T to learn better coping skills.

Sorry Pam, as soon as I read the 1st sentence about car anxiety I stopped. I do have have it.

befuddled2

I am going to see my old T soon, I hope she can help, I think I got the idea of forecasting from what you posted though mystified, thank you. I do do that a lot, sometimes forecasting a bad experience where I end up having a good one or just an average time with no notable events. I will have to talk with my T when I see her again and see what coping skills she can help me decelop. Thanks for the reply mysitified!

Thanks for the validation befuddled2, I know it's a tough one to overcome, thanks for the reply and letting me know you too suffer this problem. Take care.

Some of my anxiety (free floating) is the most difficult to contain. But when it is specific, like my fear of heights, I make myself face it. Like standing as close as I can, safely, to the edge of a high cliff or going up on the roof with my hubby if he is working up there.

I use meditation more than medication if I can. Picture yourself in a large bubble with white light all around you. Breath deeply and long-don't let yourself hyper-ventilate. Focus on nothing but the light and the protective bubble.

If it's really bad (like now) I break up my valum into halves or quarters and use the meditation to get through until I am done driving or whatever and then take the other portion of the pill. A lot of times, I find myself chain smoking though.

If at home, take a warm shower.

OH, and I read somewhere that if you are starting to panic, hold your thumb in the thumbs up position and gently blow across it. It makes you focus on your thumb and your breathing. It kinda works, but it make me laugh more, so that is probably why it helps me.

And DUCT TAPE. It works. Tape that sucker down, love.

It's funny how I can deal with other peoples anxiety and just hold them till it subsides, but I have to work so hard on my own.

Those are some good suggestions Mrs. Bear, I will have to try the blowing on my thumb one, that sounds funny but hey if it works? Why not?

I have GAD so my anxiety could happen at any time for no reason. All I can say is make sure you take your meds everyday, same time. Talk to your doc if they aren't working and find a safe person. That is the person who you can call when the panic starts and they can help you by just talking to you until you calm down a little.
I hope that this helps a little.

Thank you for the reply Wendy. I do take my meds every day at the same time so that's not a problem. Today I did good and didn't run into any situations where I felt anxiety. Some days are good days and others are just bad. I will have to see about finding a safe person, that sounds like a great idea. Thank you again for the thoughtful reply.

Dear Pam,
I'm glad the anxiety is less right now.

For me is it part of the big picture -- related alot to sleep, stressors, diet, exercise, meds. Yoga helps tremendously.

Probably mostly meds and sleep -- but I seem to have to make decisions minute by minute about anxiety level and energy level. I have to decide if doing something is worth the price I will pay. Then I have to deicide if not doing it will cause a bigger problem. And so on.

I hope you have many good days.
M.

I definitely understand making decisions minute by minute, I do that too sometimes, usually when I am really really anxious. I am really glad you posted Mari, I've been wondering how you've been. I appreciate you sharing what helps you. I wish I could do yoga but I really can't, I have limited mobility and am out of whack so to speak regarding the shape my body is in. I am glad it helps you, my hubby has been talking about starting yoga so maybe one of us will get some relief from it.

I also agree that it's part of the big picture, it's definitely related to sleep, stressors in the environment and eating. I hope to get through the day without taking any benzo, but I am glad to have it JIC. It really does help. Thanks again for posting Mari!