I have similar episodes, but my fear happens for different reasons. I know how painful those anxious feelings can be. It must be especially nerve wracking to drive up north during the winter! Sorry you're having such a hard time.

I think you are doing the best thing for yourself by continuing to walk and drive despite the scary feelings.

When you start to avoid doing things because of the fear, the relief feels great for a few moments. But then the next time you want to do something, you are more likely to avoid it. Avoiding gives the fear more power; it makes it hard to see that you can choose to keep going despite the fear and panic sensations in your body.

When you're in those intense moments, you can take deep, slow breaths to keep yourself from hyperventilating while your adrenaline is running high. This will keep any tense or dizzy feelings from getting worse.

I try to keep a running conversation where I talk back to my fears. I tell myself, "Okay, so I'm scared. And I'm still going to turn the key in the ignition because I want to buy groceries." It's a way of helping me understand that fear is just one part of what's happening in my brain; I also have goals to reach and ways of coping with the feelings. Otherwise, for me the fear just starts running things!

It's great that you're getting help before you really feel stuck in your house. I hope your appointment goes well on Thursday! Keep posting, and do visit the Anxiety forum--lots of people with similar issues there.