Quote:
Originally Posted by mnlady47
Over the course of the last 6-7 years, I have experienced panic attacks while driving 3 or 4 times. Each time it has been while driving through a busy metro area (mpls.) Each time, I never saw it coming....all of a sudden I start to have trouble breathing, feels like throat closing up, my limbs go numb and start to tingle and I see dots and start sweating profusely. In the moment, I am certain that will be the day I die in a car crash.
Things like road construction with cement barricades (makes me feel closed in) and some bridges bring this on...the biggest problem is that I live about an hour from the twin cities where my only daughter lives and this fear keeps from just hopping in the car and going to visit her. I also know that the job opportunities there are much better, but the fear makes working up there NOT an option. This fear holds me back from so much and I don't know how to change it.
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I to suffer from panic attacks....and I know how you feel when it comes to driving....I work in construction....where my job involves hauling heavy equipment to and from work sites.....I could have quit my job(one ive been doing since I was 18) or learn the onsets of the attacks and do something when they arrive....my symptoms are much the same...out of the blues....tingling....numbness in my extremities...shortness of breath....hyperventilating...very scary....I tell myself that it is a panic attack...that it won't kill me....if I have to pull over to the side of the road I do....practice deeper breathing....telling myself to relax...it will pass....I hope this helps.....and you get the chance to visit your daughter whenever you feel like you want to....Artie