I have a phobia. Of the city.

I live in a suburb of Pittsburgh. My life is such that I rarely have to travel downtown. But when I do, I get these anxiety attacks that are absolutely unbearable!

I don't know what it is, but something about being in that city (no other city) makes me feel unsafe and tense. I hyperventilate, tense up all over, I feel like I need to get out of the car and run away. I begin to chew on things as a habit. I ripped the cuff of my sweatshirt to bits on one occasion.

I'm not sure how I should solve this problem. I usually just avoid going there at all costs. But every year, my school's marching band does an adjudicated parade downtown. Last year I faked sick, and I'm sure I'm not showing up this year... I'm just not doing that. But that leaves two years! I'm not sure how I should be working to correct this. I'm not even really sure I want to... Although I know I should, so I'm asking you.