[canyouhearmenow]

My anxiety has recently been brought to new levels.

I have always hated winter, but always had to deal with it. I had a car accident during a snow storm last year. It had NOTHING to do with the snow at all, I had a new car and the wheel came off. It just happened to be during a snow storm.

I had some (understandable I think) driving fears after that, they mostly went away...occasionally I hit a bump and pull into a gas station to check my tires, but they are always fine.

We had snow Thursday and Friday. I have not left my house since Monday.

I just went with my husband to run a few quick errands. He was driving. I burst into tears, there isn't enough room for parking, you can't see the lines everywhere and everything is too crowded.

We stopped for lunch and he brought me home so he could go finish the errands.

This is the first time in my life my anxiety has prevented me from running a Saturday errand, I don't know if it's the weather, the crowds, or what....I just want to go to bed until April and I am scared of how to fix this.

[Little Lulu]

You are not alone - I have heard other people say snow increases their anxiety and driving is a common trigger, especially when you have had an 'incident' like a wheel coming off of your car.

I just posted about my driving anxiety a couple of days ago on this forum. Today I am going to a friend's church and I am anxious about that because last time I was there I had some panic. But I am going because I made a commitment to my friend. I may not be comfortable but I am going.

When I have an increase in anxiety I am telling myself all kinds of spooky things like ... oh no, this is worse than ever, it is never going to go away, I will become house-bound, I will go crazy, no one will like me, on and on. I have been telling myself those types of things for years and none of it has happened!! It won't happen to you, either, because you recognize it, you are talking about it , you are looking for answers, and will take steps to see that it doesn't happen (for me that means doing things even when they are uncomfortable). Keep coming back. Hugs.

[Gus1234U]

Anxiety Reduction

one of the "tricks" to decreasing phobias is gradual exposure. this means intentionally approaching the anxiety producing experience when you are in a safe place and able to withdraw as soon as it feels necessary. then repeat, and push a little farther. each time one is able to approach and withdraw when the tolerance is reached, or slightly exceeded, in SAFETY, the phobia is naturally eroded.

for some, the initial approach might mean just thinking about doing the experience, then stop thinking about it. remember, the mind magnifies what it is focused upon. so set up an attractive distraction to help you move on immediately after, and not dwell upon what happened.

best wishes~
Gus