Panic attack while driving is holding me back

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.

Hi mnlady47

I can appreciate the further anxiety having a panic attack in this situation has caused.

I am sorry that the timing was unfortunate that it happened whilst you were driving.

Yes, we do see the onset of panic attacks occuring as they are happening; as you too recognise your symptoms.

Have you found any useful resources here? :

http://forums.psychcentral.com/anxie...ours-here.html

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

I drive a very small car,but have been using a hired large SUV recently - it is amazing how much less hassle you get from other drivers and how much more confident you feel in heavy traffic knowing that you won't come off worst in a collision. Pity it burnt diesel like there is no tomorrow, but there is a price for everything.

Hey mnlady,
I feel your pain as well. I suffer from anxiety mainly due to driving right now and it also holds me back from doing certain things, I am still learning though but I try to avoid it most of the times. I noticed you said you usually get the panic attack while driving so would you say it occurs once you notice the traffic gets busier and there is a lot going on?

I wish I could tell you exactly what to do to change/improve that fear but I am still working on it myself. Practice,deep breathing and some times smooth music helps me.

Best of luck hope you're able to overcome this, as I am sure you will !

I also feel your pain. I've experienced panic attacks while driving, mainly on interstates and major highways. One time it was so bad my husband made me pull over (I was driving because his back hurt, but when I had a panic attack he decided to drive anyway). It also happens when driving at night. It keeps me from driving to the bigger cities where there would be more things to do for my kids compared to our rural area. It keeps me from having any friends far away because I know I won't drive and see them. I don't really have advice but would public transportation be an option? I know for me that would probably cause some anxiety as well, but compared to driving and panicking, it might be better.