[lilypup]

We live in the desert and it's pretty hot right now. Some good friends invited us up to their cabin in the mountains for a week. My husband is, of course, eager to go.

I have a ton of anxiety. One area of anxiety is riding or driving in a car. It's about three hours up to this cabin. I'm especially scared of passing big trucks. (Even though it's a two lane divided highway all the way.) I'm also scared to go much above 65 mph.

I'm planning on taking Klonopin, but I know I will still be frightened. I have to be a bit quiet in the car about my fear as I don't want to yell or something and scare my husband while he is driving.

Sadly, I'll also be nervous while we are there because I'll be thinking of the trip home.

I could cancel this trip. My husband would be disappointed but okay. But I really hate to do that.

I talk to one tdoc and see the other today. I'll ask them both for help. Any more thoughts?

I love you guys...you are helping me to hold on.

Which is worse for you - riding or driving? Try to take the lesser of the two evils and do that versus the other. It isn't a perfect solution and you are still bound to have some anxiety and stress, but you will at least have exerted some control over a situation you feel powerless about.

If you are less paranoid about driving, take some comfort knowing you will be in control of the car. What lane it is in, how fast the car will travel, and even what station will be on the radio. (If you listen to music...)

If you are less paranoid about being the passenger, try and fall asleep and allow your husband to make light work of the commute. Take the Klonopin if that eases your mind and snooze the trip away.

[Sunflower123]

I feel that way about being on airplanes. I usually take Xanax and use my coping techniques to make it through while reminding myself of the low probability of something going wrong. I hope you find some peace and calm while going there and back. Best wishes.

[TRNRMOM]

i also have anxiety when we drive long distances, i.e., 3, 4 or 5 hours from
home. we usually take our suv and i always sit in the back seat and bring a pillow and usually fall asleep; sitting in back seat prevents me from actually seeing a lot of traffic which i would otherwise see sitting in the front seat and i have less anxiety in the back seat; also wear a headset and listen to whatever i choose and hubby can't listen to the radio, cd's or whatever makes him happy during the long drive.

[~Christina]

I have often found it helpful to push myself into things I do not want to do .. at all.

Its exposure Therapy , The more you do the more you decrease its hold on you.

Take your PRN and maybe a book or a audio book to distract you.

Go enjoy the weekend

[Wild Coyote]

I've only recently started to experience this type of anxiety. So far, I can do the opposite. I figure if I don't "do it anyway," the anxiety will take over worse.
I drove in all types of traffic today, in a downpour, it was liberating.

I hope you can go on your trip!

Wc

[Wonderfalls]

Well, actually, riding in a car is dangerous, especially in the mountains. But of course usually we cope without dwelling on that. I found Xanax to be much more effective than Klonopin when I was in high anxiety. I also brought an engrossing mystery/thriller book--I was surprised I was able to concentrate enough to read, but I could. My other solution would be to take a sleep medicine, if you have any, at a dose strong enough to knock you out (a safe dose of course).

[bioChE]

Like the others, id suggest you go on the trip. It'll get you away from the hot desert, and you may even have fun doing it.

[liveforsummer]

I totally encourage you to go on the trip. I've missed out on lots over the years due to anxiety and fears of the unknown. I am trying hard not to limit myself anymore as I'm not getting any younger!
I always have my Ativan with me, especially when flying. I've never had to actually take one while flying as I think just knowing they are there "just in case" is enough.
Good luck- I hope you can gonn

[Unrigged64072835]

I'd go to get away from the heat. I usually am on my phone or reading a book while we're traveling. My husband freaks out when he's a passenger, so I'm happy to let him drive.

[lilypup]

I rode downtown tonight to a baseball game and did well.
Tomorrow is the drive to the mountains. I am definitely planning on going. I've got some good plans. I have a breathing app and I have my music. I am taking Klonopin about an hour before we go. I'm riding in the back and laying on a pillow. My husband agreed to go about 70 mph. He's also going to talk to me when he goes around trucks so I know he is paying attention. I'm also going to remind myself that people get places safely all the time.
I really hope I've got this.
Thanks for all the support!

[avlady]

I am afraid to be in a car as i don't like the way my husband drives and i let him know it He speeds too much for me and takes too many risks. I'm surprised i go anywhere with him but i have no choice as i don't drive because of my meds.

[raspberrytorte]

I'm afraid of driving on the highway too. I can't. I hate going that fast. I freak out, so my husband always has to drive. When I was benzo prescribed I used to take that before any long car ride. I have a highway phobia.

Just wanted to let you know you're not alone in highway driving fear.

Have fun on your trip!