Diane,
I went to the office today just to get a feel for where I will be sitting. My company moved while I have been off of work. It helped me to see where I will be.
I know that driving can be very frustrating to conquer. My therapist gave me a really good coping mechanism. I drive the route with my boyfriend first noting all the "safe" places not panicking to find them but just note them, like a medical clinic or gas station, church what ever I feel is my safe place. This place allows me to know that if I need to pull over and complete a breathing exercise I can.
I have found just knowing that they are there is good enough. Don't get me wrong I still feel nervous and anxious when I know I have to drive but I am slowly tiring to drive further and further each time.
You will do well and I know that as I accomplish a task that I find difficult it gives me some self power making me feel good that I can do it.
Good luck with work and your drive.
Michelle
:p
Hi
I'm so happy I found this sight. I am a mother of 3 children and have been a stay at home mom for 13 years. Tomorrow is my first day going back to work, out side the home, and I am petrified of driving.My husband will be taking me in tomorrow ,but Wed and Thursday I'm on my own. For the past week I have been feeling ill, and I know I will not be able to sleep tonight.It is also the first day back to school for the kids. I just hope I can get through this. I'm hoping that once I do it it will get easier.
I'm tooting a horn in loud celebration for you! That was a terrific accomplishment. You may have felt panic, but you succeeded! Yes! Woo Hoo! Keep up the good work! You will soon achieve alevel that's comfortable for you if you continue.
Since I began having panic attacks I have been very frightened to drive. I think the best thing happened to me the other day though. My youngest son came back from seeing his father in Edmonton on the bus. I had made plans from my boyfriend to pick him up but plans fell through. I was in a situation where I had to drive. It was very far from the house but I did it. Although I had anxiety on the way there I did not on the way home. Maybe because I had to do it I don't know but I was very happy to prove to myself that I could do it.
I still find it difficult to drive but I make myself drive each day even if it is to the store which if fairly close. My goal is to continue driving and facing the fears that I have as I will have to go back to work in a few weeks time.
Each day only gets better! :)
