sue89...what an awesome post :)
I haven't had this anxiety while driving, for very long.
For me, I want to try and work through it myself, before going on meds. I don't doubt that they work, but I don't relish the idea of weaning myself either.
For some, using meds is the difference between being non-functional and functional, I think. I totally understand that. If my anxiety were that severe, I'd be off to my doc is a split second. Since it isn't, I want to try and do it...what is "IT?"
I agree, it's changing one's own thoughts. Thoughts are tremendously powerful. But I think if I practice positive thoughts, when I am NOT panicking, it will be that much easier to think positive thoughts, even when I AM panicking and when they are less likely to be believed. Even so, I do recognize I have a choice what to think...what I think, inevitably affects the feeling that follows. It's sometimes a constant battle, but even during anxiety and high stress I still feed my head positive thoughts. Hey, if it doesn't work, and my anxiety becomes worse, off the doc I go....no worry....because I'd rather be funtioning as opposed to not functioning. That's my 2cents worth... :)