Dear Linny5
Just read your posting and wanted to respond . I too suffer from panic and anxiety while driving in heavy traffic . However I can tell you that I am starting to feel better about it.
Just wanted to first assure that you are not crazy, and you are not going there. Im sure you are probaly already aware of the fact that its not really the act of driving that you are afraid of . Its the panicky feelings you have had while doing it that you are scared of. For me , this started one day comming home from work, I was tired. felt stressed and had a major panic attack while driving in heavy traffic. I pulled off the road and told myself, wow" that was close ,
what if that happened in a place I couldnt have pulled over. I would have wrecked or just became so panicked, I would have died. I know now this, wasnt what I should have done. The one thing you have to remember and find a way to beleive is this.PANIC ATTACKS ARE SCAREY BUT THEY ARE HARMLESS AND YOU CAN FUNCTION WITH A PANIC ATTACK.
You are correct in trying to start learning how to overcome this problem. However be kind to you. If you husband is impatient and not understanding of this , you do not need him for a practice partner. Find someone else, or after you have practiced some coping skills for panic , try alone but dont start on the freeway. Try a less traveled road at a less traveled time of day.
It is so hard to get this concept , but it alone will be the most effective weapon you will ever have against panic. YOU CAINT FIGHT PANIC BY FIGHTING IT . I just say to myself now , you know what you may scare me ,but im more scared of not doing whatI need to do. So here i am come on. You have to fight panic by accepting it. It sounds hard but it does get easier, you have to practice .
