Wonder if anyone can advise something to help with anxierty whilst driving . we changed car 3 years ago to a bigger one which I hated driving and gradually I
did less and less. Now have a smaller micra but find on certain routes ( not motor ways) still feel terribly anxious and if I know I have to go round certain
rounabouts can't sleep properly the night before ! Has triggered the IBS again . Have tried Bachs rescue remedy but doesn't seem to work - any
suggestions gratefully received as don't want to go the the Doctor. It's just a case of breaking the habit of fear Thanks .
0 Kudo
Anxiety -panic attacks
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 gill70 |
Anxiety -panic attacks |
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Posts: 156 (03/07/2008 17:44:08) |
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katrina |
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Posts: 13071 (03/07/2008 17:48:24) Moderator |
have you tried herbal remedys and what about searching the web i bet there are many snippets of advice to wade through
katrina x |
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Recioy |
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Posts: 2743 (03/07/2008 17:56:17) |
If you need to drive, then you have to be careful what you take. I used to suffer from panic attacks but learned to control them myself I still get them
sometimes if I am over anxious but I found it is mainly a mind over matter thing, - in my case anyway. If you know they are coming try breathing exercises they
really work. Sorry can't be of more help and hope you can alleviate your discomfort in some way.
Adele x |
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blue rinse |
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Posts: 20 (03/07/2008 18:06:47) |
when my middle boy passed away i had them for a month ,
i got some quiet life from herb shop they realy did help and dont make you like a zombi and are none habit forming hope this helps love i know how you feel |
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craftymims |
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Posts: 1764 (03/07/2008 20:49:19) |
I had panic attacks when driving and found that my favourite sing a long music helped tremendously. As it is mainly about controlling breathing singing is a
very good way to do it. I also resort to Origins Sensory Therapy 'Peace of Mind' from QVC but haven't seen it on there for ages. But each person is
different and what works for one doesn't necessarily work for others. The best advice I ever had about it was to drop my shoulders ahen I started to feel
panicky. Works quite well. Relaxation tapes also help. I've tried lots, Rio Light mask, accupuncture. In the end I just know I can beat it and forge ahead
and whatever I use will work because I believe it will. Good luck Gill it's a nasty feeling but not unbeatable.
Hugs Marion W |
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Matilda |
Hi Jill | ||
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Posts: 486 (03/07/2008 20:56:00) |
You could try word games, for instance try to think of four flowers for each letter of the alphabet, or remembering the words to a song or poem. I used to try
to remember all the stations on a railway journey I used to make, in the right order. It takes you mind off things just long enough to get over the attack.
Good luck with it. Sue |
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sapphire |
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Posts: 236 (03/07/2008 22:00:29) |
I sympathise. I have very little confidence as a driver, and like you, can lose sleep if I know I have to drive somewhere thats not local the next day. I have
found Kalms to be a help, but its better if you can get someone else to drive !!( sorry I know thats no help at all) S. xx
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orcadianprincess |
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Posts: 767 (03/07/2008 22:09:10) |
I am so sorry you are feeling so anxious about driving. I had a similar experience when I bumped my car while suffering from depression. First bump in 13 years
of driving & it was only a little one in a car park (50/50 fault) but you would have thought it had been huge for the way it affected my confidence and
driving.
Play your favourite music while driving and practise. I went out in the early evenings/morings because it was quieter and drove the bits I didn't like. Time helped but I don't get as anxious now and once you have had more experience again, in a smaller car, you will get over your anxiety. You just need to give yourself some time. Caroline |
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janetannc |
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Posts: 1578 (03/07/2008 22:14:56) |
I'd suggest hypnotherapy from a qualified hypnotherapist. Haven't had it personally, but know of excellent results for a variety of problems in friends
and a close relative.
I think you should speak to your GP, but if you really can't go this route, it is a good alternative for this type of problem. Janet |
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CarolPG |
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Posts: 5321 (03/07/2008 22:19:19) |
Anxiety attacks are horrible....................
I used to get them many years ago and had no idea why to start with. Won't go into detail but I ended up sitting down and trying to actually work out what the hell I was afraid of in the first place. Once the penny finally dropped, I then thought about exactly why I was afraid......... what I thought would happen, etc. Once I took it right back to basics, I realised that it actually wasn't that bad and in parts was totally irrational. THEN I decided I was damned if it was going to beat me and went right ahead and did it. Can't say it was the most enjoyable time I've ever had but every time after that was easier and no more attacks since. Have had to adopt the same attitude to a relatively recent and no reason for it, fear of heights. Won't let it beat me! Good luck & I hope you find a way to deal with it. Everyone is different of course! Marion's idea is good though - singing at the top of your voice (preferably with the windows closed!!) in the car is a great release valve! C xx |
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frances |
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Posts: 3448 (03/07/2008 22:30:12) |
I can't give specific advice about driving but I'm an expert on panic attacks.
How about having a go at one of those places where you can drive a tank or a car around a course or a car on a skid pad (sorry if I'm bringing you out in a cold sweat at the thought). What about a racing circuit. Perhaps you need to go somewhere you can just let go of your anxieties and enjoy driving for fun without the pressures of everything else that goes while behind the wheel. Would a few lessons with a driving instructor help? I know from years ago when I used to go to the hospital and talking to a CPN that what you are feeling about driving is very common. An understanding and sympathetic instructor may be all you need to build your confidence again. Best of luck Fran.x |
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only me |
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Posts: 611 (03/07/2008 22:36:28) |
As a new driver and 1 who doesn't enjoy driving, learnt out of neccessity, I'd suggest most of the above but book a refresher course of lessons, book a
female instructor and explain to her what the problems are when you are actually on the road,round abouts etc, it could help
Ellen |
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kiltie49 |
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Posts: 417 (03/07/2008 22:46:00) |
What about a relaxation tape? I bought a couple and they really relax you. It doesn't take the problem away but it helps you to relax if there is something
happening that you are dreading doing. A few deep breaths, in through your nose and out through your mouth works wonders. Do this very slowly though. Also push
your shoulders up as hard as you can towards your ears, hold it for a count of ten and then slowly let them down again to a count of ten. This helps your neck
and shoulders to relax. A psychologost told me that one as I used to get very tense when driving and that too is helpful. You can do it while your driving if
you feel your shoulders tensing.
Doreen xx |
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frances |
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Posts: 3448 (03/07/2008 22:49:37) |
Following Doreens post when you get tense you don't realise how much you can clamp your mouth tight. Try to relax your tongue. It may involve a bit of
tongue waggling and mouth acrobatics but who cares it's your car and your can do what you like in it. Also, if your mouth gets dry lightly bite on the
sides of your tongue which should help moisten it.
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pixiehouse |
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Posts: 2709 (03/07/2008 23:01:57) |
When i suffered Anxiety attacks and panic attacks it was when i was going throught a very bad time with my then husband...I struggled to go to work everyday
..i would set my sights on where i was going ie the bus stop and do my breathing exercises as i walked..i basically forced myself to walk to work etc,i would
not give in,,,but you need to sort out the fear to get rid of the Anxiety /panic attacks....mine all stopped when i left my husband...my boss at the time
couldnt believe it,she said i just changed over night from a very unhappy person to a confident fun loving person
I hope you soon solve your problem Hugs Wendy xx |
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frances |
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Posts: 3448 (03/07/2008 23:24:29) |
Actings good too. Pretend to be the most confident driver in the world. No-one knows how you are feeling so put up a good show to the world. You can very
nearly convince yourself, honestly. I do it myself when I'm out. I also look at everyone else and know that although they all seem to be getting on better
than I am, inside a high proportion of them are feeling just as bad as I am if not worse.
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 gizzwizz |
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Posts: 1034 (03/07/2008 23:30:45) Stitchy Witchy |
Don't try to treat yourself, go to your doctor and get him to refer you to a CPN or therapist. It sounds like you need some cognitive tools to deal with
your problem, so go to the professionals
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gill70 |
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Posts: 156 (04/07/2008 09:13:21) |
Thanks all of you for taking the time to reply - lots of suggestions to think about - what a great lot of people you all are .
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