Well, yesterday, I did something, that I have not done in over a year. I drove by myself to the local dollar store about 10 blocks away. I was a little nervous going to it, but as I was walking back to my truck to come back, the panicky feelings started hitting me strong, and I felt like I was crumbling, and wanted to cry and hurry and get back home. But I tried to remain calm. It felt like my mind was rushing, and I was going to lose control. I am at the end of session 2 and im about to start session 3, but I feel like after hard work, i have done on this program, is wasted, because i felt extremely panicky at that time....so please give me your input.

First of all, congratulations for driving on your own! You say you haven't done it in over a year and yet you did it yesterday. That's a big step, no? I know how you are feeling cause I am in week 3 and am currently suffering anxiety symptoms (bad on Tues, better today and yesterday). I know in my head that I am going to feel better and I keep trying to comfort myself with the positive talk. It's frustrating cause that worked for me last night, I actually felt really proud of myself because I felt like it was passing and I was happy to realize that no matter what, I will never have an anxiety attack like the first one (the one that is burned in my memory and still scares me to think about) because I know what is going on in my body and how to stop it. That being said, I woke up feeling fine today and have been having ups and downs all day. Even though I can think about this logically, I still feel like I want to cry!! I start to get thoughts about this never going away and I know that is wrong, it will go away. I guess all I can say is that it took us years to build up this behavior, and we can't be suprised if it doesn't completely work after 2 or 3 weeks. Heck, my first anxiety attack lasted that long! I don't know if any of this is helping you, but it helps me to see others on this site that are at about the same place we are in the program and they are not 100% yet. Hang in there!

J dub...Don't feel like that....You did great....That's my biggest anxiety producer to...I'm all the way on the east coast and I can feel your pain....The thing is, is that you did it....It's going to get easier and easier....Yesterday, I drove for the first time in a long time, w/o being afraid. This morning was a different story, but I still have yesterday....And I KNOW, if I can do it...You can as well!!!! Keep driving....10 blocks is a pretty long way!!!!!

This is my hardest thing to do also and all i have to say is "BRAVO!!!!" That is a true accomplishment and you should be extremely proud. I'm proud of you and I dont even know you....Keep it up!

Hi Joseph,

I wish it were me who had driven 10 blocks, hey,5,or 4. And remember, you're still alive. You've taken that first step that a lot of us have to take. I haven't driven alone, more than 1 block, in over 20 years. I am encouraged by you because I know I will have to do that one day. I would suggest that you don't let too much time pass before you do it again. GREAT JOB!

Joseph...congratulations on your driving!! Just a reminder that you should get right back on the horse (or in the car)!! Scary as it was, it didn't hurt you and you made it back safely. Next time, and it should be soon, remember your self talk and be reassuring and comforting to yourself. No Oh My God here it comes again and I'm so far from home talk. Remember you are the safe place and the safe person. You scare or comfort yourself. Remember your breathing. Remember to acknowledge and accept and float and distract. Whatever you do, don't run or get in the car and drive back fast as you can, it only encourages the panic. Sit there, let it come, let it pass and do what the book and tapes say. It will pass and you will feel so much more enpowered that you sat and talked to yourself and calmed yourself down. We don't have to be afraid, and as hard as it is to wrap your head around it, we scare ourselves with thoughts and self talk. I know you can do it Joseph. Try again. Don't let the panic scare you....it can't hurt you. Take your cards with you and follow the direction on them...I think it's week two. I had the same problem and I just kept doing it a little at a time until I was comfortable with it....now, I could drive anywhere alone. There is such a freedom in that. When the panic does come to me, and it still does sometimes, I just follow the directions from the cards, book, and tapes. It passes. You can't be afraid of it. An old cliche' but so much truth in it....face the fear and the fear will disappear. It's like the shadow of a small dog...it looks big but when you turn to face it, it is just a small dog. Good luck on your next adventure out!!!! I know you can do it!

Congrats on driving my advice keep with the program you will enjoy the freedom driving gives you soon.

I'm on session 4 now I don't fear driving I just hate traffic YUK!

Good luck your doing well!

Joseph,

I want to congratulate you too! I only went a few weeks being unable to drive and getting back in that car was terrifying for me! I can't imagine what courage it took you to do it after a year! Sessions 3 and 4 are great and they have helped me tremendously. Keep going! You are going to get so much better and you'll be able to look back at this and realize what an accomplishment this day was! Good luck and remember your positive self talk!

Remember all-having a panic attack is NOT a failure. It's just the result of some stinkin' thinkin' The key is to use that Opportunity to learn and grow. The goal is to Manage the thoughts and feelings...

go to the $ Store Every day until you get Bored, Carolyn

Congrats... You did it!!!
Carolyn is correct. Panicy, anxious feelings (be it physical or mental) is not a failure. You challenged yourself and you did it!! Driving is also a big one for me, its my only real hurdle still. Some days are better than others. Repition is a key too. As Carolyn mentioned keep doing it over and over until your bored with it then progress a bit further.
I am with you buddy, its not easy. One day we will all get into that car and not think twice about the trip, or the traffic, or anxiety...
Peace;
Jeff