Driving and being alone are my two worst things with my anxiety. My father asked me to follow him down to the garage to get his car inspected. I thought to myself, as long as I can follow him down, he drops off his car, then take him home, I should be OK. He lives less than 1 minute from me, so I drove there to find him not there. I called his cell and he was at the garage waiting for me!!! Our signals crossed with plans. I told myself to suck it up and just drive there. I drove as fast as traffic would let me and called a friend to distract myself. The panic and anxiety came on full force. I kept feeling like I was blacking out. (I did years ago driving, so thats why this is hard) I was shaking, couldn't breath and all kinds of ugly stuff. When I got there and saw him, I calmed down. He didn't even know. I came home and shared with my boyfriend, but he didn't understand why and kind of quietly walked away. I tried using my self talk skills, but my mind was spinning and not working properly. I think this threw me back 10 steps instead of forward.

Oh do I know this feeling! Just keep driving.......remember we do this to ourselves. I know I too feel alone in my anxiety. Remember, nobody will take care of you like you will. Good for you for driving to get your dad. That is acomplishment, not disaster. Keep driving

ohh mannn i kno how u feel...i feel the same maybe we should call eachother on the phone next time lol

Look at how far you have come from a few years ago. You don't black out anymore, you were flexable enough to go with the change in plans and you kept yourself together to complete the task. I am working on driving issues myself and fully understand where you are coming from.

All I can say is thank goodness for cell phones. I'll I need now is a GPS navigational system. Oh and a girlfriend that understands.

Thanks everyone for the great responses and support. I guess Im not alone with this.
Teeny, your comment was great....lol
Dan d Man....I need one of those GPS systems also...lol.. let me know if they go on sale.....

Thanks all.

it's amazing how much we all can relate to this issue. What you discribed is exactly what i experience to. it's like your in my head. lol

by the way dan- love the cat picture!!

Carol,
We seem to be a lot alike. Ive noticed you on other boards I have posted on.....Maybe u are my long lost sister.....LOL Stay in touch.

hello, yep!! i am the same driving and being alone are my worst fears!! but dont worry if u feel like u are having a panic attack or about to! just breath count cars!! really distact yourself from that feeling i know trust me i know its harrddddd!! i been there i still get nervious when i drive but not that bad i been with the program for 1 week i love it little by little i know that u and all that are doing the program will get better!! and being alone i will recomend you to listen to your relaxation cd or watch a funny movie i know sometimes its impossible to even think of funny things but try!! you will only get better, i feel too that sometimes i am going back 20 steps backwards but not worry you will feel the going forward steps soon!! godbless you!!

I had a terribly difficult time with driving until I found both Lucinda's program and the Driving Fear Program, i think they're both excellent programs and they were instrumental in helping me get over my fears. I've been panic free for over 5 years now.