I suffer from panic attack while I drive I have to drive my daughter to school?

Question

I had my first panic attack while driving back in June I thought I was dying! Now the school year has started again and I have to drive. When I get my panic attacks I can't swallow, I get chest pains and feel faint and my eyes try to close. I contacted my doctor today for her to see me from this panic attack and she BLEW UP ON ME ABOUT canceling and appt. 2 weeks, on a yeast infection. I told her this is something different and I want to been seen today, she said you know stop driving, IN SUCH A RUDE WAY! She also said you keep calling and calling here and I've seen you so many times. I don't know what to do, any advice?

Answer 1

Go see a psychiatrist who can prescribe you some medication. And don't expect to be seen today...that was unrealistic to request that of your current doctor. Also, some cognitive behavioral therapy might help as well. Generally the best way to treat panic attacks is a combination of therapy and medication.

The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook as an excellent resource as well. It can be purchased on amazon.com

Answer 2

Sweetheart. Find a different doctor.... Her reaction was very uncalled for. After all, she works for YOU!
I understand why you probably canceled an appt.... because of your panic attacks. If she doesn't understand that you have panic attacks then write her a letter and tell her I have these panic attacks that prevent me from driving most of the time. And that is why I cancel appointmnets. Because of your behavior toward me I'm getting a different doctor.

Have a friend or family member drive you to the doctor's office so you can be treated.

Medication can help you not have these attacks.

Answer 3

Panic attacks are a scary thing, especially in a moving vehicle. I've not had one while driving, but I have had one as a passenger. You have other options. If you are not on medication or your meds aren't working, talk to your doctor. If you know exactly what triggers the panic attacks, it's easier to find a remedy. (For instance, my mom used to pinch her thigh as hard as she could if she was driving.) Try to be as safe as possible - a panic attack while driving could cause a major accident. Check out the school bus system, or see if anyone in the neighborhood carpools, if you don't have a relative or friend available to drive your daughter. If none of these things are an option, you may be able to find a cheap car at carmax, or a used car lot. (I found my Accent for 10,000, barely used.) I don't know if you are claustrophobic, but a cheaper car usually equals a smaller car. Good luck to you!

Answer 4

You need to see a Dr. specializing in anxiety disorders, the average GP will not be much help. If you can't afford it, make another appointment and get a referal.
Getting panic attacks when driving can be dangerous, as you are distracted and your reaction time is lowered, increasing the chances that you could be in an accident.
Lots of people get panic attacks, for some, medication helps, and for others, cognitive behavioural therapy. I would really recommend for your safety and your daughter's that you keep emphasizing this issue to your GP, bug her until she gives you a referal. I would also recommend if possible, getting another doctor! Seems like she gives crappy advice!

Answer 5

This is the best way to get over panic attacks.

1. Realize that you aren't dying, it's mental not physical
2. After you've realized that, think about how it's more important to make sure that your daughter gets from pt. a to pt. b safe and sound before you have another episode, mind over manner
3. Learn how to identify symptoms, don't be afraid, anxiety attacks are quite normal.
4. After you've mastered the mind over manner, sit back and write down what could be causing these attacks, have you just had a stressfull situation, parent dying, divorce, etc...you may need to start talking to a therapist
5. Don't resort to anti-anxiety drugs, if you can't work this out yourself, contact a therapist who specializes in behaivoral/cognitive therapy

And yes, your doc is a witch, so switch.

Good luck!

Answer 6

First of all change docs. She has the charisma and bedside manner of a toadstool! I had suffered from anxiety/depression forever. I was in my forties before I even had the balls to seek help. Well, that decrepit ole geez had the charm of a zit and a bedside manner to match. He made me feel small and like I was wasting his time. Soooo, months, yes, months later, I got the nerve to try another doc. WhaLa! I now take Paxil and feel wonderful. Driving was the worse thing for me. Then banks, shopping, anything that had to do with being away from home. Each panic attack had me avoiding places and my world started shrinking. I avoided most left hand turn lanes for years because of a panic attack! When your'e feelin' that sensation when your'e drivin' ,do this: Take in a deep breath, hold it to slow count of four, then release sloooowly. Do it for a minute. You've siked yourself into having those attacks and subconsciously you're just suckin' in too much oxygen. I used to feel like I was suffocating and was going to "whig out!'. Now, I can do those left hand turns and get to my destination in half the time! Try it and...change docs. She's obviously just a bit*h!

Answer 7

I am single mum. I have been suffering for panic attacks for some 15 years now, though it was not until recently I understood what they were. They were progressively getting stronger and more frequent, stopping me from some days even leaving my house. I read this book and it all made perfect sense.

I am not saying I was not terrified of putting theory to action, I was more scared of that than the next attack! But I decided to view it as a game, one I had control of and could therefore not lose!

Answer 8

If it was me, personally, I'd find a different doctor. They are there to help you, not scold you about a canceled appointment, and telling you to stop driving certainly isn't a good answer as to stopping the panic attacks. She also doesn't have a right to complain about how many times she's seen you. She's a doctor, its her job to find out what is wrong.

Answer 9

First off, get a new doctor, a good doctor will see you no matter what and will not get all pissed when you cancell an appointment. Try taking valerien root, this has helped so many people I know with panic attacks

Answer 10

first of all...u need a nicer docter. 1 thats nice enough to listen to what u have to say anyway. Also. Stop driving for a while and just relax. Get a car pool for ur daughter or get her to ride a bus. Also...u didnt say what exactly gives u the panic attacks....