I have been having anxiety with panic for about 2 years now and it has affected my driving somewhat.I can drive to areas close to my house but can't seem to go much further than that.The doctor put me on xanax low dose0.25mg but if I take more than a pinch it makes me sleepy and it doesn't seem to be helping me get over this panic.
It's a feeling that's hard to explain unless you've had this.I live alone and have no one to help me so I am forced to get out and do what I can,like get groceries,post office,etc.Thank God I live close to a shopping center.
My doctor(psychiatry)doesn't have a clue what causes this in people because I asked him and he replied"do we know?" It seems these doctors think a pill will fix everything but I disagree.
I have never had this problem until now and have always been able to go anywhere.This is driving me insane,can anyone help me out?Is there any one who has this problem? What do you do about it? Please don't be funny,this is serious.
Thank you
2007-11-12 06:47:46 · 9 answers · asked by Sewnmemaw60 4 in Social Science ➔ Psychology
Anxiety is tough and the only real solution I've ever heard of is to push through the fear. Xanax, btw, should never be taken over a long period. I've seen people with constant tremors because of it, so be careful with it. As for driving, plan a drive longer that your limit. Plan it for when you DON'T have to be anywhere at a certain time. When you start to panic, feel anxious, pull over in a safe spot, put your head down on the steering wheel, close your eyes, and talk to yourself. Tell yourself it all right, nothing terrible is happening, you're safe, etc. If you have specific fears, like "I'm going to lose control fo the car and crash", just remind yourself that you're parked and safe. Ride through the fear and then drive on. I would say return home after the first panic attack, but the next time, go through two before you go home, and after that, three if necessary. I think this is called "desensitization" and it seems to be effective. Let me know if it helps, okay?
2007-11-12 06:56:11 · answer #1 · answered by Rebeckah 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
1
2016-09-15 19:17:12 · answer #2 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi there, I just laugh about my past 3 years of panic now. I was not able to go anywhere without carrying xanax. Fear of having another attack was the most important subject of my days.When i first found joe barry's web site i started to cry because of my happiness.
Free audio to end anxiety and panic attacks fast?
2016-05-17 13:10:10 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Okay. What I hear is that you've been dealing with a type of phobia called "agoraphobia." Panic disorder with agoraphobia is common. It's can be treated with more than just Xanax. So, if you don't like pills, (and I understand), then perhaps find a relatively "sane" (((smile))) group of people that belong to a support group. There must be at least one online that deals with the feelings of agoraphobia.
As for your doctor's "do we know" remark, I'd have asked him to explain what he meant.
Anyway, GOD BLESS YOU.
And I hope you can find a friend, who can perhaps take baby steps with you, as you attempt to overcome this fear.
2007-11-12 07:00:38 · answer #4 · answered by C Sunshine 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That sounds like a tough situation. It sounds like it may be good to speak with a therapist who specializes in anxiety disorders. Nowadays, many psychiatrist stricly diagnose and prescribe medication based on the diagnosis. It sounds like that may be what's happening with you. Many people do function well with therapy in conjunction with medication, and that may be an option to look into.
Additionally, if Xanax makes you tired, there may be an alternative medication that will help with the anxiety and still allow you to function. If your psychiatrist is not able to work with you on finding alternative medications, you may want to consider changing psychiatrists.
2007-11-12 07:07:38 · answer #5 · answered by judithsr 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i would start learning some breathing exercises!
and try to soul search to find out why your getting this!
and i'm with you a doctor will give you a pill
You will research yourself to find out way!
so start asking yourself questions
why am i afriad try to go somewhere and pull over and ask why
2007-11-12 07:31:45 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go to this website..www.panicsurvivor.com It's a good one and should give you all your answers. You have a serious illness. It just happens to be mental rather than physical but just as serious if not more so..Good luck
2007-11-12 06:54:49 · answer #7 · answered by Irish 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It's a fear I had as well. The program at:
http://www.DrivingFear.com
helped me overcome it completely. It was awesome.
2007-11-16 01:22:40 · answer #8 · answered by R S 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are not alone... I hope you get some informative answers on this... I just wanted to tell you that.
2007-11-12 06:59:48 · answer #9 · answered by i know right?! 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋