Coping skills to prepare for my biggest panic trigger

[carrie1964]

I have GAD and panic attacks , I began having them a few years ago. The thing I always worry about the most is my 4 college age children having car accidents. They have had a few between them!  I have lost four close family members over the years to car crashes. And that doesn`t help.I am no longer able to drive, first because of nerve damage in my eye, and now because of my anxiety.

Anyway, this weekend we (all 8 of us) are going to the Smoky Mountains, and we are staying way up in one of the chalets.Two of the kids are driving. I didn`t like driving on these roads before I had anxiety issues, and now I am downright terrified. And the thought of my whole family being on those narrow,winding roads with no guard rails has me freaked out. My husband knows I hate going up there, but he loves it, so I`m trying to appease him.I have been obsessing over this for two weeks, and I just don`t know if I can go. I have three days to decide. But I will be letting down my whole family if I don`t.

I have Xanax, but even with that , I don`t know if I can do it.

[sixpack]

Oh carrie,  I don't like them thar windy roads either.    

But do you think you'll enjoy the actual chalet and spending time with the family and the beautiful views once you get there?  If so, then I think the windy roads would be worth it. 

Can you bring some puzzle books to work in the car?  I know you have vision issues, but if you could do that maybe that will help keep your mind off of the roads a bit.  Perhaps a nice music selection?  With our kids we have the traveling TV.  We bring DVDs to pass the time for them and to keep Mom and Dad sane.

[carrie1964]

Oh carrie,  I don't like them thar windy roads either.    

But do you think you'll enjoy the actual chalet and spending time with the family and the beautiful views once you get there?  If so, then I think the windy roads would be worth it. 

Can you bring some puzzle books to work in the car?  I know you have vision issues, but if you could do that maybe that will help keep your mind off of the roads a bit.  Perhaps a nice music selection?  With our kids we have the traveling TV.  We bring DVDs to pass the time for them and to keep Mom and Dad sane.

Thanks for the reply Six! My vision is good enough to read and do lots of things! I just don`t have any peripheal vision in my left eye.So that makes driving dangerous!
It certainly would be fun once we get up there. I guess I could avoid the side trips going up and down the hill and just relax in the house, then I only have to worry about getting back down one time! I just hate this, I WANT to be excited, but instead I`m sitting here trying to think of ways to get out of it.....
I guess I can try taking my Ipod, and my needlepoint and Xanax. And if all else fails, I can simply hide my eyes! I know if I take the full dose of Xanax, I won`t have a panic attack, but I will be sleepy for the rest of the day.But thats not the end of the world.
I really want to try CBT for my driving issues and my claustrophobia , but as of yet, have not found a good therapist here.

[Mellybelly]

I hate travelling...regardless of the road. I know how you feel. Figuring out what you can do before hand read, talk ipod etc. and perhaps taking a full dose before you go is a good idea.
As for thinking about it for the next 3 days instead of hooking into the spiral of the anxiety about the drive up there, stop yourself and try and think about how much fun you will have up there. What you might do, how much fun it will be to be all together etc. that might help calm you. and remind yourself that the anticipation of an event is always far far worse then the actual event itself.
and remember we will be here cheering you on, supporting you regardless what happens.

[carrie1964]

Thanks Melly!!
 

[carrie1964]

Well, I couldn`t do it.
I had a full blown panic attack last night and another while I was getting ready this morning.
I did take my meds, but it wasn`t working.
So my family is on their way to a nice weekend vacation without me and I am home crying my eyes out. I HATE this damn anxiety!!
To make matters worse, my kids understand, but my husband doesn`t. He wouldn`t even talk to me. And left without saying goodbye.

[sixpack]

oh carrie I'm sorry.................