Hi I'm new

Hi everyone.

I seem to be going through a bit of trouble just now.

It sounds stupid, however as everyone on here is in the same boat, its going to be easy to share my experiences and ask for advice.

For some strange reason I am taking panic attacks when driving. It only seems to be when I am faced with a traffic jam or having to stop the car for a period of time (eg red light, busy junction)

I start feeling like I cant breathe, and I get dizzy, feel sick and think that I am about to pass out.

I also seem to be able to put myself into a panic, like even in the house before a journey, I start visualizing the panic coming on. I imagine myself in traffic and I panic.

Is there a good method of getting out of this rutt, without medication?

I get that too. I think, for me, it the feeling of being trapped. I always seem to do better as long as I am able to escape if I need to. So being stuck in traffic, or a long line at the store, an elevator I feel helpless. I always just STOP, take a deep breath, remind myself I AM NOT IN ANY DANGER, I am strong, God is with me, and I'm going to be fine. Panic attacks have ALOT to do with control. We freak out because we don't feel like we are in control of ourselves, our lives anymore. Just remember you are. Take long deep breaths, talk to youself, recognize what you are having, say it outloud. I'm having a panic attack. I've had them before, but I am always ok when it's over. Get angry. Panic attacks are a pain in the ass. They take up so much of our valuable time. Who has time for that. I know I don't. I've found that when I get pissed because I don't have time to have an attack it isn't near as severe or near as long as they are when I let them control me. I hope this will help you. If you would like to talk again let me know. Hope you are well.