panic attacks while in a car.

[crunchyplanets]

It's the only time I seem to get them anymore *knock on wood *.

I can't understand why. Nothing bad has ever happened to me in a car. Ever.


Is this a common thing?

 

[dognasher]

I get them when I pass by homeless shelters. Never been homeless, so I get it sort of.

Here's my take: much like dreams, I feel like panic attacks can be indicative of the things we fear. So maybe you have a hidden fear of getting in an accident? Did you used to or still get high in a car? I have had financial problems lately and my worst fucking fear is being in a shelter with my kid, which is so far off from happening it's laughable but it's still a huge fear of mine, so sometimes when I pass the one on my way to work and the food line is going strong, I nearly barf.

This may be so off base but might be worth exploring?

EDIT: I realized I sounded like a fucking snob up there. I mean by "laughable" that we have a long way to go before we are forced to be on the streets, given that we have family and stuff. We are lucky, I am by no means above people who struggle with homelessness.

 

[crunchyplanets]

I didn't think you sound snobby. I have a child, too. So i can totally understand the homelessness fear. I mean it's hard on its own, throwing a kid in the mix would be/is so sad. And i mean depressingly sad, not pathetically sad.
I used to get high in cars.
I should clarify this a little more actually. 7 years ago panic attacks hit me HARD, after witnessing somebody die. (Not in a car). I suffered with them day in and out, for months, constantly, anywhere. They started to dissipate over time without meds or counseling, on their own. Then they were just gone, BAM, done. Out of nowhere, not a single one for years. Now, fast forward 7 years, panic attacks again hit me hard. From opiate withdrawal. The worst they ever were. Went to counseling , and they're gone, EXCEPT for the car attacks. They just seem to stick. I am slightly claustrophobic, so i don't know, maybe that's it? It's so strange to me.

I do suffer from GAD and ADHD, so i do worry a lot about a lot of things. It wouldn't be uncommon for me to worry about a car accident. I always do/did on highways. But this is a feeling like i can't breathe and need to get out, it just starts out of the blue. My whole body gets tingly. I wondered if i breathe too much in cars also...maybe im making myself hyperventilate, without realizing it? I have to take a long drive tomorrow on a bus, so im gonna try and watch my breathing to see if i breathe too much.