Missing Therapy Again..,

[Cavegirl]

I switched to a new therapist, this would have been our 3rd visit. I live a bit over an hour away. (Due to $, insurance etc I drive to a Native Clinic is why it's far) well I get extremely anxious driving sometimes. Today it's particularly bad. I had to stop less than halfway there and cancel. Now I'm 30 mins from home and feel trapped. I tried getting some office supplies (it helps me to shop for school stuff) and I really wanted a donut. I'm a binge eater. Well I can't binge anymore due to a surgery, but I could have eaten a donut. But... I'm trying to lose weight.

I don't know what to do. How am I going to get better if I can't get to therapy?

I need to start carrying a pillow and blanket in my car. When I get this anxious my body shuts down and I need sleep.

 

[brokenarrow]

Is having someone else drive you an option? Or public transportation?

 

[Deleted member 12723]

I also had very extremely bad high anxiety about having to drive when I first joined up here. I do believe that continued exposures have lessened my anxiety which is nothing now compared to how it used to be. Having walked in your shoes so to speak, I would next time, notice how I was feeling before trying to drive and better to be safe at home until you feel better because I have learned that sometimes it is better if I wait a day and then try again when I feel less anxiety. I am sorry that you are stuck halfway because I remember how bad it was for me. I would literally be shaking and sweating so bad by the time I made it to therapy. I had to find a therapist closer to me, I think you have to think of better solutions for yourself and I think your idea for now is good to have emergency supplies for the next time this happens.

I feel for you, I really do. An hour is still hard on me, even a half hour is hard on me yet I do better on a half hour. The need to accept this is where you are right now and to plan ahead is very wise.

I wish you the best in getting home safe soon.:hug:

 

[rosey]

I switched to a new therapist, this would have been our 3rd visit. I live a bit over an hour away. (Du...

Could you do it via phone maybe or an internet chat?

 

[Ann Barry]

YES, I agree. IF a phone appointments are possible, that would be so much better for you. I have driving anxiety/panic attacks too, so I "get" you.
I hope you are home now & getting restorative sleep. Maybe somebody can tell us both/all HOW they improved with the driving. THANX

GIZMO DID say "exposure" helped some. And to check for level of anxiety first B4 driving. Does anybody ever get completely healed?

 

[Cavegirl]

I had a blanket in my trunk so I hid under it in my car and slept. Then I got an ice cream cone and ate it really slowly on the drive home.

Those are all good suggestions, thank you. I can't do phone or internet unfortunately.

Next week my mom might be able to take me, but I can't go by public transit between the two cities. I'll see how it goes.

Thanks again.