Legit panic attack

[rikki]

I'm driving by myself from Chicago to Boston. I'm somewhere in the middle of PA now. It's pouring rain but only 20 degrees, so the roads are frozen and slushy. A truck just tried to pass me, started sliding, and spun out of control inches from hitting me until he hit a sign. I had to drive 15 miles to an exit. I'm sitting in a MCDonalds bawling. I can't stop shaking. I'm so scared. I feel like if I get back on the car, I'll die. I've always thought I'll die in a car crash.

Last night I had to cross a bridge that was down to one lane with concrete walls on both sides. I started hyperventilating and slowed down to 5 MPH. I couldn't breathe. People were honking. I thought I was going to hit the wall and again die.

Every bridge I cross I can't breathe. Every bridge has signs they ice over first. I can't do anything but panic.

How do I get back in the car and drive? People are looking at me.

[lurknomore]

Hugs rikki. Can you just find a hotel room and wait out the day? Weather is supposed to be much better tomorrow. Are you in a rush? Central pa...you're what? 6-8 hours away? If you have to be home today I would go find a mcdonalds play land, let e play for an hour, have a cup of coffee and wait out the morning drive. Stay safe.

[betsyray]

I'm sorry ((hugs))

Can you call your H and talk about this before you get back in the car? Sometimes that helps me calm down. Are you on a tight schedule? Any chance you can wait out the rain? If you have to get back on the road, stop as often as you need to relax, walk around, get something to eat.

[brooklyn]

I'm so sorry you're having a tough time. That sounds really scary and stressful. Big hugs to you! Take as much time there as you need to breathe and relax and I'm sending you vibes for a safe, uneventful rest of your journey <3

[sh10]

I'm so sorry, that sounds stressful. Can you put some calming music on, and repeat positive mantras to yourself? Or take a break from driving until the weather lets up?

I'm not sure where you are, in guess further west in PA by looking at the radar, but if you get further east and need a place to take a break or spend the night you are welcome to stay here.

I hope others with more experience in driving anxiety can chime in. Hugs rikki.

[natablue]

I am so sorry. Where in PA are you? Conditions should improve as you get further east.

I have major winter weather driving anxiety, so I feel for you. Take your time. If people want to be assholes and honk, let them.

[rikki]

Thanks the only thing I can find on the map for miles is this McDonalds, so I'm going to sit here as long as I need, at least until it warms up and stops raining. I am already feeling a bit better (still crying, think employed think I'm on drugs, dropped my credit card twice) but worried it will return if I try to drive too soon

My husband's phone is off, which is adding to stress. Thankfully he has E. We are supposed to go to a party tonight, but if I don't make it, I don't care.

I checked out of my hotel in eastern PA at 7 and it was do bright and sunny. I had no clue this was coming.

[rikki]

I meant from Boston to Chicago. I'm going west. I'm 20 miles from Ohio.

[hermione]

Get a hotel room. Tomorrow is supposed to be so much better!

[Willis Jackson]

I agree with getting a hotel room. I'm in central Ohio and they're telling people to stay off the roads.

[ilikedonuts]

Nov 22, 2014 10:42:07 GMT -5 rikki said:

I meant from Boston to Chicago. I'm going west. I'm 20 miles from Ohio.

I'm on your route in Ohio. Do you need a place to stop for a bit? I'm east off Cleveland.

[osulori]

Are you coming thru Columbus on your way through Ohio? If so you're welcome to come chill here for as long as you need-AJ and I will be home all day.

[rikki]

ilikedonuts and osulori you guys are so sweet. I think I'll stay here for now. I'll let you know when I'm in OH. Hopefully it is better by then! Thanks so much.

[laurenh]

Hugs. I would absolutely get a hotel room or pop in with an MMMer - driving through crappy weather is terrifying

[spanikopita]

Don't hesitate to get a hotel. Really. I've been in this situation & it's OKAY if you can't keep going. Take care of you.

[hbomdiggity]

Ever since having a baby (12 years ago) my sister has panic attacks driving over bridges. My mom or brother would have to drive her over the bridge.

She now sees a therapist that is helping manage. She actually recently drove over a bridge by herself.

[asoctoberfalls]

I live in Ohio too, near Akron, and the roads are 100% fine. You'll want to take it slow, but the plows are out salting, and it's warming up slowly. I agree that if you're too scared, you should get a hotel. It's supposed to be warm (50's) and sunny tomorrow.

Hugs!

[curbsideprophet]

Glad you are okay.

[kangaroo11]

Glad you're safe!