Community Chat

[celeste27]

I used to have what seemed like panic attacks or the beginnings of panic attacks when I drove on freeways or over bridges,etc. Then I started saying really loud and enthusiastically " I LOVE DRIVING! THIS IS SO MUCH FUN!!",etc. over and over again. It worked for me after a time and I almost never have that panic now. Once in a while it shows up again and I just start the big, enthusiastic loud talk and it goes away. It's like I believe I'm someone who LOVES driving in all conditions.

[Linders Back]

How do you plan to get to Maine? The main bridge over the Piscataqua River on I-95 is as high (135 ft above water level) as either bridge going to Cape Cod. A bit shorter though (1372 ft as opposed to 1,400 and 2,384 for the 2 Cape bridges..1st photo is the Picataqua BRIdge, second is the Sagamore to the Cape. Both are arched suspension bridges.

There is another, smaller, older bridge (A vertical lift bridge so you are much lower but might get stopped if a ship is coming through) on the RT 1 By-pass that you can pick up at the Portsmouth rotary just before you get to the bigger one. Then you can just get back on i-95 at Kittery.

[faeriemoon]

I have a summer home on the Cape. In the summer there are often back-ups on the bridges because of all the traffic. This can make for a very slow trip over the bridges. I would recommend not traversing them at peak traffic times if you are fearful.

[kittymomNC]

sue98, I don't know about the bridges to Cape Cod, but I can tell you I sympathize so much with how you feel. And you're right, if one has never had a panic attack, it's almost impossible to describe how it feels. I had a few years when I suffered from them, went to Anxiety and Panic Disorder Support Groups, etc., took medication. I don't have them full force any more, but sometimes I do feel like one is trying its best to get me!

As for the bridges, just so you'll know I really do understand, I got stuck on the Eastern Shore side of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge years ago and could not drive my car back across (we had taken two cars to Ocean City MD). That was when they only had the Bridge Authority that could sometimes drive you across, and they said they couldn't at the particular time we needed it. My BIL had a business on the Eastern Shore, so I wound up taking my car all the way back almost to the bridge and leaving it there so he could drive it back across for me. I've been over the bridge since then as a passenger at night, so it wasn't quite so bad, but I know I could not drive over it myself again. (Used to do it all the time when I was in my late teens and twenties!)

One other poster suggested driving over the bridges virtually. I actually did that with the Chesapeake Bay Bridge recently out of curiosity - it's almost like you're really on the bridge, but you're looking at your computer screen. If you have the opportunity to do that, it might help you, because you could find out that it might not be as scary as you anticipate. I wish you the best, both with your vacation and with your panic disorder. It's very difficult....

[CouponQueen]

I think since the trip hasn't even started yet..and your anxiety is already kicking in ..I would seriously consider another place. You haven't even left yet and its on your mind ..worried...it is only going to worsen as time gets closer..head in opposite direction...all dry land.

[Krimpette]

Funny story about the Chesapeake Bay Bridge many years ago. Just around the time that my phobia was in its early stages, I went to Cape May, NJ with a friend and her mother. Made it over the bridge somewhat Ok, though white-knuckled. On the return trip, I became very fearful. (As an aside, my friend is normally a real chatterbox, most times.) Fearing that I wouldn't be able to continue (we were already on the bridge), I begged my friend to start talking quickly about anything (to distract me). She suddenly went blank and couldn't think of a thing to say!!!!! Fortunately, her mother (in the back seat) picked up on the issue and immediately started chatting away. Whew!!! We laugh about it to this day, but it was most uncomfortable as it was happening. I believe that's the last time I drove that bridge. That one is surely one of the worst. At least to me.

It is somewhat comforting to know others have similar phobias.

[Sue98]

Thanks again, everyone!

[Shorty2U]

I haven't been there for a long time so I don't remember. But about panic attacks, I used to get them bad while traveling and in tight spots (elevators/MRI machines). They stemmed from something that happened to me when I was younger and from losing my Mom so young.

I have cured them for the most part through therapy. My advice is to get therapy to help you.

Also what I want to say is please don't let panic attacks stop you. Look up ways to divert your attention in the car. I now can no longer travel "on long trips" due to chronic back pain and I cant walk far. I wish I could travel. So don't let your life pass you by.

I wish you a calm and fun trip. Best of luck.

[feline groovy]

I can give you a little tip, as I also deal with those wacky anxiety attacks: always drive in the middle lane over a bridge.

Or, if there isn't any on your side, drive in the left one.

It does help, as there's less risk of going over if someone accidentally swerves when sneezing or whatever.

Hope you both enjoy the trip. 8)

[Sue98]

I am hoping to make reservations today. I have to decide if I can do it or not. Thanks again to all of you for your helpful thoughts and to all of you who also suffer from anxiety and panic attacks.