Really Scared and Need Some Advice and Help

Hi, I just joined this group and registered about 20 minutes ago, so you can go to My Profile and read a little bit about me.

I have an upcoming trip that I have to make in August for my job and I am almost terrified at the thoughts of it. I will be riding in a car with 3 other people that I work with and really like. My dilemma is that I am starting to have all of these scary "what if" thoughts like, What happens if I have a panic attack in the car, or how am I going to get out and escape. I will be going to Kansas City, Missouri which is about 6 hours away from where I live and the thought of leaving home and being in a strange city like that just terrifies me, and I am trying to think positive, but sometimes I get caught up in the scary thoughts and the panic thoughts. Any of you, that understand panic, might understand what I am going through and what I am thinking.

I know that if I can survive this trip, then I will have probably accomplished a lot and the confidence might be up too.

My Mom is the only one that I have taken car trips with, and I usually feel comfortable with her, but when we went to Branson, just a week or two ago, I started to feel panicky then, when I was driving on a wide open road up near the Ozarks?

My problem here, might be separation anxiety, as they say in the books, but I am also feeling I guess Agorophobia?

Any advice is appreciated...Thank You.

Several people have been going on trips lately now that it is summer. They may have some helpful tips for you. I read that you should bring a comfort bag from home. Pack some of you favorite things. Books, CD's or tapes of relaxing music, a stuffed animal or pillow, pictures of family, and things like that. Pack this bag ahead of time because anxiety can cause forgetfulness.

Maybe you could talk to one of the co-workers ahead of time to let them know that you have panic disorder and what to do if you should have one. Tell them things to help you. It might lessen your anxiety if someone knows about it.

I hope you have a wonderful trip.

Sandy

Best wishes!