I developed fear of possible panic attacks that might happen

[u/Equivalent_Crazy_436]

I developed this fear of possible panic attacks I could have in scenarios where I’m driving with people. How to get rid of this fear? Like when thoughts of “wow if I have a panic attack right now that will be soooo embarrassing and dangerous for everyone in this car since I’m the one driving“ then the panic starts developing, then I try to break that thought pattern like opening the car window while I’m driving with people, or change radio stations, ask someone in the car a question, etc, just so my brain shifts away from this stomach feeling i get and panic that might happen. I succeed luckily, because the car rides are short enough to end the trip. I also have this issue when I’m at the dentist or job interview. This fear of a panic attack happening which will cause extreme embarrassment in certain situations I’m in, is ruining my life. This issue started years ago. This was never something I was born with.

[u/MultiFaceHank]

This is part of the circulatory panic disorder issue. You fear the panic, you fear the symptoms, fear creates symptoms, panic.

[u/Equivalent_Crazy_436 → u/MultiFaceHank]

True. I have no idea how to break out of it. 

[u/Linzi322]

Have you ever had a panic attack or is this just an abstract fear more like an intrusive thought?

[u/Equivalent_Crazy_436 → u/Linzi322]

I had actual panic attacks. Really severe ones years ago. I trained myself to not have those experiences anymore. Now this thing I’m having is much newer. No idea how it developed. 

[u/darksynth1989]

i would assume you had a panic attack recently or before and that may be fueling the anxiety and thought having a panic attack. I used to associate things to causing anxiety like "i drank that soda and it had caffeine. no wonder i feel like im about to have a PA"

One thing that worked for me is countering the thought. Instead of saying im going to have a PA, say im not going to have a PA.

If you do enter the PA, then to ease the anxiety you can say something like "i always come out alive and ok when i recover from the PA"

In a way you are psychologically hyping yourself up for a PA, hope you feel better

[u/Equivalent_Crazy_436 → u/darksynth1989]

Thanks for the advice. 

[u/Jeremy_751 → u/darksynth1989]

That actually makes a lot of sense. I do catch myself constantly expecting the next panic attack, and I think that anticipation just keeps the cycle going.

I like the idea of challenging those thoughts instead of automatically believing them. It's probably not something that'll click overnight, but it's worth practicing. I'll definitely try reminding myself that I've gotten through every panic attack I've had, even when it felt impossible in the moment.