I’d say around 2018 or so I started getting panic attacks when driving. My heart rate goes up, I feel like I can’t breathe, it’s hard to swallow, I get derealization and lightheaded. Its worst on highways, or when I’m stuck at a light. It’s gotten significantly worse during COVID. I think because I haven’t been leaving the house. 

I realized that if it gets worse when I don’t drive, maybe it will get better if I do? But I tried today and ended up having to slap myself in the car because I freaked out and then I pulled over as soon as I could and the drove home. I only made it like a mile away. 

When having a panic attack with symptoms like this, what are some tips to reduce the physical symptoms and keep driving? I need to stay in the car and push through or I’m going to make the negative associations to driving worse, I feel. 

Helppppp. I just want to feel normal again.