For context, I had my first panic attack in 2020 and they kept occurring in public areas. I was diagnosed with a panic disorder and agoraphobia and went on medication. I began exposure therapy and my anxiety went away almost completely. I could enter stores and not feel the urge to vomit. Then, I stopped taking my meds at the beginning of 2022. It wasn’t on purpose at first but then I realized I was completely fine without them so I stopped. Then in April on 2022, I had another panic attack driving to the airport with friends for spring break. Ever since then, I have driven with people and have felt super anxious. (My medication prevents panic attacks but it doesn’t help with the anxiety, I am going to talk to my doctor about getting on another set of medication that will help with anxiety in general). Now I typically drive alone or I’ll be the one to drive because I am in control. Even when I drive with other people I still get anxious but not as much as when I’m not the one driving. I need help. This is ruining my life all over again and exposure therapy has not been helping this time. I had my boyfriend drive me an hour, which I thought would help me realize I’ll be okay, but it didn’t. It’s the same thing over and over again and I don’t know what to do. So if anyone has any tips or anything, please let me know. I feel so alone in this and everyone judges and hates that I will always take a separate car wherever I am going. It’s led me to not do certain things such as going up north with my boyfriend because I can’t be in the car with him for 4 hours. I’ll feel trapped.
Sorry for the rant I just need help. Also, I don’t do therapy but I may start if that could help.