Scared to drive, because of a previous rollover. Panic attacks.

You're suffering from PTSD. Everybody gets it in one form or another when something traumatic happens to them. We all handle it differently. Therapy would be a good idea, but meds probably won't be an option if you want to stay a driver.

 

Get one of those old "No fear" stickers, will fix you right up.

 

I agree, panic attacks are physical. Triggered by thought. I had them for years. Not severe enough to pass out, though they can be. I learned to ignore them as being outside of myself. Sometimes short term medication can help. I would avoid the short effect medications like Ativan. They work like nitro does for chest pain. Immediately, but short lived. A daily dose that lasts 24 hrs of ???? Medication might help. Talk to a Therapist, and be sure to see a Psychiatrist that can prescribe medications. Beware of the Therapist that wants to talk for hours. They mean well. The medicine is the cure. Use it like a cast for a broken bone. Just in case, till the trigger goes away. It will go away, once you get back into your routine. Might take a year, but won’t be forever. I had them for about a year after a major accident, much to my surprise. It went away without medication. Had it been more severe, I’d seek help. Sooner the better. Anxiety and panic attacks untreated can change your thinking, then you will need hours of talk therapy. Studies prove short term medication and changes in behavior (cognitive therapy) have much better and faster results than talk therapy. Good Luck, it’s only temporary. Totally a physical reaction. You’ll be fine. It’s the most common problem in today’s society, followed by depression. They go together sometimes. Most common symptom of depression is anxiety. Many Depressed folks get misdiagnosed as having an anxiety disorder. Panic disorder is it’s own thing. A good psychiatrist can diagnose it in 5 minutes. That’s the key. Others will waste your time.

 

Take it from someone that has rolled a truck before, off the side of a mountain and realize how lucky i am still to be here.

It is not easy to get back on that horse and keep going. I had the same experience you did, getting back in the rig, full on anxiety. I was able to work thru it mentally by starting off slow , doing some local runs and short days, eventually working my way back up the mountain again to the site of where i rolled it over. I have been up there a good 10 or more times now and i still have alot more nerves than i used to but its getting better with each trip.... The main thing is to take it slow and easy, but i believe its important to work thru the anxiety and nerves so u can build up that confidence in manuervering the truck again.... It is a slow process that is gonna take time . but that is the whole thing. Work at your own pace. When you feel anxiety coming in its important to realize it and counteract it with deep breathing excersises which will help to lower ur blood pressure and anxiety at the time... Dont get too caught up in your own head. Dont overthink what you are doing. But it is important to push thru what you are feeling because you will find that it is the brain playing tricks on you. You have the full ability to run that rig down the road safely as evidenced by your time before this accident. At this point it is nothing but a mental game and its important to take controk of your thoughts rather then the other way around... I hope this advice can atleast give you some direction down the right path. If theres anything I can do to help just let me know.

 

What you did is essentially cbt (cognitive behavioural therapy), its not forever or a magic bullet, but it is the only way to build resiliency and lessen fears that may even be reasonable (anyone sane ought to be terrified of rolling off a mountain)

Start slow and move your way up as you can manage the problems.

The problem many today have with ptsd and panic attacks is they decide they have a diagnosis and they end there "i guess this is my life now" and with that outlook and mentality it is, forever

 

Maybe time to move on and find a less stressful occupation.

 

Doctors do it every day. They're nothing but prescription mills. Xanax is heavily prescribed for Anxiety and panic attacks. It's obvious you've never experienced a true full on panic attack. Trust me, you aren't going to be doing any reading while enduring one.

 

Maybe go get a box truck job for awhile and work your way back into it. Some therapy could be a good thing too.

Good luck to you.

 

I'm of the mindset to face your fears. Go spend a day renting a go kart until you no longer panic. Push yourself to the limits in a relatively safe environment, until you're able to rely on reflexes and instinct again.

 

Did you really think I suggested to start reading while having a panic attack?