I'm sorry to hear that, I haven't experienced any life changes except for the birth of my daughter. Nothing seems to bother me as I am not depressed or never had any family member discuss any anxiety related issues. However, I do have fear of heights and yet I fly about 4x yearly without any incidence.

I understand your fears totally, had many of these panic attacks in earlier years unfortunatly.
Highways, elevators, long walks with the dog in the woods, avoiding sociaal events..

What I learned is not never ever avoid these challenging circumstances!
I did just that for a long time and thus limiting my life and joy in life..
With help from some pills - not heavy stuff- I started to do these things again.
Costs a lot of accepting the fears and while knowing that the panic can strike again, still do it anyway....
OK not big challenges at first but gradually you pick up your life again.
The thing is to continue doing things that make you panic.
But please... do not close that door..by saying that you wont do that anymore..
Try getting real help, take pills or whatever and keep on going.
I don't want to oversimple your anxiety. Been there, done that believe me. It can really get to you, I know.
But fight it. Take back your life..
My two cents at least.

I wish you well.

@parus- Good morning! Some nasty weather headed our way but should clear up by tonight. It's not below freezing. After you pulled over in your car, how did you get to where you were going? This happened to me a lot during my "panic years". I'm calling it that because you and @me2a reminded me that I actually had quite a few. They also consisted of dry heaving, a lot. Do you want to be able to drive on the highway? I can see, with all the crazy drivers out there, why anyone would be fearful of driving on the highway, but I do believe that you are talking about a different type of fear.