Originally Posted by
pcarlson
I've attempted small sections of the AT a couple of times as well as a few other trails in the SE. Each time, I've had to get off early due to strange panic attacks (some worse than others) I get this odd feeling of panic, claustrophobia, fear, etc. At first I thought it was just physical exhaustion from the hike, but I had to cancel a hike in May because of that feeling before I even got in my car to drive to the trail. I guess it's the feeling of not having an escape in case something happens on the trail? I don't have these episodes anywhere else except when thinking about being on the trail. I'm not an uptight person, I'm very laid back so this whole thing is strange to me. The thought of giving up hiking kills me! I love the trail and love being on it but these episodes are ruining it for me. Anyone else have this experience? Remedies?