I went to see my counselor because I was dealing with the same issue. I could barely leave my house. He told me "face your fear and do it anyway". The fear will subside. I've taken it to heart and forced myself to do things that terrified me. 3 years ago I drove from maryland to california by myself! I can't even tell you the anxiety I went through. But you know...I did it and I'm still alive. Dealing with anxiety is all about overcoming your fears. Once you do it it feels great. It helps to have support through it. Talk to your partner about it. If you have someone there with you to help talk you through it its a great help. Good luck. I know how you feel. Its scary but you can overcome it. Therapy helped me a lot when I was dealing with it and I'm dealing with it again so I'm going back to therapy. Best of luck. You can do it :)
Talk to you doctor about klonopin. It works wonders. You usually only need to take it when you really need it. It could help you with the first steps you take to getting better.
But what erin said is probably the best way. Get your self to ease into difficult situations, and it'll be fine. Having a therapist there to help you with the process is a good idea too. I know it is easier said than done. Getting through any kind of anxiety takes effort, but it's totally worth the freedom and peace of mind. Keep at it, and the best of luck to you!
I agree with other posters. Altho' not sure about a cross country jaunty...lol.
For me it is taking clonazapam as needed, and baby stepping my way after panic has shut me inside my apartment. It takes time and patience, but you can do it.
Agree that sharing your anxiety with partner will help. Getting it out there and having another person with you as you venture outside your comfort zone may be all you need to conquer it.
I'll just add this. Every day is not the same. For me, recently, altho' many stressors have come my way, I get out and am getting more social with no need to reach for a tablet during the day.
BTW: I am an anal cancer survivor (the Farrah Fawcett cancer), and have physical limitations that could ....but do not....keep me holed up in my apartment. Figure if I can do it...anyone can:).
What you are going through is common for some anxiety sufferers. It is true that you need to just face the fear and not let the fears control you. Actually going to your partner's parents house might not be a bad first step for you since it is only a half hour away. You need to start out small and then you will notice that little by little your fears will subside.
You might want to consider seeing a psychatrist. They can help you get to the bottom of what might be causing you to have these fears. You need to face it now so you can get your life back.
Good luck and please know you are not alone.....