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Posted 5/26/2010 3:11 PM (GMT 0)
 I have anxiety driving. especially on freeways,.. Does anyone else have this problem.?

hugs, Caren

Posted 5/26/2010 3:15 PM (GMT 0)
Caren,

Here is a link to an old thread on the same topic that may give you some helpful info.

https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=9&m=1272294

I know others here will be responding to your post.

Kindly,
Kitt
Posted 5/26/2010 8:48 PM (GMT 0)
Hello Caren and welcome.

I am 28 years old and male...without my driver's license. I've always had a severe fear of driving. I don't mind being a passenger but the thought of driving and dealing with all the other lunatics on the road (lol, there are many here in Vancouver) makes me very, very nervous.

I'd also hate to see myself have a panic attack whilst driving, and not being able to pull over in time. At least as a passenger, I can close my eyes and try to relax and not worry about other drivers on the road.

I sympathize with you,and say you're brave for getting into the car and trusting yourself. It's natural (to me) that you'd get nervous on a freeway. I'm sure other drivers will comment on their experiences as well :)

Trusting yourself only way to get over it. I know I must learn eventually!

Take care.
Posted 5/28/2010 3:54 PM (GMT 0)
 Arent there others who have  driving anxiety?

hugs, Caren

Posted 5/29/2010 5:35 AM (GMT 0)
I know a young woman in her 20's who is fearful of driving. Although I have multiple phobias, from frogs to working secularly, my first psychiatrist was surprised that I had no fear of driving. I told him that when I'm driving, I AM IN CONTROL! It's one of the few times in my life where I feel like I'm "the boss"! LOL! Now to be honest, if I lived in a city where I had to deal with freeways, I might feel differently. I'd have to get very used to the roads and traffic lights, one-way streets, turn offs, etc., before I would dare attempt it!!!
But don't feel too bad about your phobia. Almost everyone has a phobia of something. Yours just happens to be driving. My phobias have impacted my whole life. It has caused me to remain a captive in my own skin, living by mama's rules. But that's another story! :P
jl
Posted 6/10/2010 3:51 AM (GMT 0)
I get very anxious driving...especially on freeways, though mine is because I was in a car accident a few years ago on the interstate. I am ok with only select people driving, and me in their car, but for the most part, I take anxiety meds while riding with people when it involves driving on interstates and freeways. In fact, I'm already getting anxious about going on a 13 hour drive in a few weeks with my mom. I suspect I'll be taking lots of meds to make it the entire way.

I have learned to avoid certain sections of the interstate where the accident was, and that helps me a lot (janetlee, I can not totally avoid interstates-I live in Atlanta, GA). I also try to stay in the right lane, and I feel much safer there. Other than that, I know that if I am driving, I can always pull off the road and stop. Sometimes I've done that if I feel a panic attack coming on.

I know a few people who don't drive on freeways, and they haven't been in accidents, so don't think you're alone.
Posted 6/10/2010 11:22 AM (GMT 0)
Did you check out the link Kitt put up for you
i hv no issues with driving either
or didnt
i dont drive now due to being deaf
but plan on getting bk to it
another goal
plz let us know how u r doing
lyn
Posted 6/11/2010 7:28 PM (GMT 0)
I have extreme anxiety while driving.

I was in an accident when I was 12 (boat accident). I had to swim quite far to the shore and my father drowned in the accident. Now when I'm alone in the car I feel the same feelings that I had when I was in the water alone. I know I have to desensitize myself to the anxiety but it is very difficult to relive those feelings.

I am 28F and started getting the anxiety driving as soon as I got my license (16). I've had moments in my life where it felt completely under control, but currently it's been about 3 years since I've actually driven alone.

I ride my bike everywhere if I have to go out. I'm ok when my husband's in the car, but can only go for limited distance.

This has been quite a challenge for me to deal with. It also stirs up fears that I am going insane, (which I will post on those threads as well). I feel like all these other people in the cars around me have no problems, why should I. Then I beat myself up for it.

It's good to know that I am not alone.

What has been working for me lately is letting myself feel the feelings while driving and letting myself cry... but also comforting myself, telling myself I am ok, I CAN do this.... I will get through it.... It takes a lot of energy to do this, but it actually seems to work.

I will try to post-updates here on my progress with this battle.
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