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Tinyme6, freeway driving.

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Posted 6/3/2015 2:55 PM (GMT 0)
This is from Tinyme6 a new member.


Hi I am currently in this situation
I was from a small town and in the military
I recently got moved here in San Diego
And it's a necessity for me to go on freeway due to traffic everywhere
I have to leave 2hrs ahead to take back roads to go to one base to another which is hard because my works starts at 6am and gets off at 430 by the time I leave work rush hour is terrible adds an hour going home taking back roads so I'm on the road for 3 hrs after tiring training.
I only leave 30 mins away from base so it's frustrating fear to have with work.

I need anything that could help me thru this...
I've tried a driving instructor and I'm fine but once I'm alone and think that I'm on car driving on my own without help I get shaky and feel stuck couldn't move to make myself turn to freeway exit.
It makes me stress all day not knowing that somehow I get lost and end up having to take a freeway to get back on my back road route. I fear any road that looks like would be an exit to freeway.
I even have to take a month leave to practice back roads to make sure I don't mess up and end up exiting to a freeway on accident with no choice but to thru exit or else I would create accident to other driver.
Posted 6/3/2015 5:32 PM (GMT 0)
Welcome to the Anxiety forum Tinyme6, I'm happy you found us but sorry to hear about your anxiety driving on the freeway.

I used to date a man that had the same fear as you have and would not drive on the freeway, he had to finally push himself to do and today he is driving on the freeway like a champ, so please know you are not alone and it can get better.

Have you tried driving on the freeway on non rush hour times, perhaps at night when not many people are on the freeway, if not it might be your first step. Or see if someone in your family or a friend can go with you and drive the freeway a few times, to get used to it. I do understand your fear, I have a fear of bridges and tend to drive over them holding my breathe and driving as fast as I can over them.

Are you in any type of therapy? As I feel therapy, will help you the most. Check out our resource page for helpful, self help links.

Post with us anytime, we are here for you and will walk this journey with you if you want us too.
www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=9&m=104206
Posted 10/13/2015 4:36 PM (GMT 0)
Your own AUTHENTIC self loves you, cares for you, and trusts you implicitly.

This other, false, anxiety-producing, irritating, obnoxious voice does not arise from your authentic self. It arises from repetition and small fears, exaggerated to look large and important.

It is not real.

Your real voice gives you good guidance and true direction.

Your "anxiety" voice just repeats useless thoughts that have no purpose.

And it's OK to turn off that "anxiety" voice! As a matter of fact, it is essential!

So, beginning today, when you hear that "anxiety" voice, do this:

1.) Say "I recognize that voice. I have heard it before." Accept that it is happening. Don’t fight it.

2.) Breathe deeply four times, from the abdomen --- pushing the tummy out on the inhale --- and letting everything relax on the exhale.

3.) Say "I know this voice means nothing. It's not me. It's just my anxiety, trying to get a work-out. This voice has nothing to offer me. It is pointless. I hereby choose to release it. I choose to receive guidance only from my authentic self."

4.) And then turn your attention to a WORTHY thought and action, immersing yourself completely in that new thought.

Practice this. And free yourself of your own "anxiety" voice.
Posted 10/25/2015 11:26 PM (GMT 0)
I'm going to try that too Sunriseguided. I'm afraid to take freeways too. I can totally relate. I've heard cognitive therapy works, but I've never tried it. I've thought about taking really small freeway trips to start. I've also thought that planning routes from every exit would help me feel more in control. I don't generally go anywhere that requires thruway driving, so it's not affecting my life that much. It sounds like your life is being affected immensely though. I wish you much luck! Please tell us if you find something that works for you.
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