Anxiety whilst driving

[PeeDeeAye]

Does anyone with anxiety have problems driving? Especially driving in new places or over flyovers? I always get so anxious when driving long distances and have to calm myself and breathe else I'll have a panic attack. Does this happen to anyone else?

[DragonTears]

Hi PeeDeeAye , I hear you! I used to suffer from this for the longest time. I got my driving license at the age of 26, so quite late in life I guess. It took me long time to even get used to being the one driving at all, let alone go places I didn't know. I was so scared of getting lost or doing a stupid manoeuvre or miss a red light or something. When I went to places I didn't know, but had someone next to me to direct me, I would always turn the radio off and be really tense and agitated. the person directing could never do it correctly enough and in good time before the next turn or whatever. I could not have a conversation at all as i was so tense and nervous. What really helped me was having a sat-nav in my phone. I mean, seriously, even if you take a wrong turn, you can always stop, pull over and get your phone out. Once you got it, even if you still make a wrong turn, it re-calculates and you are back on track. I always have an extra battery for my phone (one of those little battery packs) just in case it is a long drive and I may run out of charge. I have a job now where I have to travel to customer sites and they can be anywhere! I just plan my journey on google maps, make sure I have the address in my phone and my battery pack charged. When I know approximately where it is, how long it will take me and if I am passing some place I know or follow a road I know the number of (these become points of recognition on the way) then I feel calmer. Even if I am far away from home, I look around and think that the people I see around me in traffic or on the streets, they probably live here, they know every building, every road. This is someones hometown and they's be anxious in my town. People grow up here and go to school, shops, visit grand parents and so on. the thought of normality calms me down too.

I hope you find your way of finding that confidence. Big Hugs Xx

[PeeDeeAye in reply to DragonTears]

Thank you so much for this advice. I downloaded an app on my phone because I'm going to have some driving to do soon in areas I have never driven before. Unfortunately I have a career that will eventually demand that I do A LOT of driving and talking to customers so I'm hoping that I get used to it at some point. You sound very prepared with the nav system and the charged battery. I'm still a bit worried about driving even if I have the app but it's definitely worth the try! Thanks a lot for the advice! Much appreciated!

[DianeA]

Shure. Sometimes. New places , big bridges also.

[Hidden]

I actually don't drive at all because of my anxiety and panick attacks. I feel your pain!

[natstad8]

Yes it happened to me when I started driving and lasted for a few years. But now I'm ok, still not the most confident driver but doing ok, no panic attacks. Just anxious a little in new places. I think a lot of people are. GPS really helps. I hope you feel better soon.

[Kakes808]

Omg 😭 thought I was the only one! I can't drive because I get way to scared and my anxiety goes off the wall I haven't had a job in 3 months and been homebound for awhile now. You're not alone ❤️