My anxiety!

[Livinghappy]

Hi I am new. I have a lot of anxiety and am bipolar and schizoaffective. I am stable on meds. I am limited in life now because my anxiety has taken me off the freeway. I feel like I will jump out of the car if I drive on the free way. I am not suicidal at all and love life. Any suggestions?

[Hidden]

Welcome Living Happy,

I am sure you will find that this is great community!

I struggle with bipolar and anxiety too so I do understand some of the challenges. We are here for you. Please find alternate routes to avoid the free way. Try to take your mind off of the freeway. Have you discussed this with a therapist or psychiatrist?

[Livinghappy in reply to Hidden]

Yes. My psychiatrist says it's because I'm affected more than others. She also said it's because I don't drive much which is true. I also have other mental illness issues I cope with so it all makes me nervous. Thanks for reaching out to me. Now I don't feel so alone.

[Hidden in reply to Livinghappy]

Hi,

A friend of mine says she always remembers to ignore the thoughts and anything auditory. It's not real. The minds tries to take over.

I'm glad you are here.

[Livinghappy in reply to Hidden]

Thanks

[kvolm2016]

Hi and welcome! Hope you do find that this is a great place for questions.

Do you live in an area where driving is the only way to get around? I know there are plenty of people who don't drive but get around fine via public transportation or using Uber/Lyft. When my daughter moved to metro DC she found that trying to drive triggered way too much of her anxiety disorder but wasn't really hindered with daily living because bus and rail system is great there.

[Livinghappy in reply to kvolm2016]

That's a great idea. Where I live driving is a necessity. But I can get rides from my mom and that helps a lot..plus I do great on other roads. The freeway is just a new trigger for me. I too have thought of uber. Good for your daughter to use Uber. Thanks for your response. I

[kvolm2016 in reply to Livinghappy]

Glad that was helpful! I do hope you'll ultimately overcome the freeway trigger as you continue to work with your psychiatrist.

[Livinghappy in reply to kvolm2016]

Thanks.