Driving is awful

[PuppyGinnyCat]

I’m new to this forum. I sought it out because no one I know has anxiety to my level. They do not understand. I’ve read a few posts about driving anxiety on here and it’s nice to see that I’m not alone.

I was doing just fine driving on the highway and everywhere else just two weeks ago. Then, out of nowhere, I had a panic attack on the highway. I’ve made myself get back on and it is just as bad each time.

This has happened before, I’ll be fine and then I’m not. Does anyone else have this coming and going phases? How long do yours last? This one is feeling pretty bad this time. Any general advice to cope through the low times?

[Michdau1]

Hi and welcome 🤗 I don't have driving anxiety in fact I find being in my car and listening to music really therapeutic. I am mostly writing to say best if luck to you and I hope that you get everything you need from me his forum. Ppl seem really lovely and supportive and u r not alone xxx

[Michdau1 in reply to Michdau1]

Just had a thought that MIGHT help.... It sounds like you have started to associate the car with stress and negative thoughts which is understandable. I was a bit like that with my bed as I was an insomniac. Try to re train your brain to associate the car with positive things by exposing yourself bit by bit to what scares you. You could start with something really basic and simple by turning on the engine and listening to your favourite song in the car but not even driving anywhere. Spraying a bit of your fav perfume or a relaxing smell into the car e.g. lavender or undertake a short journey which involves a treat at the end r.g. drive to a friend's house, get a coffee or ice cream xxx

[PuppyGinnyCat in reply to Michdau1]

Thank you for responding. Those are really great ideas. I’m going to try the lavender idea. I haven’t thought about aroma therapy. Thanks!

[Michdau1 in reply to PuppyGinnyCat]

Xxx

[Browneyes921]

Hello. I’ve been having driving anxiety the last two months. It just came up and there was no specific trigger that I can think of which makes it so hard to understand. I have been using a couple of mediation apps that seem to help me with breathing and reducing my anxiety at times. The most helpful app for me has been Insight Timer. It has a lot of free mediations. I did not sign up for the free 7 day trial but just use the free version and have access to a lot of guided meditations that are specific to anxiety reduction. There are also music and sleep categories. I have been listening to bedtime stories (yes, actual bedtime stories ☺️) at night and it actually puts me right to sleep.

I made myself drive a short distance today and it felt great to go to the store on my own. It was only 1 mile away, but I will take it as a victory.

I haven’t tried aromatherapy, but it sounds like a great idea. My daughter uses a lavender spray at night on her pillow and it’s so nice. I’m thinking of getting some myself.

[sjkj2011]

I can relate. I had a panic attack driving over a bridge once, not bc of the bridge but bc I realized if I felt like I was going to pass out (anxiety) I had no place to pull over. I started taking routes where there were areas that had no shoulder and had to basically train myself to realize I was creating my own threat. A lot of the suggestions above are great. Wishing you lots of luck.