Driving Anxiety Success!

[Browneyes921]

I’m so happy! I drove myself and my son to a nearby park and we took a lil hike! It was 5 miles away but it felt like a different world because the park is in a forest! I did pull over once but then I took a deep breath and pushed forward. I have been struggling HARD with driving anxiety since May and have only driven a few miles every week. I have to build up to driving my son back and forth to school 12 miles each way by mid August. I figured driving somewhere pretty is a good way to start. We are going to go again tomorrow morning and take our dog for a nice long hike.

[amandalouise_]

Oh that’s amazing!! X

[Browneyes921 in reply to amandalouise_]

Thank you!

[Agora1]

Hi Browneyes921 What a nice calming place to drive to. I bet your son enjoyed

sharing the day with you. You did good. Be proud of the steps you took today.

The deep breathing will get you further and further in driving. After being agoraphobic

for 5 years, I used deep breathing when first getting out again. It worked so well that

it is now my companion where ever I go. Driving, shopping, busy roads, side streets...

It's just amazing how breathing properly relaxes your body, reduces the adrenaline

and makes you feel great. Practice makes perfect. By the time school starts, you

will have this aced. xx

[Browneyes921 in reply to Agora1]

Thank you so much! After being in the house for a week straight, I couldn’t handle it anymore and had to get out. I love summer and hate that I haven’t been enjoying it like I usually do because I’m afraid to have a panic attack when I drive. Your story is so encouraging. Thank you.

[Agora1 in reply to Browneyes921]

Browneyes, anytime you have a doubt, think of me or message me.

I'll be there to help you through. xx

[Browneyes921 in reply to Agora1]

Thank you; I will. ❤️

[NeuronerdDoaty]

🥇⭐️ Big big hugs!! Good idea and great accomplishment. I’m proud of you💛

[Browneyes921 in reply to NeuronerdDoaty]

Thank you so much. That means a lot.

[onthetrail]

Awesome! The beauty of nature is inspiring and calming. You used it to accomplish something important in life. And you can keep going! Congratulations.

[kendayMS]

Congratulations! Be proud of yourself. Overcoming anxiety happens in steps. Driving is my challenge as well and I'm in the process of slowly working up to longer distances.

Keep going!!!!

[Bluejug]

What a lovely thing to read. Well done you! Enjoy your weekend.X

[Kkimm]

Brilliant

[sunrisesunset]

Congratulations! That's very inspiring to people like me who are learning to drive and nervous about it. It'll get easier and easier in time.

[artistinresidence]

Driving anxiety ..however it reached into our spirit is real...however, doing it afraid...praying..breathing thru it..and when we get to our destination a hallelujah and praise to God for giving me the ability to see it thru. A spirit of fear is not fr God yet we develop fears along the road of life. We do have the inner strength to overcome and become victorious one step at a time. Browneyes921 U need a high 5..a hug...a your amazing...keep it up. We are here for encouraging one another..keep us posted.

A.

[gemfire]

Well done! I also have driving issues and am doing the same as you at the moment. Baby steps and adding more each day (Exposure Therapy). I too have had to pull over and regroup before moving forward. I avoid highways at all costs and go the longer way. Too overwhelming for now. My cousin has anxiety/panic attacks, she finds driving relaxing and therapeutic. Some day I hope we can say the same thing

[Browneyes921 in reply to gemfire]

Thank you. Yeah, I am definitely steering clear of highways also. I drove back to the park again yesterday and also went to a couple of nearby stores (as in one and two miles away). I drove a total of 15 miles so that was a big day for me. I’m going to try and drive more often so I can hopefully continue to build up. Baby steps! It’s good you’re adding more each day.

[Toni617]

Wow! That is awesome! Here’s to continued success!

[Mamatired]

AMAZING!!! very proud of you brown eyes! In no time you’ll reach your goal, I believe in you!!! I’m hoping to get back to highway driving soon and would love to hear of some of the strategies you use to feel confident during your journey to reaching your goal.