Driving anxiety

[Noxx]

Hi i suffer from driving anxiety i don't know what to do

[Starfish_]

Do you know what about it makes you anxious? For me it started when I was learning, I figured out my mom was very stressful to drive with but my dad or driving alone was better. I also had issues with intrusive thoughts that made me afraid that if I drove I would crash/hurt someone. Pinpointing the source of the anxiety can give you direction on how to manage it.

[Hidden]

Driving slow can help because it gives you time to feel more in control in some way. don’t focus too much on other drivers because that can be distracting seeing them going faster than you. Just focus on what you have control over.

[Hidden]

Have you been driving long or are you a new driver? Maybe you are still getting used to it. As a cautious driver myself, I used to find it helpful to have someone with me in the car who I am really comfortable with. Just for a little reassurance when I start to freak out. But I kept driving and over time I got more comfortable with it.

[florapeace]

Yes! I am the same! I have tried to overcome this by driving on back roads, at times where there’s less people on the road, and by practicing in safer environments (like empty parking lots). It still affects me, though, so I’m getting used to breathing techniques and such that help me not to panic. I hope that was helpful, but know that you’re not alone 💖

[findingmyzen]

You’re not alone - I do too. I have trouble driving at night. I also try to do breathing techniques and positive self-talk. What about driving makes you anxious?

[Hidden]

I have driving anxiety too. I drive around town when I have to but I don’t ever go on the highway. I used to do it but as time has passed...it has become harder and harder. I have to try my best and fix it because I know that this is an issue.

[Noxx]

My anxiety for driving started recently I'm not really sure why now. I've been in 2 accidents whilst driving but that was 2 years ago.I was ok all this time driving myself, i don't even feel comfortable when someone is driving me...this is really hard.i feel like I'm gonna die or something bad is going to happen,can't even take my kids to school.was even thinking of hypnosis.

[Hidden]

I passed my driving test at seventeen, I did not get my ticket until Winter/Spring six months after my birthday. When I passed my test my father initially said He would give me His old car, the problem was He gave the car away to an uncle and it was about two years after more driving tests at work I began to drive again. I had a moped type bike, a Honda, I came of the thing and was bounced of the bike under the rear of a bus that had stopped with no break lights. That made me even more frightened and I had various broken bones. Six months later I purchased an old Mini with holes in the floor etc. I had one accident when a wheel flew of caused by a faulty joint on the suspension I cracked a further bone in my wrist again.

I have been driving now for fifty years and I still have close shaves, although now I drive a car an automatic that is ready for self drive, it is hard to rely on a car that can take away many decisions away from the driver. All I can really say to you if you become frightened to drive it may be a good idea to take lessons with a driving school to help gain confidence. My last serious accident I skidded into a sandstone wall and again of work for six months. My Father when I was getting better placed me in the car and drove me down a motorway and some country roads to get me back into a new car It was all down to confidence and part of that ended when I drove in a rain storm to thank the people who saved my life. It is important you gain back that confidence no matter how. That is why either a driving course or family sitting in the passenger seat, it is not a sign of weakness we all at times need to move on with the help of others I have been driving now for over fifty years

BOB