I've developed a driving phobia and a phobia of being alone in spaces after the pandemic. A big fear I have is that something will happen to me when I drive and being alone on the drive.
How have others worked through this with no one else as a support. I really want to try and work through these issues since I feel like my life feels like its on pause until I can drive more independently.
I have been working on this myself. It’s been tough, and not every drive is easy. I don’t want to be too hot, so I plan accordingly for that. I also set the music to something like jazz or Christmas. Lately Christmas has been my pick. I sing to the songs and that is a nice distraction. I have some mints in my cup holder in case I need further distraction. Lastly I have these (this is going to sound weird) they are a sensory toy… but they are these rubber worms that feel really neat. There is some weight to it. I will hold on to that if I need to because that brings a sense of calm. Otherwise it’s all in telling myself I can pull over if I need to, if I can’t drive all the way to my destination without turning around, that’s ok too. Lastly reminding myself repeatedly that feelings and sensations are just that. They can’t hurt me.
Ugh I hate driving myself because I always think I'm going to get into or cause an accident. I hate merging because I get so nervous and am always so nervous that I won't find parking and I can't seem to master parallel parking 😅. What I try to do to calm me down is breath and l listen to Christian music but if that distracts me I turn it off. My driving anxiety has gone down a bit and I attribute that to lots of praying. My therapist also said "Just Do It" because if you think about too much you will never do it. That's how anxiety works it takes over our thoughts and creates us to over think things. Also do you have someone to accompany you? God bless you and keep you safe and may this feeling subside in Jesus name.
I had panic/anxiety and found the DARE Anxiety book and youtube videos very helpful, I think they even have a specific video about driving anxiety on their youtube channel or their website. I also found their phone app very helpful and signed up for the premium version of it which wasn't expensive, it was like having my own personal coach. It really helps to learn how to constructively deal with panic/anxiety in order to heal it. It takes commitment and determination to desensitize yourself to the anxious feelings but is possible to heal and get on with your life.
I just want to thank those that messaged. It has been a year and I am now living with my partner and driving myself to work and local shops. Medication has helped and finding support has been key.
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