Very anxious lately

I have been ruminating a lot lately due to some recent challenges and I feel myself going into a spiral. Would really just love to chat about it so I can not feel so jumpy and alone. And of course I’m always open to hearing about other’s challenges as well.

[012703060610]

You've joined a great group. To any extent you can open up and tell us a bit more about you situation, I am certain someone can relate. Many of us have circular thinking that can really put is in a downward spiral. I find a lot of value in reading other's posts as well! Welcome!

[CLB1125]

please tell us what’s going on. Sometimes just forming thoughts into words helps put things in order. There’s always someone who will talk to you. They have all been so great here to me.

[Hidden in reply to CLB1125]

Well, when I recently changed states for my driver’s license there was a breathalyzer requirement (Interlock Ignition Device) on it for one year. I got a DUI in this state five years ago, so I got hit with the worst part of the penalty very after the fact. I am doing so much better now and rarely ever drink nowadays, but back then I would say alcoholic. I was dead to rights not supposed to be driving that night.

Anyway, I find myself obsessing over it pretty badly. Reading horror stories about them on Reddit, worrying about a false positive or violation, that it’ll come out on time, what about when it’s cold out-will the device mess up/freeze, wondering how I’m going to get through this year, etc etc. It’s not so bad blowing to start the car, but it requires random rolling tests every 20 minutes or so and they really freak me out; I find it pretty unsafe. I have been doing well as far as using it correctly and getting the hang of it, but idk it’s just the obsessing and anxiety related to the whole situation. I find myself not wanting to drive and finding excuses not to. Luckily my partner is getting his own car soon, so he can drive most places but it’s just been a lot. It truly is a privilege to drive freely. Thank you for reading if you made it this far.

[CLB1125]

i can see how that could be making you anxious. Never knowing when and where. With the other questions such as freezing etc, did they give any type of instructions? Could you call whoever and ask to have some things clarified? It might help with the what if anxiety. Just a thought…

[012703060610]

I hadn't a clue to this type of technology. Thank you for sharing a bit more of your story. It would certainly make me anxious too. I can relate to not driving as I am currently on driving restriction due to random episodes of syncope/brief pass out periods. It happened once while driving and luckily it was just on my road with little traffic. I am glad you will get some back up on driving. Do you just have to make it the one year? Still obviously feels long, but can it then all go away?