Driving With Anxiety 😔

[levymaria]

I avoid driving long distances because I'm afraid I will have anxiety and panic while driving, my father is stressing me about driving since I recently got hired for a job. I'm trying so hard to drive more but I have no control over when the anxiety hits. I don't know what to do just thinking of driving is causing me to panic. Anyone have tips or advice on this subject?

[Joimom16]

I don't drive at all anymore, this is awful...I really wonder why we are going through this!!! I'm currently not on any meds, only this supplement called gabba, it's been working for me! You can't take it with an antidepressant though!

[levymaria in reply to Joimom16]

I still drive to the store down the road from my house it's so hard for me to drive far away I start to panic

[Peacewithin1 in reply to Joimom16]

Gabba helped my Mom

[Joimom16 in reply to Peacewithin1]

That's great!!

[blackcat64013]

Thanks for sharing on the forum.

I would like to suggest the first thing to do is to work out in your head whether you NEED or WANT to drive. If you have an anxiety attack while driving, there are lots of financial implications if you have or cause a collision. The insurance company will not be too sympathetic

You don't say if you are seeing a mental health professional to address the anxiety so that would be the next thing. Psychotherapy (talk therapy) can help get the symptoms under control and perhaps some tips for talking with your dad who could be adding to your stress.

Medication for anxiety is available. If possible, you can book a longer appointment with your doctor to get a physical and mental health & wellbeing checkup and a referral to a psychologist who deals in anxiety disorders.

As Joimom pointed out, there are over-the-counter items available. I would suggest you consult a pharmacist, especially if you are taking any other medication. These OTC items sometimes cause interactions which you need to watch out for.

Wishing you luck in dealing with the big A

[levymaria in reply to blackcat64013]

I should've stated but yes I do see both a psychiatrist and therapist and take medication for anxiety and depression but it's still tries to come back

[Joimom16 in reply to levymaria]

I am also seeing a psychologist, I'm going to my third apt next week! It's very hard to deal with because I have Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Postpartum Anxiety...I was on zoloft but the anxiety in me will not let me take it for fear of getting addicted to meds, unless I have to have them I'm staying away from them...the gaba is helping me so far! I can't wait till we ALL GET OVER THISSS! I'm taking one day at a time! ☺ I'm a mother to a 8 month old daughter and a psychology student so I am bust busy busy! We will prevail....let's keep encouraging one another, this will be over soon!

[rbaugh]

I went through a similar problem for a while. I would have panic attacks while driving and would have to pull over every few minutes. Instead of worrying about having a panic attack throughout the ride, I started talking out loud to myself about what I was thinking. I would tell myself "stop freaking out. If everyone else can drive so can you." By talking out loud I would distract my body from that panicking feeling and start to feel ok again. I remember when I first starting experiencing panic attacks while driving I thought it was going to be a permanent problem that I wouldn't be able to overcome, but now, I go on drives for fun like I used to a year ago. You CAN overcome this. Another thing I like to do is to roll my windows down whenever I drive to make me feel less trapped. Also, sing along to a song that you know all of the lyrics to distract you mind from going to dark places. It will get better, just keep driving and don't avoid taking the long route maybe even take an extra 3 minute drive around the block before you go home one day if you're feeling brave. I wish you the best and I know that you can overcome this!

[levymaria in reply to rbaugh]

Thank you so much for sharing I'll definitely try that

[Vbee]

I have the app from Barry McDonagh called DARE and there is a 20 minute audio that i Bluetooth into my car speakers every time i drive. I am smack bang in the middle of driving avoidance so i know exactly how you feel. I had a small accident at xmas and i have a very severe cataract in my right eye (operation scheduled for July!!) so i hope it's my vision thais contributing to my driving fear and when i can see better i will be back on the road. Bad news though.....the more you avoid it themore difficult it is to start driving again!!! So dont delay - get back out there!!

[Anxietyfree]

During my worst times i listened to audio books whilest driving but I love driving. For 8 years i lived over 500 miles from my fella and driving was the best way to travel. I felt i had more control over when i stopped,ate or whatever. Calming techniques are essential when dealing with attacks. You CAN change how yourbody feels by slowing your breath and exhaling longer. Reminding yourself to sit up as a confident person would also helps. Have abottle of water for if you get thirsty and check your self talk is encouraging as if a guardian angel were there getting you through it.

Before you drive you could try visualisations of you u driving and coping in a calm manner with any issues

If you really want to drive there are many ways to help you

Xx

[levymaria in reply to Anxietyfree]

Thank you for the tips I really do have to drive I'm so terrified but I have to

[Hidden]

Does your father know about this? If not, I think you need to really have a conversation with hm. I haven't replied to a post of yours, so I really don't know your background.

When you applied for the job, what were your plans on getting to it if you were hired?

Of course ,as everyone always asks on this venue, do you see a professional about your fear of driving and are you on any medication for it?

[levymaria in reply to Hidden]

Yes he's aware of my condition.

Yes I am receiving help with therapy and medication.

My plan to get to work was to either drive or get an uber but now my father is stressing me about getting back behind the wheel.... he's always trying to force me to drive and i just don't feel comfortable in the car like I use to when my anxiety hit I felt like I would die while driving so I stopped.

[Hidden in reply to levymaria]

Well, although you think this is about your father, it's not. It's about you and your safety and the safety of other people on the road. Uber may be a solution at the moment.

[Peacewithin1]

Hi, I have this fear too. What is causing this fear? Have you or someone close to You had some sort of trauma with a car? This is my case, which my Therapist helped me point out. Once you figure out and accept what's causing the fear then you can move to the next step. What I do is call someone before i start to drive and keep them on speaker or Bluetooth while I'm driving. For now this is helping even though I don't drive much alone anymore. But when I get the urge to drive, I just go. My psychiatrist said not to force it, just let it come naturally. Good luck ❤

[levymaria in reply to Peacewithin1]

Thank you for sharing I will bring it up to my therapist this evening

[Hidden in reply to Peacewithin1]

Tanae,

Will you please call me before you drive? lol

I understand what you are saying.

Seriously, I couldn't even get in the front seat of a car for over a year after a severe accident. That was years ago, and there are still some days, I know I just don't feel quite right about driving, so I don't if I can help it.

It's unfortunate that some people aren't as insightful and cautious as you.

[Peacewithin1 in reply to Hidden]

Lol I sure can call!

It's amazing how these things can impact on how we live our lives and also our emotions. I'm ready for the healing process.