Conquering Anxiety

[Valorrian]

I posted a while ago that I was thinking of driving again. I have finally done it. I drove around neighborhood today. This might not be a big thing for some people but it is for me. I haven't driven in 2 years. I can honestly say that I am feeling something other than doom and gloom in life. I am doing a little bit more each day and with that I am regaining some independence and self confidence.

[Michael8072]

that's awesome. I'm so happy to hear this! keep at it!!

[jjb1983]

Well done you, I know the feeling of driving I get so anxious. Is that the reason you stopped driving?

Jjb1983

[Valorrian in reply to jjb1983]

A couple of years ago I got really sick with meningitis and had to stop driving. I did recover but have some side effects from the meningitis. I lost my hearing, and developed anxiety and PTSD. When I first lost my hearing I was angry and depressed and I didn't want to go out. I didn't see a point. I wasn't sure I could drive without hearing what was going on around me and just thinking about it made me anxious. Slowly I am beginning to accept that this is my life now and I have to make the best of it.

It took me a while to be able to get my car out and drive though. I sat in the car for about week just sitting and waiting for the anxiety to go away then I turned the car on and sat some more. For days that was all I could do. Each day the anxiety was less and less as I just sat there. Then one day I was actually able to take out my car for a drive. It was a slow process but worth it.

[jjb1983 in reply to Valorrian]

You should be proud of yourself, really you have done fab.

Look how far you have come been through so much and now your pushing yourself more and more.

I'm sorry you have been through what you have.

Well done.

Jjb1983

[lorianxiety]

IM so pleased to hear that you are overcoming your anxiety,by attempting to drive again,thats very positive and reassuring that it can be conquered.long may it continue.

[Valorrian in reply to lorianxiety]

Thanks for the encouragement. Each day is different like you said. One day I can be fine and then the next all my fears and anxiety come rushing back. I am keeping a journal now. I write all my recent accomplishments down even if they are small. Then I will go back and read them at the end of the week and feel like I am making progress. I see that I've done a certain task and nothing bad happened so I gain some confidence in doing that task again.

[Htims46]

Hi,

You must be so pleased, well done, that’s a massive achievement for

someone with your health issues.

I too have suffered from depression and anxiety. After my third child

was born I had post natal depression, I had ECT which made me feel

very ill following a session. It seemed to help with the depression to a

point. However, a few weeks after these sessions finished I lost my

hearing in one ear. I always thought and still do that the ECT was why

this happened, of course I can’t prove it.

This has made me reclusive, as there are no hearing aids that I have

tried that have helped. I have sensorial hearing loss, so I cannot tell

What direction noises come from.

The point of me telling you this is, I got rid of my car about 8 years ago

partly because of hearing problems partly I cannot walk very far now

so Ihave to use a mobility scooter. I have just bought a vehicle that’s

been converted for wheelchairs and mobility scooters. I can drive my

scooter in and drive off anywhere I wish to go.

I have driven it only once, but that’s a start and I intend to do exactly

what you have done, I really won’t ever go very far but it’s all about taking

back a little bit of control in my life. Hopefully it will help my anxiety and

depression to get out a bit more, I hope so. All good wishes to you, I know

what determination it must have taken to do what you have achieved.

[levymaria]

That’s great! I remember when my anxiety was so debilitating every time I got behind the wheel I ended up calling 911 🤦🏽‍♀️... take it slow, you got this! Just keep at it!

[art62grammie]

I have a sister 52 years of age. She does drive. She has always been afraid to drive on over-pass roads. I gave her a little advice to overcome that fear. I didn't know that she would actually accomplish her fear. She drove with one hand. While driving the overpass roads, held a penny in one hand and rubbed it. It worked great for her. She was focused on the penny and not her fear. Now she has no fear of the overpass. Good luck.