Anxiety and Driving

[Sunflowerandroses]

Hi Everyone, I am new here.

I am having a problem with anxiety and driving, and it feels ridiculous. I used to only fear driving into the city or long distances, but lately, I have been scared to even get on the highway. I live in the country so there is nothing but a gas station and dollar generally nearby.

Everyone keeps pushing me to take medicine. I have tried medication and I have had horrible side effects--like depression, feeling crazy, crying, mood swings and extreme weight gain. I take a low dose of Wellbutrin, and I feel happy and motivated. I work out almost daily, but my anxiety is just terrible.

I've really tried to look at why I am scared to drive and it is because I am scared of falling asleep, passing out, getting sick or generally having a panic attack while on the road. The last two times I drove into town, I had a pretty bad panic attack and sat in my car shaking. I had to take the 20 minute detour to get home, (highway takes 7 minutes) because I was too paranoid to get on the highway.

I hate it, and it feels stupid. My husband knows this and I broke down and told my best friend the other week. I just feel guilty and like a crappy wife and mom, because I can't even go into town or go get fast food.

Some days I try to force myself to go for a drive in the morning when there isn't a lot of traffic, but I am busy with my daughter and work a lot (I work from home). By the time I actually have time to get out, its 5 and there is a lot of traffic.

Does anyone have any advice? My anxiety goes beyond driving, but this is my major issue.

[Vee99]

I also suffer from driving anxiety. I used to be a really confident driver. I take medication for anxiety (I also have health anxiety). Tbh I don't think I will get back to the way I used to be but I think it's very important to keep driving, gradually increasing the amount/type you do & keep telling yourself how well you're doing - you are! Also, I've come to realize that anxiety about driving is pretty common but not everyone who has it admits to it & personally I find that thought comforting.

[Sunflowerandroses in reply to Vee99]

I try to drive to the gas station and dollar general which are both close to my home. I figure if I can keep driving there and feeling confident, maybe I'll be able to get on the highway and go to town. I am trying to make a psychiatrist appointment for medicine. I had a really bad experience last time I tried Lexapro, but I am going to give it another chance. If I have another bad experience I probably won't try again

I get scared driving into town, because there is a bunch of bridgework and it's all tight and down to one lane, and I'm scared if I have a panic attack, I won't be able to get off or escape. There is also a bridge in town that I would never cross because its bouncy and always full of traffic. It freaks me out.

[Tarishalovesherse]

I'm a new beginner, I have never driven on the highway ever. First and foremost, don't ever feel crappy or less of anything because you are the opposite your great. Look at all the people in your life that loves you. Your the best. I've driven in the passenger side, I've gotten a little scared then I told myself I'm good I got it although I know its different being in the passenger then in the driver's seat. But I'm glad I've gotten the passenger seat experience because it's not scary anymore. I'm ready and I can't wait for my experience. You are thinking way to much. You must calm down and get the bad thoughts out your head. You have this your strong and will overcome this.