Does anyone's anxiety disorder effect them driving?

[Scooby1234]

[seashell18]

Hi, I am ok while I am driving unless the traffic lights turn to red and then for some reason I get anxious and panicky!!x

[Scooby1234]

Hi seashell, thanks fo replying, I don't do any driving on my own at the moment, I get so worried about having an anxiety attack or fainting behind the wheel is my biggest phobia! X

[Scooby1234]

Wht do you do when you feel panicky behind the wheel? X

[seashell18]

Hi, either the breathing technique or I try to divert my mind on something else if poss, I understand about the fainting part, I always thought that a panic attack would lead me to faint so I asked my doctor the question and she said no! (the only problem is it still does not stop you worrying) Maybe if like me you could try any of the above like I do, I hope they might help you and at least you have not given up on driving altogether which is an achievement itself x

[NataliaKings]

Hi seashell18

Have you tried hypnotherapy because I know anxietyuk offers this

[davjon]

Yes, I can't drive on the motorway or a dual carriageway or go too fast. Also sometimes I think that I'll have a blow out or blow up.

However, I've found that driving around the town is a good distraction for me when I'm anxious and it calms me down. All that turning corners, changing gears and keeping an eye out for pedestrians distracts me enough.

When I'm on the motorway though, I'm terrible as I have nothing to do and end up having a panic attack so my wife has banned me from taking the family on one.

Regarding traffic lights, my fried used to be anxious at them and told me about his problem. Then I noticed that I started getting anxious at them! Now I tell myself that I don't get anxious, my friend does and that seems to work. Also, on a bad day I put the gear in neutral and push the pedal up and down with my foot. It tends to help relax me in I concentrate on it.