So I've been diagnosed with PTSD since 2013. I've been in therapy since then, spent a lot of time working thru the trauma. Have made excellent leaps and bounds. I'm working again, love my new job love the people. They are totally understanding of me. Now what I'm looking for advise on is driving. I have to every day and its kicking up my symptoms. The minute I get in the truck I'm pissed off, I shake, (especially my neck). I need some relaxation tips to get me thru each drive.
What I'm doing right now:
I leave early to take my time
I listen to meditation music
I get to work, sit in my truck to calm myself before going inside (about 20mins)
I eat hard candies (jolly ranchers)
Thanks for any help you can offer.
Written by
kylalb
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9 Replies
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I get triggered by tail gaiters. Drives me batty. I adjust my mirror so I don't have to see them.
Would suggest avoiding sugar due to blood sugar swings.
I get harried in the car too! The stuff you're already doing sounds great. I've had to do some experimenting myself and the thing I like the best is laughing. I will listen to overly dramatic movie music that epitomizes my experience in the car (theme from Tim Burton's Batman) or really wacky, silly music, or stand-up comedy. Sometimes I'll even play up the whole experience by donning sunglasses and a hat like a secret agent. This might seem silly, but you know what else is silly? The way people act when they're on the road. Even the pace at which we're expected to live our lives can get pretty ridiculous at times. So have fun with it and laugh as much as you can. I've been and still go to some pretty dark places sometimes and laughing just feels great, breaks through all the crap.
I love musicals in the car - the only time I ever like musicals! never to watch. But to listen in the car and being so dramatic, just love the drama of it - which matches the drama that plays out on roads..
I can only think that maybe trying to create some sort of sanctuary feeling within your vehicle, is the best thing to regaining enjoyment.
I know I love my dad's car, with its tartan rugs on the back seat. I often put a cushion in the car too, to make it feel almost homely... an extension of my home, not just some mechanical piece.
I'm not totally against having a mascot teddy in the window either....
You're doing all the right things I would say.
The only other thing I can think of, is to try and spend some free time driving around somewhere that is not so stressful... regain that strength of connection to being in a vehicle, without fearing the journey.
I really enjoy driving these days. I enjoy the freedom it can give me to go places beyond my everyday reach. I enjoy the true sense of independence it brings me. I learn to appreciate the value of this ability that I have and I try to drive safely and respectful of others [pedestrians, cars, animals near the road!]. I have long wanted to do a road trip and pack up a car and go somewhere for a long week/end.
Taking slow and positive steps to regaining a good relationship with your experience on the road is important and I congratulate you for all you are doing so far. <3
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