driving on interstate anxiety

[cecileann11]

It has been a few years now that I’ve avoided interstate and hence traveling. I tried going back on one exit to another but because my anxiety was difficult to control I got depressed thinking I couldn’t go the next exit. I’ve just settled on avoidance and recently learned how to set GPS to avoid highways. I will be traveling this way for the first time soon but feel a little anxious about it still. I need to drive as often as possible for next few years to get my confidence up and pull me out of my isolation shell.

I had a severe panic attack a few years ago on the highway after hearing about my nephews overdose and death. I was able to pull over but was very frightened I would get out of the car and get hit by a car on the side of the road. I felt out of control of my mind and body due to adrenaline, I think. I also suffer from depression, GAD, and PTSD.

[Just_another_nobody]

My sister-in-law, who doesn't have any type of anxiety or depression, does not drive on highways either! Great thing about GPS is you can tell it not to take you on highways!

[Hidden]

About 3 years ago I was in a terrible car accident. I’m lucky I wasn’t hurt but it totaled the car. Since then I have not driven on the freeway, just regular roads and even doing that, I freak out making left turns because my accident happened making a left turn.

[Imanxious]

Hi, I'm dealing with the same anxiety about driving. Currently, I'm not doing much of it, but I try to just drive somewhere when I'm able. I usually try different types of music, maybe stuff that I don't usually listen to so it sort of draws my attention more than something I've heard many times. The other thing I've been told to try is to simply sit in the car for a bit if I can't drive that day. And I also use GPS to avoid the highways when I do have to drive.

[Bowlerlady60]

I also don’t drive on the highway it gives me too much anxiety. I travel on backroads. I enjoy it, it’s much more scenic and doesn’t take that much more time than the highway. I also use the avoid highways on my GPS.