Anyone else have driving anxiety?

[chatterbox711]

I have it. I haven't driven since 2006. I not only have troubles driving but riding with others as well. I can barely go when Gary (hubby) drives but if it's someone else I really have a hard time of going with them. I am hoping that we can buy another car that is a lot more comfortable to me so that I can start driving again. I really want to.

[RonnD]

I sure have had driving issues in the past. I went through a time of complete freedom with no panic anc very little anxiety but something happened in the family that set me back. I have gone out recently though. I can think of the nice people I am going to see when I go out for espresso and I am not afraid to start conversations either! (LOL I'm a big talker!) Actually I miss being around people and miss the smiles of so many people. When I go out I purposefully put on a smile, EVEN before I leave(this releases the 'feel good' endorphines in your brain" and when you share a smile with someone, you'll never know when you have made that persons day! A smile is important to folks nowdays, with this down economy etc.
On the worst of days I will tell myself "one block at a time" that means that If I feel panicy, I will pull off at the next street and get out and walk around my car( if people are outdoors, I will pretend I'm looking at my tires to see if there is enough air in them!) he-he.... a good distraction from anxiety huh? Tonight I should hav had a panic atttack, but I didnt, I just took it 'one block at a time' and drove home all 10% ok !
Best to you !

Ronn

[mgray]

God bless you all for sharing this is an issue I am having right now and I hate it! It really helps knowing there are so many people out there who feel the same way I do!

[Caseman]

I didn't used to have this issue; I actually really enjoyed driving. But I've started developing somewhat of a fear of driving recently. This mainly happens on the freeway, primarily at night. I think the reason is that, something bad could happen at any moment (an accident, car breaking down, flat tire, whatever) and I'd be powerless to prevent it. It's really annoying - I have uncontrollable thoughts like "I could die in an accident right now, and not even see it coming." I know that sounds really disturbing and creepy but these thoughts just keep coming. I just keep thinking about how something terrible could happen in an instant.

I've noticed the main symptom I feel when driving is derealization. It just feels like a total dream and I get bizaare thoughts like, "Oh my god, am I really driving right now? I could die any second. This can't be happening."

It sure is annoying. Well that's my story. Stay strong everyone!

[irb]

I've been dealing with driving anxiety for years. Started with expressways and crept into other areas.  A good book that I recently got from the library is FACING PANIC: SELF-HELP FOR PEOPLE WITH PANIC ATTACKS by R. Reid Wilson.  I'm putting its suggestions into practice now.  I was on zoloft for general anxieties before my big panic attack on the expressway one night. But, I came off  this past spring after talking with doctor. IAlso, when I start feeling a little anxious, I work on relaxing parts of my body that have become tense (am I holding the tearing wheel or gripping it for dear life!).

[Princein]

Update:

Just got my license last Saturday, waiting for it to come in the mail. Excited and nervous at the same time!