Driving anxiety out of town... for how long?

[cnelson8611]

I know there is a thread on anxiety when driving in general. However, for those of you who have difficulty driving out of town, how long has it been since you have driven out?

For me, it's been 8 years. I live in a fairly small city (60,000 people) so I'm still in driving distance to stores and places I need to go. Yet, my family all live at least 3 hours away from me.
Thinking of even attempting a long drive such as that sends my anxiety up the wall. Unfortunately, they all have to drive here to visit me and I sometimes feel like it's a burden on them when physically I'm capable of going there.. yet mentally I would scream.

When it first started, I was determined to get back on the road. I've always been a good, careful driver on the highway. However I relapsed a few times and haven't been able to talk myself back into attempting. There's kind of like an invisible wall surrounding the city that only I know, if I cross it, I will have severe anxiety and the fear that I won't be able to get back home.

During this recent anxiety kick, I've been having thoughts that "boy does this world seem big!" feelings of derealization and I don't like that.
I know I need to get back out and try driving again, I just don't know how.

[kes2010]

THe only advice I know to give you is, just do it. I can drive outside my city, but its more like I'm afraid to drive outside of abuot an 80 mile radius. And I WILL NOT drive in a big city. That thought just scares the crap out of me! But, like I just told you, one day I'm just gonna have to do it. I'm 40 years old and can't keep avoiding it.

[ascender]

i do the same thing but if you just get in the car and go it isn't as bad as you think.. thinking about it and playing the what ifs in your head are what make it the worst.

[boundndetermined]

I think there is a lot to be said for "Just do it!". :) They do that a lot as exposure therapy. Maybe start smaller trips and work your way up. Maybe get a friend to accompany you on the long trip? Best wishes!! :)