How to get over my fear of driving?

[WendyEliza]

This time around I have not locked myself at home. I try at least twice a week to go out so I won't develop agoraphobia. I'm doing much better. Unfortunately I ended up having to quit my job due to my anxiety and panic attacks. I'm starting to do much better with my recovery but one thing I still have not been able to control is driving. I can drive when there is somebody else in the car with me because I know that if I do get an episode I can easily pull over and have them drive. My problem though is driving alone. I used to drive everywhere alone before. I actually love to drive but now I've noticed that I'm tryin to avoid driving all together. I had a panic attack once while driving and ever since then I have been afraid to drive again for fear of having another panic attack. How can I get over this? I've tried to slowly get myself back to driving but it's getting harder and harder to even bring myself to drive one block from my house. Please help me.

[wolverines13]

Hey I've been having huge problems driving by myself. The main thing I get is derealization which will then make me start freaking out. I guess what works for me is trying to distract myself. I listen to the radio, play music or play a motivational cd or something. I still don't feel perfectly fine but it helps me get where I need to go. I think its also important to push yourself to your limit and not pull over or turn around. Because every time I would turn around and abandon my trip it would be ten times harder the next time I had to drive somewhere. Driving has been alot easier for me lately and I think its because of medication and just doing it and trying not to think about it. Also, I'm not sure if you're religious but on longer trips it helps me to pray the rosary. It really makes me feel better. I'm not saying it's because its a miracle or anything but it takes awhile to pray the rosary, and it keeps me concentrating on something else. These are just some of my tips and I hope they work for you. It's easier said than done but I think the most important thing to do is just do it.

[Duckie]

After one of my bouts of being housebound, I couldn't drive by myself either.  I could go anywhere and do anything, EXCEPT drive alone.  My thinking was the same as yours.   I needed someone else there 'just in case' I had a panic attack.  So I completely understand what you're going through.  Here's how I got back to driving by myself back then. 
I had a friend of mine follow me in her car.  I drove about 2 blocks at first, then started driving a little farther and a little farther, all the while my friend was right behind me.  Then, as I got more comfortable, she would turn off about 1/2 a block from my house, and I'd drive the rest of the way alone.  After awhile, she'd turn off a block from my house, then 2 blocks, until I had desensitized myself.   I think it took a couple of months (at least) to achieve this, maybe longer.  It's been a long time ago now, so my memory probably isn't that great about how long it took. 
So if you're lucky enough to have a good friend or family member willing to do this for you, get started right away.  It's a good way to desensitize..........and it got me back on the road driving by myself. 
Good luck, and keep us updated on your progress!!