Does anyone have trouble driving?

katiecol · Post by **katiecol** » Mon Jun 02, 2008 6:12 am

I was doing so well for so long.... now I feel AWFUL again. It's been about a little over a month and I started the program two weeks ago. I had to drive my daughter to school today which is about 10 minutes up the street and I did not want to do it.... but I did and by the time I got there I was in tears!!!! Does anyone have any advice??? I can't not drive I have two children and I need to get out!!

¤AlyssaBrooke¤ · Post by **¤AlyssaBrooke¤** » Mon Jun 02, 2008 6:39 am

Hello Katie, driving problems is very common. In the program you will find this is not uncommon at all. Mine was never quit like yours, I just wanted to be home, like now. I have had times when I would cry while driving. Maybe put some soothing music on to help side track you from your thoughts. And you may watch and see what your thoughts are and see if you can relate why you have these thoughts.

Good luck to you.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Jun 02, 2008 7:04 am

I have also had difficulty driving at times...I have found if I listen to the lessons while I drive or even the relaxation cd it really helps. I know they say not to listen to the relaxation cd while you drive, but I dont think I will ever fall asleep while driving!! Maybe then I would know I am fully recovered.ha Staying in the "precious present moment" also helps too. Focus on the scenery, license plates ahead of you...anything to distract the anxious thoughts...good luck

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Jun 02, 2008 7:31 am

None of you's could of been as bad as me. I was to scared to even learn I was so anxious. I don't know what way it works in the states but here in the UK we have to take a Theory Test & Hazard Perception test first, This is done at a test center and is basically answering questions on a computer in a tight little booth. Once you pass that then you take lessons with a driving instructor. I have passed my theory test and am taking lessons. Only 3 or 4 more to go then i'm up for my driving test. So after 10 years of being afraid I am doing it.

One thing about driving that does scare me is driving on a freeway/motorway. They can be long, boring and I find I have time for my anxious thoughts to creep in like "What if I vear of the road and into the ditch" But my instructor is excellent, Well he talks that much cr£p its very amuzing listening to him, and he repeats the same stuff every week. He thinks he's funny but he doesn't know I am laughing at him, not with him

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Jun 02, 2008 7:39 am

Hey Katiecol,
I 2 have just began to drive and I still have panic attacks. The technics are very helpful.Dont loose focus ,there will be both good and bad days. Our goal is to get better. You can do it and don't be so hard on yourself. Use the technics they really do work. Be encourage.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Jun 03, 2008 2:00 pm

This is the main reason that I joined this support website,,,,,,, I just took a vacation to Myrtle Beach with my best friend, and I refused to take Interstate at ALL, it caused us to take nearly 11 hours to get there from the house, when it should have taken a little less than 7 hours,,, Since starting this program, I realize I cannot give in to my fears and anxiety, and by avoiding the Interstate, I am only handicapping myself,,,, I have been using positive self-talk, and reassuring myself, I WILL be ok,,,,, I will pray for you and believe you, too, will overcome this,,,, Best wishes, Leigh

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Jun 04, 2008 9:00 am

How long have you been in the program and how long did it take you to start driving again??

derfy · Post by **derfy** » Wed Jun 04, 2008 9:02 am

Originally posted by lexie_671:
This is the main reason that I joined this support website,,,,,,, I just took a vacation to Myrtle Beach with my best friend, and I refused to take Interstate at ALL, it caused us to take nearly 11 hours to get there from the house, when it should have taken a little less than 7 hours,,, Since starting this program, I realize I cannot give in to my fears and anxiety, and by avoiding the Interstate, I am only handicapping myself,,,, I have been using positive self-talk, and reassuring myself, I WILL be ok,,,,, I will pray for you and believe you, too, will overcome this,,,, Best wishes, Leigh

How long have you been in the program? and how long did it take you to start driving on the interstate??

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Jun 04, 2008 1:20 pm

katiecol, if you ever figure out the driving thing let me know. I'm working on my fear as well. Some days are better than others. Hang in there. Best Wishes.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Jun 04, 2008 2:11 pm

The driving thing affects me mostly in the morning. I just try to stay focused, take a different route or listen to the session CD's. The CD's really help me, it keeps my panic in check. If I am having the what if thoughts, I often will answer them with different scenarios, trying to make the outcomes humorous. It sucks that our minds are constantly going, usually in a direction we don't want it to take but hang in there, it does get better.