huge accomplishment!

*Chelsie* · Post by ***Chelsie*** » Mon Jun 01, 2009 12:36 pm

So a year ago I couldn't even leave my house but today I finally got my drivers permit! Now the really hard part is going to be learning to drive with an anxiety disorder lol. But at least I finally got up the nerve to get the first step done, on to the next. =)

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Jun 01, 2009 1:07 pm

<span class="ev_code_RED">OUTSTANDING!!</span>

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Jun 01, 2009 1:11 pm

Chelsie that is SO awesome!

Anything you'd like to share about how you got through it?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Jun 01, 2009 2:48 pm

shifra,
i just talked my way through the anxious parts. I've stopped trying to fight the anxiety because it just makes me panic more and I'm learning to just distract myself with different thoughts and let myself panic if it happens. I haven't done the program past the first few sessions but I know that's what they said to do. that was so difficult when i was first starting but its amazing how it becomes a habit after awhile and it actually helps a lot.

I was almost completely homebound for about 5 years. It was so hard when I first started going places again. But over the past year of just forcing myself to go through it, it's gotten surprisingly easy. I enjoy being out for the most part.

Today i was hardly anxious at all. My most anxious part was when I got to the DMV and I got a bit anxious over having to sit in one place to take the test. I got that feeling like I wasn't allowed to get up therefore I had no way out. But I just let myself feel it and got to work with my distracting thoughts and eventually the test itself distracted me enough lol.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Jun 02, 2009 3:04 am

wow good job Chelsie! That's so awesome!

I'm 24, I remember learning how to drive and how nervous I was. But you know what I did that really helped me...
I started out learning to drive in a parking lot after business hours when no one was there with my mom. I did it just to get a feel for the car and I didn't have to worry about hitting anything. After that I went out onto the road but roads that hardly anyone was on. I don't know if you were planning on doing any of this, but I just thought I'd share because it really helped me build some confidence before getting around other drivers, which is scary in itself at first.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Jun 02, 2009 4:28 am

Congrats Chelsie!!

I am in the same situation, got my G1(permit in Canada) but haven't really been able to practice driving and go do the road test. Looking forward to the day when I finally drive a care again.

Keep up the good work!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Jun 02, 2009 5:44 am

carla,
thats exactly what I want to do. I don't want to get behind the wheel without knowing the feel of the vehicle. I'm really nervous but also really excited to drive. We won't have insurance on the vehicle I'm going to be driving yet so I won't get a chance to do anything for a couple of weeks... Not sure yet if its a relief or a let down lol.

Are you still driving and how difficult is it for you if you are?

and stacks- thank you! good luck with driving

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Jun 02, 2009 3:15 pm

Congratulations on you getting your permit!!!

Keep up the good work!!!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Jun 02, 2009 5:14 pm

Originally posted by paxcas:
UMMMM, Chelsie find a new person to quote. Marylyn Monroe committed suicide. Unless you believe in the government conspiracy.

I have to say I find this post unnecessary on a site like this. Chelsie is making huge strides here and a response such as this is just so sad. I hope you delete, it just doesn't belong in this thread.

All the best to you on your own journey.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Jun 02, 2009 6:15 pm

Good for you Chelsie. That is awesome. And you are going to be a great driver. Get the Driving CD from Stress center, I hear it really helps. BTW, I love your quote, and Marilyn Monroe.