Can't seem to get over my fear of driving

little italy · Post by **little italy** » Fri Mar 20, 2009 5:54 am

Hi everyone!
I know i'm still new to the program,getting ready to start session 3. I have made some progress so far. I got over one of my fears and that was just going outside. But I feel like I'm never going to get over one of my other biggest fears, DRIVING. I'm not even able to sit in my truck without panicing. I've had many panic attacks in the past when either myself or my boyfriend was driving. The last time I drove or was even a passenger in are trucks was last June. I'm afraid that the panic feeling will get so bad that I will crash and hurt myself, my kids, or someone else. After finishing session 2 I was able to get myself threw a panic attack I was starting to have last week, but I'm not sure I would be able to do it when I'm driving and I just don't want to hurt anyone. I just want to be able to take my boys to school and not have to rely on my boyfriend to do everything. How do I ease myself back into driving? Any suggestions?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Mar 20, 2009 2:43 pm

You sound just like me and I had to look to be sure it wasn't one of my posts.haha I tried to face my fear of driving right after I began the program, but I wasn't ready yet. I didn't really know how to use the skills in the program yet and therefore every time I did attempt to drive I got so anxious I couldn't even make a decent attempt at using my skills. Don't push yourself to fast because you will set yourself up for disappointment and more anxiety. Just keep practicing your skills to get more comfortable with them, and trust them. There will be a point in the program where Lucinda will say time to get out and face your fears. Still then you must take smaller steps, then add on more. Believe me it is hard and was slow for me. Be patient with yourself and the program, hang in there and do your best not to feel quilty about your boyfriend and kids, it will just make you feel worse. When you do begin to drive and feel panic pull off the road somewhere and use your breathing skills and DO NOT forget positive self talk. You can calm yourself down enough to get home or at least further down the road.

Just for reference the first time I drove a distance from home I had to pull over and calm myself at least every 5 miles it seems.haha I hope this helps you. Good luck with the program.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Mar 21, 2009 8:07 am

Thank you Deener SOOO much for your reply!
I'm glad to know I'm not the only one who has this fear. I know what you mean now by positive self talk because I just started session 3 today. The funny thing is when she talked about writing down all of your neggative thoughts, I don't think I can find a note pad with enough paper in it, haha. I know it will take awhile and to just be proud of getting over my fear of going outside. Thanks again for your advise.

Hope to talk to you again!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Mar 21, 2009 9:07 am

Hello "little italy," may I just suggest a book that you may be interested in reading. It has really helped me out. It's called "Do Hard Things" by Alex and Brett Harris. You can check out the description and reviews on Amazon.com if you're interested. God bless!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Mar 21, 2009 9:37 am

Thanks truth for the info. I will be looking into it. Thanks again!!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Mar 24, 2009 6:29 am

hey little italy, just wanted to let you know that you are not alone. i also have a fear of driving, and have been pretty much homebound for over a year now. i'm on session 7 of the program, and truly believe that i will get over this fear of driving soon. even thinking about getting in the car can cause fear and anxiety, so i know how you feel, and will be praying for you daily. hope you feel better soon

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Mar 24, 2009 6:52 am

Thank you sooo much rhonda for your kind reply!!

It makes me feel better that I'm not alone.It's always hard when people don't understand and think that I'm just faking the way I feel.They don't understand that the feelings are real. I hope the program will help me overcome this fear. I know it takes time and alot of work and I will do anything to get my life back.

Thanks again!

Hope we can keep intouch!!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Mar 24, 2009 7:04 am

yea, little italy, i know what you mean by thinking that people don't understand. my sister once told me to "suck it up", you know, get over it. boy did i want to sock her, ha. unless someone has went through this, they usually don't understand. thank God i have a husband that has not went through this but is very understanding with me, still though i sometimes feel bad because i should be working due to our finances, and feel like he really wishes i was working also, but just won't say it. can't win for losing, right. good luck and i'll help in any way i can.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Mar 24, 2009 2:33 pm

Hello Everyone! I also have the driving problem! Some days I can drive in town on familiar roads without a problem, other days not so easy. The one thing I can't bring myself to do is drive outside of town. I am on week 3 of the program and working hard to overcome my fears of driving. Any suggestions would be most helpful.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Mar 29, 2009 4:43 pm

Hi again Rhonda, thanks for another reply!!

I'm glade you too can understand about the people who just don't get it. I to am thankful that my boyfriend is very understanding like your husband is. I also feel bad because I'm unable to work and It's really hard to only have one income these days(I do recieve SSD but it really doesn't help much) So I can totally relate with you.

Hi paula!!!

Thanks for posting here. I am also looking for suggestios too! I can't bring myself to even drive down my driveway. I'm having to repeat session 3 this week cuz it has been such a challenge for me, I'm not quite ready to move on! So my biggest fear is driving, so let me know if you get any tips or make any progress.
Good luck and hope to hear from you soon!!!