Stress Center Peer Support

I developed a driving phobia about 8 years ago. It became so bad that I gave up and stopped driving altogether. I gave my car away and didn't bother to renew my license. Over the years I've found ways to work around this but have felt really bad with the disability, not being able to go where I want and having to find work within the framework of a non-driver.

A few months ago a new job opportunity came my way, I knew that I would have to overcome this situation. I took some driving lessons and renewed my driving license. About a month ago I rented a car and have been driving almost every day. It has been very hard. On the open road, I am terrified that I might lose control. As a result I have not been unable to pick up speed beyond 60kmh (37mpH).

Sometime back I picked up a copy of one Lucinda's books. The truth is that I didn't really read it though. The other day my wife reminded me about the book and I googled Lucinda and got to <A HREF="http://www.stresscenter.com" TARGET=_blank>www.stresscenter.com</A>

Reading the text and watching some videos and then some more research on the web, I realized for the first time that I am suffering from agoraphobia.

Wow, it has a name, and there are other people who for no reason are afraid that they might lose control and are concerned about what would think if they happened. And there are people who have gotten over this. This was all pretty amazing to me.

But what is more incredible to me is that today I got in the car and drove (I won't say with out fear)I nearly reached 80kmph (50mph) without a panic attack and with out forcefully pushing myself.

It seems that just knowing what I've got and that I'm not going crazy, is making me feel better about myself and my situation.

river_one,

GOOD for you...you're well on your way! From your post, I gather you've gained this insight from your own research and possibly some of the entries on this forum? This attacking anxiety program is remarkable! If you don't already have the program, I'd strongly encourage you to think of getting it....as you, I found and continue to gain such strength & comfort in knowing WHAT it is that's the obstacle and that I too can overcome as have so many before us!
Driving had just started to be a limitation of mine...going somewhere was alright but the return to home is when I'd get apprehensive...I push myself to just get out there and do it...and I am, with each time being a bit more comfortable than the last. I contribute alot of this progress to my own working of the program (although I'm going at slower than a snail's pace :p) but also, largely to the fine folks on this forum that share their knowledge and vulnerabilities. All of this helps me to know that I'm not alone in my dealings with these anxious thoughts....and that's REALLY ALL IT IS....thoughts. The TRUTH is, I've always enjoyed driving and have done it for many many years without incident...it's just a couple of scary thoughts, feelings, panicky moments that are trying to rob me from this great privledge of driving...maintaining my independence and going to and fro without discomfort! I WILL/AM overcoming and you will too...just keep doin' it!
Wishing you all the best!

I have the same thing as you, Agoraphobia. Had it since I was 13 or 14, Im 26 now. I read a book of Lucindas, and tried completing this program but never fully followed through. I can drive certain places close to home with out a driving buddy, but most of the time I have a person I trust ride with me. I do drive fast however, I like driving at about 60-85 miles per hour. My truck cruises smoothly at that speed, LOL!! My fear of loosing control is about staying calm while on the road. Im affraid that I will loose control of myself and break into panic mode which will cause me to hit the gas in a frenzy and barrel through anything and anyone in my way while getting back to my house. Hopefully you are laughing about that, because I have learned with this phobia you have got to have a sense of humor, HAHAHAHA!!

I agree with you that finding out this is a curable thing and also knowing there is a name to it has helped me as well. Keep that positive thought process it will help you to over come your limitations. Best wishes to you, and hope you have a great day!