Driving fears

Jonny25 · Post by **Jonny25** » Wed Mar 12, 2008 12:33 pm

Hi, i would like to know how you guys deal with driving, i still drive, but when coming to a stop, making a left or right turn, i feel the panic coming on and will either slow down or pull over till the light turns green. ive tried not looking back in the mirrors but no luck with that. my panic comes as soon as i see a car come up by me. so if you have any idea how i can fight this off and deal please respond. thanks!

BeatAnxiety07 · Post by **BeatAnxiety07** » Wed Mar 12, 2008 12:56 pm

Have you ever been in an accident?

Sounds to me like you had a scare while driving. I don't have much else to go on outside of that.

Just wanted you to know that we are reading and wishing you much luck in overcoming your fear.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Mar 13, 2008 5:38 am

Johnny,

I have had a fear of driving off and on in the past. The biggest thing I dealt with was I was afraid that I would get stuck somewhere and need to call my husband or family to come and get me.

My best suggestion is to just use the positive self talk and just psych yourself up in a good way instead of the negative way. Tell yourself that nothing is going to happen to you while you're in the car. Remind yourself that you will be okay. Remember that it takes a strong person to deal with anxiety so you ARE strong. Don't forget that. Even if you do end up having a panic attack (which you probably won't) just shake it off and keep going. Grab some mood lifting music to bring with you while you're in the car to distract yourself! You'll do just fine.

Good luck!
Carrie

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Mar 13, 2008 6:00 am

hi,
i reember well what you write and can tell you that yu are not alone. i remember when i was diagnosed with panic , anxiety, depression, agrophobia and IBS. i hated to drive and was scared. i would take short cuts to get away from going to stop lights..if i got stuck in traffic i wanted to get out and run..
as i went through the program and gt the skills and used them and quit even though it scared me at first. i drove and stopped at lights. sirens did not bother me...
i went from virginia to north caolina and he firsttime i go on the interstate there was a traffic jam.i thought i was going to die, pass out. i could imagine somone coming by and there i am lol..in a camper well, it was a 1977 dodge camper..i had a home away from home..
well, i ssat there and did not die or pass out.i drove and met the special lady i am married to now..
had i not gone we would not be here tday and now, i can rive, fly and even go on trip by myself..so if i can you can too..keep doing it a little ata time and, the more you do it the easier it gets..GOD helped me get through it all..you are in our thoughts and prayers and GOD BLESS..
DON

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Mar 13, 2008 6:07 am

Hello!I just wanted to let you know that you're definately not alone in this.I get the same way.I have'nt driven in about two years because I scared myself so bad!I also know exactly how the feeling when a car pulls up next to you is.It really all goes back to the feeling of being trapped.It's so hard to understand why we feel this way but I really have a feeling that we think that something is for sure going to happen to us infront of these people and how embarasing would that be?In other words we work our selves all up instead of letting those feelings just float by.Extremely important to let those feelings go!Hey you're stronger than me.I let it take control of me and now I have to learn how to drive all over again.Well not literally But you get the picture.I will be working on the driving thing again soon.That's my advice to you is to just let those feelings float buy and don't worry about the people because remember they don't even know that you have a problem with anxiety.Start new!It's a new day!You are strong and in control.Best of luck to you!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Mar 13, 2008 6:19 am

Hey *D* just wanted to let you Know that is so me now!Freak out!lol!!You give me such inspiration!You've come so far from the posts that I read of yours!Awesome!!I'm starting my walk of healing through God and am so excited!!It's been along time sense I've been excited about anything.Once you see the light out of the darkness it's an amazing thing is'nt it?I also wish you the best on you're mission trips!I thank that's incredible!!God Bless you!!!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Mar 13, 2008 6:35 am

fear not,
it is a joy to be able to help someone when i have been down that road and walked in their shoes..
you made my day whn you say how much it helped you..
i was not able to do those this a few years back..if you can please join us in the prayer group wednesday night at 10 p.m. take care and GOD BLESS..
IF I CAN HELP SOMEBODY AS I TRAVEL ON..THEN MY LIVING WILL NOT BE IN VAIN..

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Mar 13, 2008 6:40 am

Sometimes it helps me to roll the window or windows down if the weather permits. I don't feel as enclosed and trapped and the fresh air always helps. Also the outside noise of the cars sometimes distracts my thoughts. The radio can be a total distraction for me when I'm anxious.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Mar 13, 2008 7:39 am

I use to be challenged (a term in which is more empowering to me) to drive with my girls in the car. I would think someone would hit us. So I had to do a reality check...I have a strong and tough vehicle and the Word of God around me. I play praise and worship music in the truck and I seem to make 90% of all the green lights... Thats God's favor. Basically I took my mind off the panic into something more empowering. Remember driving is a luxury.....many can not afford....or be able to do because of disabilities or lack. Your blessed...Enjoy it!!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Mar 13, 2008 5:50 pm

HI Jonny25 and everyone.
I have panic when I am driving. I listen to lucinda's relaxation cd all the time while I am driving. the parts on the cd when she says positive things... like, "I am calm now" makes such a difference in my driving life. you are not alone. I have found my early childhood reasons for my panic, my father used to drive like a maniac and almost killed me and my family when we were kids b/c he would drag race with people when he was drunk. my mom did not drive. anyway, I have alot of car anxiety, as a driver and as a passenger and most of my current anxiety stems from my earlier childhood trama. THat said, I also have anxiety that I cannot trace back to anything, it seems to come out of the blue. all this to say to you, is you are not alone. you are in my thoughts.
Warm wishes,
Mary