fear of driving

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Feb 05, 2008 11:37 am

i havent try driving on the freeway without getting nervous all the time, my legs are shaking, especially if i'm right next to a big truck. i cant drive when my kids are with me on the freeway only side street, my friends are laughing at me. but i just cant. the thought of me taking a plane flight scare me alot. i cant visit my mom who is from another country, 16 hrs flight i have to take.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Feb 05, 2008 3:13 pm

I finally made myself get out and drive today on the highway! But.I had to
have my husband follow me going and then on the way back, he stayed at the store and I drove home by myself, which was only 15 minutes away but I guess thats somewhat of an accomplishment. I still have alot further to go. I took Barb's advice and ordered the driving cd today so hopefully that will get here soon and will be a big help.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Feb 06, 2008 12:29 am

Great job!!!! keep it up...let me know how the CD works out..

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Feb 06, 2008 12:52 am

Can you give me more information on how to find that CD?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Feb 06, 2008 10:06 am

just call the 1-800 number for StressCenter and tell them that you want to order the cd "Driving with comfort". I ordered mine yesterday so hopefully it will be here soon.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Feb 06, 2008 10:28 am

Hi Tracy,

That is so wonderful that you took the first step in trying to drive. I'm going to call right now and get the cd also, I will try anything to be able to drive again comfortably and be able to go place by myself.

I'm on my third day of the program so I don't have much results yet (not that I expect any yet)except I have to say the relaxation tape is really good

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Feb 06, 2008 1:01 pm

Hi Liz,
Hopefully this cd will be just what we need! Im soo tired of all of this. The relaxation cd is really good but it keeps putting me to sleep before I get to the end

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Feb 07, 2008 2:22 pm

When I first started program program last August, I couldn't even go 5 miles on the interstate. Now I can go 10 and probably more, just haven't tried it alone. With a friend I went 60 miles into a highly populated area with may on and off ramps one way and back. I've had some progress- Im still working on it.

Someone back when I started suggested something to help motivate/reward practice sessions. What you do is you make a big sign with the word COURAGE in block letters on it. Then in little letters in the middle write the word fear. Each practice session (you decide how to define that) you give yourself a star. Eventually you cover up the word fear by overpowering it with courage. So far I have covered up to half of "R" in the word courage in bright sparkly stars. I know I've forgotten to reward myself with some of the stars, but at least its a visual reminder of how many times I've gotten out there and tried.

I give myself a star for every five miles on the interstate alone. This is partly because half the distance I have to go is at an exit that I could potentially allow myself to get off and go another way. So if I go all 10 miles both ways in one day, I give myself 4 stars.

You could do the chart however you want, and add other rewards of your choosing. Say you get 20 stars- then you get to go to a movie, or have an hour of uninteruped personal time, or a new CD or book. Find what works for you and keeps you working toward reaching your goals. I know it's helped me!
Good luck!

Ps. I also bought the driving CD. I thought it was good, though a little repetative. It's basically positive self talk related to driving expereinces- which is definately a good thing to practice!