Anxiety caused driving phobia

[dolphin24]

Hi, I was diagnosed with anxiety 15 months ago. I had an episode while driving, i'm guessing it was a panic attack. I was dizzy all day everyday for 5 mths after that before i was diagnosed. Being dizzy i was unable to drive for the 5 mths. Once i was diagnosed i was slowly able to start driving but i am struggling to drive 10 mins down the road. I think deep down i'm scared of having another attack and being stuck on the side of the road and not being able to get myself and the car home. I know i have to keep trying, retrain my brain so it knows it's not danger everytime i get in the car. I was just wondering if anyone else is in a similar situation or has been in the past. Thanks in advance.

[Zeal]

Hi Heidi Louise,

I still haven't taken the test for my L plates, and I am now 22! I have a history of anxiety, though I've never had a panic attack. I'm worried I will make an error of judgement whilst driving, so I've been avoiding it for 6 years!

In order for you to feel more confident driving, I'd recommend speaking to your GP. If he/she believes you are capable of driving safely, then trust their judgement. If you feel extremely anxious one day, perhaps don't drive as far, or allow ample time to drive somewhere. If you take good care of your mental health, I think regular driving should be fine for you.

I hope you are able to overcome your hesitation to drive, and that your anxiety stays manageable.

Best wishes,

SM

[geoff]

dear Heidi-louise, boy it reminds me of going for mylicence and that's a long time ago, but it was nerve racking, so we appreciate how you feel.

Do you live in the city or country, but I would look on the net on tips to overcome these attacks 'panic attacks while driving', plus I would do as what SM has said go to your doctor.

It's a slow road (sorry) to recovery so you have to take your time. L Geoff. x

[dolphin24]

Thank-you for your advice SM 🙂 I hope you manage to get behind the wheel one day. I'm sure you will be a great driver.

[dolphin24]

Thanks for your advice Geoff. I live jusr out of the city. I will check the internet. Determined to beat this as I love driving. I use to drive for a living. Crazy hey ! Lol.

[MarkBt]

Hi heidi-louise,

I too love driving but have a real fear of driving in heavy rain/thunderstorms after some bad experiences. With the current weather it is really hard to avoid, in fact I came home a day early from holidays to avoid what I thought was going to be a stormy day. I have been living with anxiety for years and it was under control until recently it has returned. The only way I have managed it is to take baby steps and driving in rain close to home etc until my confidence improved. Today i drove 300km for work with predicted storms (which never eventuated of course) and was confident I would be able to cope with it if my fears were realised. It's confronting but you can get through this with a little help. 

[dolphin24]

Thank-you MarkBt. It's good to know i'm not the only one but in saying that i'm sorry to hear you have to deal with it too. You sound like a very strong person. I'll take your advice and take baby steps, and remind myself if you can do it, then so can i. 300km good on you ! That is an achievement that's for sure 🙂 

[Arno]

Hi just want to know whether you have managed your driving phobia, I might have the same problem, happened suddenly although I was on PTS treatment

[dolphin24]

Hi Arno, sorry for the late reply. I only just saw your post. I'm still trying. Same for me, fine one day, never been the same since. A few wks ago i drove the furtherest i have in a very long time. Thought that would've helped me alot but it hasn't. It's still a struggle. 

[nath243]

i have struggled dealing with a fear of driving. i am now 31 and really need my independence & freedom. i am finding if very difficult hearing & seeing everyone enjoying their life around me. i wish there is an alternative to driving to allow me to go have fun and enjoy the free time i get instead of wasting it.