Anxiety over West Gate Bridge

[Anicca]

I have had debilitating anxiety about travellling over the West Gate Bridge for many years now. I used to be ok but then I began getting anxious if it was windy and thinks spiralled from there.
I just googled this and found there are some old posts on BB. I am so glad I am not alone. I recently read that Anthony Field, the Blue Wiggle, had a panic attack and stopped his car on the bridge. I was so close to this the last time I drove across it!! For some reason I thought it was just me and felt foolish that I haven’t been able to overcome it.
I am going on a trip where I could use the bridge but I use another route that takes the same amount of time.
I have GAD and have been able to overcome other fears but I don’t want to put myself through that anxiety again. I was ok with someone else driving but I won’t even do that now.
It is such a relief to hear that other people do have the same fear that I do.
Today I was able to tell someone that I am not the only one!! It legitimises it somehow.
I just hope this post helps another person.
Best wishes, Anicca

[white knight]

Hi,

Yes, these issues wont help anxiety. Finding alternative is a good idea. When I had anxiety (reduced mine myself https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/anxiety/anxiety-how-l-eliminated-it ) I would drive past an old workplace and my heart would skip a beat, that's how it felt.

There an underground freeway being built under the westgate ATM. If you dont mind going under. But your alternative might just be the permanent answer.

Thankyou for this post.

TonyWK

[blondguy]

Hi Anicca

I understand your feelings with driving over the Westgate bridge even after years of healing from anxiety issues

The founder of Beyond Blue (and a previous Premier of Victoria) Jeff Kennett did mention that he felt 'uncomfortable' driving over the Westgate bridge as well. I also find it unsettling/anxious too!

TonyWK (above) mentioned an alternative route as well as his own helpful anxiety related thread topic " www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/anxiety/anxiety-how-l-eliminated-it "

Just for myself Anicca....I would prefer to take the long way around instead...

you are not alone at all with GAD and the Westgate bridge

Very helpful post and thankyou 🙂

Paul

[Anicca]

Thank you for your supportive words. It really helps to know I am not alone. I never knew Jeff Kennett had also said that!

Keep well,

Anicca

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[Anicca]

Hello white knight,

It’s good to know I am not alone. I don’t know how I would feel travelling through an underground tunnel! It might be just as scary in it’s own way.
Best wishes,

Anicca

[Fiatlux]

Hi Annica,

I had to cross that bridge twice daily for 3 years just travelling to and from work.

I hated it.

A coworker once said to me that it’s almost inevitable that I would be involved in an accident on the bridge as I used it so frequently.

I moved my work back closer to home soon after this comment.

The ongoing constant changes around getting on and off that bridge causes me serious anxiety.

In the previous years prior to covid, I had to travel to Tullamarine airport several times a year. This trip is another anxiety inducing road trip. I have paid Taxi fare several times to avoid driving there too.

Keep safe and avoid that bridge. I know people who were alive when it fell down. 🙏🏼

[Anicca]

Thank you for your response. Yes, I still remember the people that died when that happened. That proves to me that it can happen. Also, the bridge moves in the wind which it has to be able to do for construction purposes but it scares me. I don’t know how you did it for three years. I’m happy to avoid it for the rest of my life. It does help talking to people who feel the same way! My friends didn’t have a problem with it which made it hard for me.