Driving anxiety

[NBAC79]

Does anyone else experience driving anxiety? 

I've had anxiety on and off for years but this aspect is new for me.

I'd like to know how others deal with it?

I'm worried it will leave me completely housebound soon if I don't get on top of it.

Stopping at red traffic lights is my biggest issue at the moment. Instant panic attack inducer.

But also just driving in general.

What do others experience and suggest?

[PatT]

Hi NBAC,

Yep, I get anxiety while driving. Actually I get anxiety while doing most things but driving can often be a big trigger. The best thing I've found to alleviate it is listening to podcasts in the car. There are some really interesting ones like Radiolab, This American Life, Freakonomics and Serial that you can get for free on iTunes. I download them, put them on my phone and listen to them while driving. It's funny because it requires slightly more concentration than listening to music and somehow distracts me from the anxiety. 

Also, I went through a period where I was getting pretty anxious about it and kind of dreading the thought. You have to force yourself to face this fear, don't shy away - force yourself to drive. If you make a habit of avoiding driving then your fear wins. Never let your fear win.

All the best,

Pat.

[Zeal]

Hi, thanks for posting!

I also have anxiety about driving - you are not alone. Here is the link to a conversation about driving anxiety. I've replied to the person in this thread, and so have some others 🙂

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/connect-with-others/online-forums/anxiety/anxiety-about-driving

[Chris_B]

Hi NBAC79, I'd really recommend the thread below as well. One of our members, Daisee, discusses how she overcame her driving anxiety:

First step to a positive future

[baroquendoll]

Hi there 🙂

I'm new here and I have a similar problem. I've had low level anxiety for as long as I can remember, but when I started learning to drive it began to really cripple me. I've been learning for over 3 years now, failed the test twice and although objectively I can drive much better, I don't feel any less afraid. Even thinking about driving upsets me. I just want to give up, but I'll never hear the end of it from my family if I quit, and sooner or later I'm probably going to live somewhere where the public transport is too unreliable to use...

I've read a lot of stuff online, but most of it seems to be geared towards people who already have a licence... I can't just jump in the car and drive around the block when I'm feeling brave and it's really frustrating for my partner to have to deal with all the angst involved in getting me in the car. Right now it just feels so hopeless. I'm seeing a therapist, but I don't feel like I'm making progress.

Is it better just to quit?