Driving got me bad

[Sessel81]

Hi everyone,

I’m new to this. I was googling ways to help with driving anxiety and stumbled across this forum.

I’m 39 and have been struggling with anxiety and panic attacks for as long as I can remember. In general, I manage my anxiety pretty well but when I have to drive on a highway or somewhere unknown (or where there is nothing around), I completely lose control and have huge panic attacks. Getting stuck at traffic lights or in roadworks is a nightmare for me. If I can’t escape, I go into full panic mode!

I miss out on so many things because I am afraid to drive. I can handle driving around the city I live in, but as soon as I hit a highway it’s just frightening. I feel for my kids who miss out on things because I’m too afraid to drive them where they want to go.

Is anyone else in the same boat? Is there light at the end of this debilitating tunnel??

[Petal22]

Hi Sessel81,

Welcome to our forums!

Sorry you have been feeling this way...

Have you seeked professional help for your anxiety?

You could do a mental health plan with your gp this will give you access to a phycologist who could give you many strategies to help you to manage your anxiety.....

it must be very hard to have this whilst driving and if it stops you from doing things you want to do I highly recommend you seek professional help...

I know how anxiety feels it’s debilitating at times and it’s exhausting I had severe anxiety OCD I have now recovered from this condition thanks to the help of health professionals.. there is hope you can recover aswell with the correct help.

here if you want to chat

[Sessel81]

Thanks so much for the reply. It’s nice to hear that someone has been there and recovered! Very encouraging. I have had a mental health plan and was seeing a psychologist but he wasn’t a good fit for me. Am hoping that if I go back to the doctor , she can find me someone I’m more compatible with.

[Petal22]

That’s ok Sessel81,

if I can recover there is hope you can too....

yes, please go back to your gp and see a different phycologist.... you will find one you can feel comfortable with... just keep trying....

here if you want to chat

[Sessel81]

Much much appreciated xx