Situational Anxiety/Anxiety while driving.

[thomj513]

I don't know if this is even a legitimate problem area, but I'm having problems with anxiety while driving in my car.  It's getting to the point where I'm afraid one day that I won't be able to even get into the thing.  My Dr has had me on Prozac and Celexa but I'm now off of both due to the bad side effects I was having.  I go back again on the 17th of this month to see what else they'll prescribe.  Anyone else have this "phobia"?  Thx, Thom.

[Prescott5419]

I have the same problem. It started in 2009. I was driving and was in a traffic jam and had a panic attack. But it went away and I didn't have any problems again for a couple months.  I am fine driving close to my house and I only work 10 minutes away. Driving to work never bothered me until now, it seems to get worse. I try tricking myself, wearing sunglasses and sunny days usually helps but I just want to be normal again. It affects my life as I have to plan out driving.  I am glad I am not the only one and have been to a counselors. She said I was doing everything right but I just want to nbe normal again. I really feel better knowing that there are other people out there having the same issues.  I get in my car everyday, its not enjoyable by any means, but I do it.

[boolie52]

Boy I didnt realize when I looked up driving phobia,,that Im not alone...Ive had this problem for about 12 years...and I really havent found an answer..It seems as though doctors want to put you on medications right away...there are books out there claiming to help.(which Ive done both)..and still havent found an answer,.Im just soo curious on why this happens to people...I can see having issues if you've been in an accident...but in my case I havent...I don't know why this happened to me..I could drive anywhere until I was in my late 30's....and it just started to happen..no ryme or reason...Anxiety does run in my family...But Im the only one that has this particular problem...Its almost like a claustrophobic feeling...Well that is exactly how I feel...If I didnt get that dizziness feeling it wouldnt be so bad...But I do believe that if you get in you car and drive everyday...and talk to yourself while your driving...saying things like Feel the fear and do it anyway...Your Ok....Your driving fine...trust that the other car doesnt want to come in your lane..and won't...repeat and do this until its not scarey...My problem is I live in a small town...I dont have access to freeway driving..in which that is where I have alot of anxiety!!! How does someone like me work on driving on interestate when I dont get on one very often...If everyone would travel at 40 mph I wouldnt feel so afraid....LOL...I do find when I talk to myself when I feel the anxiety coming on it does help..Semi's scare the hell out of me...don't know why??? Driving at night another issue...And yes I do agree that negative thinking is a huge factor in all of this!!! Hopefully we all can continue to work on the things that could help...I don't think there is a magic wand...although I wish there was...I will continue to search for answers and techniques to help me and everyone with this problem....You'd think with sooo many people having this kind of issue there would be a clinic of some sort that didnt want to make a buck to help people get on with their lives...How sad that we have this stupid issue that keeps us from living a full life that we deserve...Im on a mission to get over this crap..and maybe I can help people through this terrible...frightening...thing called Panic!!!

[Later2tater]

I also have an issue driving. I was in a head on collision 4 years ago. The damage to my car was bad, I got off lucky to say the least. I did not cause the accident, just happened to be in the wrong place. I did not know I had an issue until the following year when the same type of snow fell and I cleaned off my car, and got on the highway. This is when the clenching of the wheel, hyperventilating and the full onset of complete fear struck. I am fine driving at any other time except winter and only on bad weather days. I also suffer from GAD, with everything that has happened - I understand why. This is the third time in my life I have suffered. This time working on my own has not worked so I am now getting drug free help. Pills do not help, it is how you talk to yourself that has to be fixed. I agree with the self challenges, they do work, but not overnight - have patience and keep up being positive, it's the negative thoughts that get in your way. Anxiety is stress, stress is there to tell you to relax ;slow down).. The drus I have tried in the past - they don't work, see a professional - write when your anxiety is high and bring it to your helper. Get reading material to help you. Hope this helps :)

[kkuyke01]

This page is already making me feel better. I've been struggling with anxiety and panic disorder since I was about 12 and now at 31 it's almost debilitating. 5 years ago I had my first in car panic attack. Barely made it home and my 20 minute drive turned into 3 hours. Ever since that day, my life has been somewhat ruined. I no longer enjoy any thing involves a crowd, traffic, etc. I hate being in the left turn lane and it's something I never even thought about before. I can no longer go to concerts, events, or busy restaurants. I used to love going places and now I'm a prisoner to my anxiety. I've been on every drug there is and done years of therapy. I'll start to make improvements and go through months of feeling better and then it all comes back months later. I'm just so glad I'm not alone. Thank you all for sharing, it has brought me some comfort. Bless you all <3

[Chicki3812]

Has your anxiety while driving improved at all? I just posted a comment on this chain. Im afraid that this isnt going to just be a freak anxeity faze. I relate to this post 100%

[Chicki3812]

I know this was posted a longgg time ago but i was just researching things about anxiety online. Its a good feeling to know your not alone when it comes to these situations. I had a really bad panic attack while driving one night about a week a ago. Its my first time driving in the winter, so that was a little scary. Ive had anxiety since middle school and im now a senior. It was inder control for the longest time and i rarely had anxiety. until last sunday. Everytime I think about driving now i get anxious. I know it because im afraid of having anxiety which is silly. But its true. Ive been forcing myself to drive mostly because I know it will only get worse if i dont. I feel better when I call someone like my mom, sister or boyfriend. They all understand. And I tihnk it doesnt help that its my time of the month with hormones. Im just really afraid that its never going to get better. I cant let it control my life, which it has been the past few days. The freedom of driving is awesome, especially for a teenager, but latley I dont want to drive at all. Anyone from previous posts resolve their issue with driving? thanks!