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Struggling with Driving Anxiety

GenL

708d

Has anyone had difficulty driving? I have felt really inadequate, depressed and defeated because my anxiety around driving has gotten so bad I can hardly go anywhere. I live in a city where you need to drive to get almost everywhere, so I just stay home unless I can go with someone else. I feel less autonomous than a child because I could drive without issue from 16-20. I don’t know what to do to even start working on the issue or make peace with the fact that I can’t do this anymore.

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11

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Panic Disorder

Anxiety (Including GAD)

Low Mood

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Top reply
    • Rausha

      687d

      Welcome to my world... It's very frustrating to depend on others to drive me to a darn grocery store... My worst fear is that I will start freak out and have panic attack while stuck in heavy traffic. And obviously, I am.good at projecting and anticipating the worst. So I really need to learn some distracting techniques and so far am trying to face my fears little by little....one extra mile at a time... literally

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    • Rausha

      687d

      Welcome to my world... It's very frustrating to depend on others to drive me to a darn grocery store... My worst fear is that I will start freak out and have panic attack while stuck in heavy traffic. And obviously, I am.good at projecting and anticipating the worst. So I really need to learn some distracting techniques and so far am trying to face my fears little by little....one extra mile at a time... literally

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    • CrazyFrog

      703d

      I struggle with this too! I hardly ever drive, only when I absolutely have to and there is no other option. I can’t imagine driving myself to the store or going through a drive through. It’s so frustrating because I feel like I stand in my own way to leave the house. I want to leave but I just can’t pick up the keys and go :/

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      • GenL

        697d

        @CrazyFrog I totally understand. It’s really difficult! Hang in there. 💛

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    • Green_Goblin

      708d

      I have also been struggling so hard with getting out of the house! I have found that having a "buddy" with me (stuffed animal) helps me get the courage and motivation to drive. I wish you luck friend :)

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      • GenL

        704d

        @Green_Goblin Thank you so much! I really appreciate the support. Best of luck to you, too!

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    • SarTee

      708d

      Yes. I listen to podcasts or something I can focus on instead of how I'm feeling while driving. Sometimes it works, sometimes not. I feel this way even when I'm not the one driving sometimes. It's so hard. I'm so sorry you're dealing with it also, but know you're not alone!

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      • GenL

        708d

        @SarTee Thank you! I feel that way on occasion when other people are driving. I just hate feeling trapped. It kicks me into flight mode. I hope you find ways to decrease anxiety over time - and in the meantime feel better that you’re not alone. 💛

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        • anxieyhelp

          688d

          @GenL yes, I too feel the need to "escape". Feeling like you are stuck. The traffic lights are awful and I try to avoid them

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    • Ldub

      708d

      Oh my gosh SAME!!! I haven't been able to drive much at all the past 2 years and I have no idea how I'm going to continue in life this way. I've tried therapy, EMDR, meds. Nothing has helped. I wouldn't be able to get to work if it weren't for my mom. She's about to be 70 and I'm not sure how much longer she's going to be able to help me. You're not alone friend 💜

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      • GenL

        708d

        @Ldub I’d be happy to be a support buddy if you ever want to send me a direct message. I’ve felt really alone with this even though I have friends & family - they just can’t understand what I go through.

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      • GenL

        708d

        @Ldub Thank you so much for responding! 💛 I went for a walk last night and just felt like crying watching everyone drive down the street with no issue. I am an otherwise productive, smart, responsible person - people come to me for advice because I’m someone who just gets things done. I even went on a long flight this year after years of being terrified of flying… But this one thing I just can’t seem to make any progress on. It’s so frustrating!

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☝ This content is generated by our users and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with your physician before making any medical decision

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