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Do You Struggle With Driving Anxiety?

MoeCha

598d

Is there anyone else who has difficulty or anxiety towards driving? I have my license, a car and have driven multiple times. However, whenever I get behind the wheel or even think about driving my heart races like crazy. Even after driving to my destination, I get out of the car with my hands trembling and have to motivate myself to drive back home after.

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Anxiety (Including GAD)

Acute Anxiety

Tachycardia

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    • squeekyjaxx

      596d

      I'm almost 30 and I just do not drive. Besides anxiety, I also disassociate kinda randomly, so I don't really feel like it would be safe

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    • http.sunflower

      596d

      Yeah I used to be anxious to drive but after practicing a lot and being safe each time (not getting into a crash, not feeling like I was in danger) I became less anxious about driving now. I just try not to think about the process of driving too much, and just hop in the car and go (while following the rules of the road of course). Basically, if I overthink it, that’s when the anxiety comes in so I just prevent my self from thinking about it too much. Maybe that technique can work for you as well?

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    • ina

      596d

      yeah, i've nearly caused accidents and get really anxious when people get mad at me. i try to make a playlist for driving that gets me excited, like ooh i get to listen to this song today. i'll sing along when alone and hum when at stoplights and it makes me feel better

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    • Cait01

      596d

      I feel the same way! I failed my driver's test twice because of making mistakes due to anxiety. I am struggling to get my license. I know I need to get it, but driving is emotionally draining. My heart beat gets increasingly faster while driving.

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    • MoeCha

      597d

      What are some relaxation or coping techniques you all use? I've tried having nice scents in my car, breathing before I start my car and while I'm driving, listening to jazz music and using GPS. I also try to have a family member that calms me down in the car. My little sister loves to go any and everywhere so she will hop right in the car so I won't be alone.

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      • http.sunflower

        596d

        @MoeCha playing music helps me also! It gives my brain something to think about on the side which calms me down. You can also get a small car diffuser where u can put essential oils such as lavender or eucalyptus which can be relaxing. Maybe you can also add a “good luck charm” to your car like a cross necklace, little action figure, or small plushie.

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      • Kyralynn

        597d

        @MoeCha I always have music on as well and try to focus on the words instead of the physical symptoms of anxiety that I am experiencing. However, that doesn’t always work and my husband drives 99% of the time.

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    • katsumie

      597d

      Yes, I started driving a year ago. I literally shake terribly on some days when i’m driving and i really never know the cause too it.

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    • Adley

      597d

      Yes. I can’t drive and don’t have my license. I hate it. I’m 24 and have a kid, but I still rely on my family to help me get around. It’s tough. I am trying to work my way through it, I know how to drive just not how to function through the panic

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    • Kyralynn

      598d

      Wow!! Me too!! That’s one of my biggest anxiety’s right now. I hate it. I can’t drive more than 10-15 minutes before freaking out 😓

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      • MoeCha

        598d

        @Kyralynn You are doing great if you can go 10-15 mins. Just the thought of driving freaks me out. I make the mistake of looking up the distance on Google Maps and get scared away. I think my anxieties stem from my fear of leaving my house and crowds. So when I had to take the bus I was terrified and now it latched on to driving 😭 I try to force myself to run errands early in the morning so it's not that many people out (both in stores and in traffic). However I still run from driving at times.

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        • Kyralynn

          598d

          @MoeCha tonight was the first time I drove 30 minutes and I almost didn’t make it. Now I’m about to have to drive back home and I’m freaking out. It’s not the destination I freak out about, but rather the act of driving in fear of having an anxiety attack which involves getting dizzy and heart racing. 😥

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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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