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ToriLJ

Updated 1y ago

Tips for Overcoming Driving Anxiety

I have some bad driving anxiety. I was wondering if anyone had some tips that could help me.

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MrsClark9119

2y

What part of driving is giving you bad anxiety??
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SarTee

2y

I listen to podcasts when I'm able to. It's a distraction from what I'm feeling, usually, but not from what I'm doing or where I'm going, if that makes sense. It's like washing dishes and listening to the TV, takes your mind off the task but still with the ability to do it. It doesn't always work but it's my go to.
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Rae09

2y

I was in a bad accident when I was 8 so driving is hard but I've learned through therapy to use CBT or cognitive behavioral therapy and you can do this anywhere even in your car! Pick out 5 things you see,4 things you can touch,3 things you hear,2 things you smell,and 1 thing you taste And this exercise will ground you and help you to focus and remind yourself your okay ❤️ hang in there,you got this 🤗
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dogtober

2y

I totally relate, I've been in a couple accidents and it took me a while to even drive. Personally, it just took time for me to get used to driving and gain confidence in myself. A big thing to remember though is when you are feeling really anxious, never be afraid to pull over! I still have episodes and have to pull over sometimes, just know you aren't alone
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Pix1

2y

I can't drive on the highway.....I take back roads everywhere.
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IcedChai

2y

me too!
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pantaloonpatrol

2y

With my particular brand of driving anxiety, it just gets worse the longer I go without driving. Basically consistent exposure therapy is what's worked for me, though that definitely won't work for everyone. (Also podcasts)
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NukaCola

2y

I have PTSD from a car accident myself. Driving at least once a week helps. If my driving skills get rusty, my anxiety gets worse
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Lunare

2y

One time I was driving (it was like my 7th time ever driving and I have anxiety in the car even when I’m not the one driving) and my instructor told me to go on the main road and I said I wasn’t ready. He yelled at me and pressured me so I gave in after a while. As soon as I tried to turn onto the main road I felt like I blacked out. My vision went blurry and I turned into oncoming traffic. He turned the wheel out of the way and just started yelling at me again (which was understandable but it made it worse for me). I wanted to pull over but he just kept telling me to drive. Honestly my best advice is that if you’re not comfortable don’t push yourself. I haven’t driven since then.
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Fluffsy

2y

I have driving anxiety a lot and I haven’t even personally been in an accident or anything I just get really nervous I will. I typically have been driving with someone else in the car who knows I have driving anxiety and can help me out when I get anxious, that way I know that if worst comes to worst I can park somewhere and hand over driving to someone else until I’m more confident driving by myself
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Fluffsy

2y

That’s if your anxiety is bad to the point where mine is where it’s a major accomplishment to be driving at all let alone being by yourself
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Green_Goblin

2y

I drive with a stuffed animal. His name is Pete the Panda and he is my copilot! I also blast my music and sing as loud as I can so it's like I can't hear my anxious thoughts.
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Jellibean_Lover

2y

I so wish I could offer some help but I am in the exact same position. After an accident last year I’ve gotten in the drivers seat a total of one time and it resulted in a panic attack. I just can’t do it. My brain tells me that I am going to die if I drive that car and I just can’t do it. I wish I could just get over it so badly.
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cannoli

2y

Hi! So I used to have a ton of anxiety around driving when I was first learning, but now I’m 25 and it’s definitely gotten much better! My tip would be to start by going to places you know you enjoy, mapping out the route ahead of time, and/or taking the same route each time you go somewhere. I tend to stick to routine so maybe that would help?
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Ooblia

2y

Keep your eyes out for color patterns and motorcycle
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KirbyWirby

2y

I listen to music that I have memorized because of the good brain chemicals you get from that, it really helps. Some of the worst things about driving are not knowing what's going to happen next, so it helps balance it out to give your brain something it knows well to work with.
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SadWitch

2y

I put on 2000s dance music and try to focus on singing.
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AlternateHeart

2y

Music you enjoy or relaxes you

The content in this post is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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