Treating Anxiety: Overcoming Irrational Fears

I have had terrible fears in the past driving. I would take the long roads anything to avoid traffic or more then two lanes. I'm getting better but I did a lot of trips at night or weekends when I knew there was not much traffic. I closed all windows put in cool air even if it's cold took many deep belly breaths stayed to the right and If I had to exit I could always to s get back on put the radio on a talk station or religious jass. I would tell my self I'm safe and only focus on what Is in front of me not to side or behind. Cars coming up from behind me would freak me out. Many times I wanted to just pull on to the side. Many times I would get off an exit and drive the frontage If available. Last I took many breaks drive five mins then off for ice water. Oh coffee as much as It loved It made It worse. Hope any of this helps. Baby steps. Mine was a trigger that came after loosing my daughter 12 years ago. It took me 10 years to finally drive most highways. Still hate big bridges. I even drive from Florida to NC a month ago and I was pretty amazed. Just pray It doesn't take you all that long. Find out what is triggering you when you drive. Prayers

Ok so I'm new here so hopefully this is a safe place....I've been through alot. I'm always worried about upsetting or people not liking me....I say it doesn't matter but it does. I have no real friends...I had a brain anyerism last year even though the drs kept trying to tell me the symptoms I was having were just anxiety. I am deathly afraid of big dogs or loud noises. Can't handle loud people. I want to go for a walk and have tried but eventually I always have a panic attack. Never been to therapy or any just a reg. Dr. Maybe I should? Feel like I'm crazy...

i was talking to a friend about this today. she suggested listening to podcasts about the topic. i haven’t tried it yet though

Sounds like you might be getting stuck in your own mind of what ifs and maybe things could’ve been different if.. if you are not wanting to go on a medication one thing that could benefit you is just allowing yourself to go out and try to enjoy the day that way when you get home you’re too exhausted to have your mind wandering and hopefully be able to fall asleep peacefully.

It sounds like you could really benefit from talk therapy, especially something that targets irrational thoughts like CBT. Talk to your doctor also about mood-stabilizing medications.

I wish my anxiety wasn't so bad I would love to work in town (st louis)😥

Me too. Alot more than usual..I have complete irritational thoughts about things. Im in constant fear of I don't even know what.

Same. I’ve gotten really bad anxiety lately about driving, specifically on the highway or in tunnels/on bridges. It’s debilitating and idk what to do about it because I live in a place that requires driving in those conditions to get pretty much anywhere. My inbox is open if you need to process or talk through how you’re feeling 💕

hi! im sorry you feel this way. it must be so uncomfortable. in this time of fear, try to remember: you are safe. your anxiety is simply pushing these irrational fears into your head space. i used to struggle with this too! you are not alone and they DO go away with being kind and understanding to yourself. best of luck!! 💕 💕