Anxiety And Driving.

[Eleanor]

Singing: "Get your motor running.... Drive it down the highway!"

HURRAH!!!! Super amazing job, gizmo, you are truly truly an inspiration! :tup::tup::tup::tup::D

 

[Deleted member 12723]

Thanks eleanor so very much. You have been so encouraging with so many good things to think about and do.

I am very happy that I have been doing so well. It has helped alot to come here and record my experiences and talk to other people who suffer from anxiety while driving. I am glad I am having such success.

 

[amethist]

I have been following this thread with interest gizmo, and have to say my husband is back driving again and does find is very stressful at times.

Keeping his anxiety levels down is the main issue. Traveling to where ever we are going does not seem so bad, its the coming home that raises his anxiety levels more.

 

[Deleted member 12723]

Hi Amethist, I am glad he is driving. I think it is important to keep getting back on the horse. I am afraid of avoidance in my own life. I used it for so long and I'm paying for it now. An outdated survival skill that works against me now.

How does he keep his anxiety levels down? I have a easier time coming home. I always go to McDonalds for a mocha frappe afterwards.

I am very interested in how he keeps his anxiety levels down?

 

[Srain]

Gizmo,

I thought I had posted more recently on here but I apparently didn't (only in my heart, I guess), needless to say this is something that is ongoing for me and your achievements are awesome!! :)

I continue to struggle but am back out there, allowing myself to opt out if I need to but realize there are certain times of the day I am more comfortable with, this helps a lot! My doctors now at much further away so this is quite challenging but worth the drive.

I am not able to take anti-anxiety meds so this is truly a challenge and with the weather changes I am not able to bring my dog so this is taxing. I love that you continue to post about this. I don't feel so all alone. The roads here are starting show signs of big rig tire treads being blown which just frightens me more if I allow it due to the heat and high cost of tires. (Can you say paranoia?? ;))

Keep doing what you do!
Rain

 

[wdkywomys]

I hate driving alone. Even if I have music on full blast I can't do it. I have a big fear of what if my car breaks down and so many more what ifs. Even though my car is just fine I still worry about it. I refuse to drive in the rain or snow. I'm always freaking out about driving.

 

[Deleted member 12723]

Hi Srain-
Thank you for sharing, I can't tell you how sad I am that this happens to you to. I feel better knowing I am not a freak and this seems to be a common problem.

As for tire treads on the road, One day I ran over some and I swore it did damage to my car. No I look for them to avoid them. I try to keep my speed down to a manageable one.

Thanks for the encouragement. I really appreciate it. I am so glad it seems to be going away. If only I didn't have the big dread before I have to go and drive. Thanks again, take care.

wdkywomys-
I am so sad that this is affecting you too. This is a horrible affliction because we need to drive. Thanks for saying it happens to you too. I do not feel so alone. In fact it helps me to know that others are out there battling their fears of driving.

I will get to drive next Wed again to pick up prescriptions. I sure hope it isn't raining because I have to go on Wed. They send the meds back after a few days so I am on a schedule. I wish I could be more flexible.

Big Sigh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[wdkywomys]

I just picked up my heartburn prescription today. It was raining of course. But I did it and so can you! I know it's hard but you can do it. PM me anytime that you need me.

 

[Deleted member 12723]

Well it is that time, I will have to drive on Wed. and then I will have to drive to 2 different places the following week. i have a appt with my psychiatrist and then my husband has a appt, with the neurologist. It will be the farthest I have driven in a very long time.

I will use the radio and I will bring sweets they help. I will come back here, and write about my experiences.
Thanks for all of the help and support. I couldn't have done it with out all of you.

 

[Pale Warrior]

Oh Gizmo, good luck. I know you can do it.

 

[Eleanor]

Fair winds and following seas, Gizmo! And if it gets a bit choppy, you can handle it:tup:

 

[Deleted member 12723]

Thank you Pale Warrior and Eleanor-

Your encouragement and support means so much to me. I am hoping for a good ride on the freeway. I keep getting on the horse. And I have been having some success for doing it. I will drive tommorow. I am not feeling the big dread of doing it. I take that as a good sign. Trying to keep my self occupied by posting and watching light comedy movies.

I almost bought a pack of cigarettes today when I was getting gas for tommorow. I did'nt though, so I am stronger than my weaknesses so far. Cyber hugs to all of the people who have been there for me on this topic.:)