Help With Dissociation While Driving

[Deleted member 12723]

When my husband died two years ago I was such a basket case that I sold my car and bought my daughter a car to drive me around and it took a very long time for me to be able to drive again.

I bought a car for me in March and my driving is good now.

It is so wise to get off the road during such a time. I am proud of myself for backing off for a awhile until I could begin to try again and I am doing ok now.

 

[desiderata310]

I made the decision this afternoon to buy a surly commuter bike that I can hook a cargo trailer to and carry Charlie. It has disc brakes so I can safely ride in the rain this winter. I actually stay 'tuned in' to the world while riding unless smacked with a unexpected trigger so it's MUCH safer for me to ride. I'll be using the car for shopping only. I like this plan. It means I can change my insurance and I am 'greener' and best of all I keep the road safe from me and my dissociative ass.

 

[Stickler]

I...actually managed to pull in front of a pickup truck and get rearended on a bicycle...that was probably one of the most " Where the heck was my brain?" moments ever.
...The guy stopped his truck just short of my head, too, the radiator fan was blowing down on my face.

I like bicycling though, I wish it were a do-able option.

 

[falling_wave]

Just wanted to let you all know that what @Stickler described above about narrating everything as you drive works. I've been doing it pretty constantly or if I feel dissociation coming I immediately go into that mode. It has been working 99% of the time!!! Now with success under my belt the associated anxiety eases up and it happens less to begin with. Thanks!