Learning to drive, but afraid of dissociation

[frogthroat]

Do you have any country back roads you could drive on? That way you could get comfortable in a car where there's not many people. Plus, driving around the country is relaxing. Then you could work your way up to places that had more vehicles on the road. I learned how to drive in the country first, then I drove in town, and finally I conquered the dreaded highway. You might not have access to country roads so maybe try suburban areas and small towns when they're less crowded?

Also, I think the best way to avoid dissociation is to remind yourself that you're in a car. Some days I have to do that multiple times especially if I'm exhausted. I think your dissociative symptoms in a car will decrease the more you get comfortable driving. Think of all the things you'll be able to do and access with a car. This is a great thing for you.

 

[littleoc]

Do you have any country back roads you could drive on? That way you could get comfortable in a car w...

I do live in a suburban area, but we're in the middle of the woods and right next to farms and country (a few miles off. I'll try that out :D

I'll be excited to be able to start working and going to a store alone (with dog.. alone enough). Too bad there's no public transportation here, but that should help!

 

[littleoc]

I’m just writing to say that I finally started driving. It’s pretty fun :)

Turns out people do not drive like my dad does, generally speaking it’s surprisingly safe

My mom says I was beyond my years in my teenage phase and my fear of driving was related to over analyzing consequences. At the very least I’ve managed to cope with that.

I feel in control even when she laughs at me for not going when a truck is coming down the road too fast