Anxiety and Driving

RescueIsPossible · 19-03-2015, 11:17 PM

OK so I'm 19 will be 20 in August I don't drive yet as I'm scared of having flashbacks or panic attacks while driving does anyone else have this problem? Cars don't necessarily trigger me but I don't always need a trigger to panic. So the fact of being in car isn't problem.

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Snow White. · 20-03-2015, 02:24 PM

Are you doing practice to get your licence? I suppose when you work up experience with someone in the car with you then you will know how this goes best.

Unfortunately because everyone is different in terms of panic stacks, triggers and being able to function through them it's hard to predict how you specifically would act with just the information here.

Do you see a professional about your anxiety you could mention this to?

ashasphodel · 21-03-2015, 09:51 AM

i was in a minor car crash in december of 2012, and haven't driven since. i'm 22, i was 20 at the time of the crash. nobody was hurt but my suv was totaled. i talk to my therapist about my driving anxiety sometimes. she thinks i should build up slowly to driving again, so basically i'm starting from scratch. so i sort of know how you feel. i know it isn't the same situation but a lot of the time when i'm riding with someone i start getting nervous and i wonder what would happen if i started panicking whilst driving. and that makes me start to panic in and of itself. i wanna echo snow white though, do you see any professional? i think it would be beneficial to you to do so! xoxoxo

RescueIsPossible · 21-03-2015, 10:10 AM

I do see a therapist and no have not been driving just the thoughts scare me alot

Epicene · 21-03-2015, 06:38 PM

I can understand your concern, I don't drive but part of the reason is that dissociation and other mh issues would get in the way of me driving safely. If you're in the UK I think you can get a pass for public transport if you are unable to drive for health reasons. I guess the main issue is the extent to which not being able to drive affects your life. If its a big problem then it might be worth exploring in therapy so that you can learn to control or recognise flashbacks.

edwardcejka · 24-03-2015, 01:00 PM

I can understand your issue. If you can drive then don't be scared and cope your fear.