Severe anxiety in the car?

Question

I was in a car accident a year ago in which I was hit really hard from behind by a drunk driver while I was stopped at a red light. Ever since then, I have severe anxiety when I am in someone else's car. The only person I can drive with is my husband. Is there any way I can overcome this feeling? The fear is really paralyzing at times.

I don't have anxiety when I drive.. only when I am in the car with another driver.

Answer 1

sometimes all you need it time and hopefully you will become more comfortable

Answer 2

This new idea that medications are bad is based in nothing. It is of course better to not take meds but medications are made to help. They might cause side effects but typically people have none or they go away after a few days. Most big problems come from allergic reaction, abuse, and OD. Now having said that, if your Panic disorder is destroying your life you need a psychiatrist and most likely medication. A beta-blocker like Propranolol might be great. It is mostly for high blood pressure but it help reduce the physical feelings of anxiety like heart palpitations. And other drugs like Prozac, Lexapro, or Paxil are used for panic and generalized anxiety disorder. Benzodiazepines like Xanax, Valium, Ativan, and Klonopin/Rivotril are ideal for relief of anxiety within 20-60min. Benzo's do have a small risk of abuse or dependence but this is actually very rare- something most people do not know. And ideally benzos are used short term or 'as needed' but some people need long term use. And in terms of REAL science there is nothing bad about drugs when they are used appropriately. It is just a fact.

Answer 3

yes. Since it is over a year ago and you are still struggling, I'm guessing you have a mild post-traumatic stress. One of the best ways to get over such a paralyzing fear is to have someone supportive help you relearn that what hapened will not happen every time you ride in a car. I'd guess that you never fully talked about or never felt completely listened to and supported when you went through this terrifying time. A counselor/ clergy person, etc.-- who is experienced in helping those who suffered trauma and who can provide an objective point of view-- might provide the support you seem to need.
It may take some invested time and or money, but the fear may become a viscous cycle if left unchecked.

Answer 4

I love to drive. about 3 years ago, I was in an accident, and became very nervous about driving. I even got nervous playing driving games on a game system. It went away after some time. Yours probably will too. A counsellor might help you deal with the anxiety, if it is that severe. Hope this helps.

Answer 5

First thing to watch for is your breathing.
When you're in an anxious situation, take long, slow breaths.
Practice this in situations where you are calm.

Next, you simply need to learn to let go of the fear.

You've become aware that life can be dangerous. That knowledge can make you cautious. While that is not necessarily a bad thing, being overly concerned about things that are out of your control, is.

Perhaps learning meditation techniques can help also.

Good luck.

Answer 6

Hey, I've been rearended and had a drunk driver, driving at .21bac, pull out in front of me totalling my car, and lost control in the snow. I don't have any anxiety from all that. I say just drive around your neighborhood to start off with, a little at a time, everyday until you are ready to go a little further. Do this until you are comfortable again.

Answer 7

hey girl i know exactly what you mean, same thing happened to me someone hit me from behind and i was stopped, with such speed that i ended up on the other side of the street and hit a car infront so i ended up Sandwiched! it was real bad my friend lost her baby there. and i get very very freaked out when ever im in the passanger seat of anyone's car even when i drive. but you know i guess time is what really helps, i actually tell the driver i had a bad experience and they tend to drive very carefully knowing i get Paranoid. but dont worry it will get better even if it seems like a nightmare chasing you. good luck!

Answer 8

Have someone drive you back to the spot where the drunk driver hit you. While painful, when you eventually do stop at a red light there again, you'll begin to get less and less nervous and panicky about it. You have to confront it head on. By going through the situation numerous times again, you will realize that you will be fine when you stop at a red light there. The drunk driver hitting you was just a freak accident. Good luck.

Answer 9

Patience and maybe a little counseling might help. I have anxiety about many things and the only way I can deal with them is by facing them.

Answer 10

For anxiety you go to your doc or to counseling - that's the only things that will help you get over your fear - sorry about the accident

Answer 11

Maby, im no doctor, but that sounds like fear like if you were attacked by a dog you would have a strong fear of dogs. The best way to over come this fear is to ride with other people more often. Soon you will realize that everythins ok and it was only an wrong place wrong time kinda thing. ;)