How do I get over my driving phobia?

Question

I have tried facing my fear. Driving while having a panic attack not safe. I've tried therapy that didn't help AT ALL. I am currantly taking medication but still have anxiety. I don't know wht is left.
PLEASE HELP!!!!

Answer 1

I have to say that I had a Fear of driving as well. I was forced into driving because it was my only transport. Some mental pointers that helped me was.

1. The other cars have breaks
2. You have breaks
3. The road is big
4. And say to yourself you are the worlds best driver

Good Luck

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

Try taking it in small steps... get a friend or family member to drive you to an empty parking lot and then practice driving till you feel comfortable. This might take a couple times. Then do the same thing but go out into the country where there's not many other cars on the road. You might want to take the whole day just to explore and drive around out there... if you don't have anywhere to be it might lessen your anxiety some. Keep doing this till you feel comfortable. Whatever you do, don't just get out there and do it by yourself on a busy road. If you know you don't feel comfortable there then you could end up hurting so yourself or someone else. You might just have a fear of this, try and figure out what that fear is rooted in and deal with that.

Answer 4

If your issue is the car, then maybe riding around with someone will help your panic and anxiety. Also, try to think of a reason why you think driving is a reason to be afraid- have you seen or been in a nasty accident?, have you lost a loved one to an accident? if you can answer these questions, maybe you can work through your fears that way. If you live an a somewhat rural area, maybe try driving on a empty road so as not to hurt anyone, and try driving a little at a time, 1/4 mile, 1/2 mile and so on. Good luck!

Answer 5

well..if you really have a fear of driving, I wouldn't push the issue - trying to force yourself to be less nervous while behind the wheel can possibly cause your anxiety levels it increase.
Take small, baby steps to working yourself out on the road.. start by driving around in empty parking lots until you get a comfortable feel of the car and your surroundings. Make it your interest and hobby to want to drive around safe areas first - such as non-crowded parking lots or non-busy, quiet residential neighborhoods.
Practice..practice.. and do not feel pressured to go out into a busy street or main road until you Know that you're ready.
Also, your driving instructor (whether it be your mom, dad or someone else) may be making you nervous behind the wheel. Make sure that you have an experienced driver with you that you feel comfortable with - someone who doesn't make you nervous - I once had that problem.
But don't put too much pressure on yourself, make sure that you are confident with your knowledge of the Rules of the road, If you have to, study your handbook even more for an even clearer understanding of intersections, signs, and basic rules.
You will eventually pick it up - there is no rush - just relax.. its really nothing to it, but you must take this seriously and always be alert.

Answer 6

Driving while having a panic attack is definitely not a good thing , was wondering is your panic only to do with driving or perhaps you have other issues going on. If you in the past have been able to drive without trouble maybe when you drive you go over other "stuff " in your mind and then question your ability to make decisions and doubt your own judgement. Anyway this is only a thought I wish you all the best and hope you can regain your confidence in yourself, have faith and build on small successes even if it is only by travelling short distances with a friend.

Answer 7

It could be the medication itself. Or what is causing the anxiety? I feel anxious when I drive and people think I just am panicky but they are WRONG. I feel anxious b/c I know I should not be driving much. I am dizzy and have low blood sugar and low blood pressure. Anxiety can be caused by those factors.

Have you checked with a medical doctor about this? It may very well not be mental. Try to distract yourself while driving. Take someone else with you. Do experiments. Really think about it. What is scaring you? That should give you your answers.

Answer 8

Well to start with, STAY off the freeway. Just practice driving in a parking lot that is empty. Like a football stadium when there is no football. You must learn to drive. You must learn the mechanics of driving. You must learn how the car reacts and be able to trust yourself as well as the car. When you are a passenger, you need to observe others driving. Look at their hands. Look at their feet. Look at the way they change lanes. Then you can start to mimic their driving ability. Please use someone who is a very good driver. Pretty soon, you can get the hang of it yourself. Oh yea, don't drive while you are on medication. Check with your DR before attempting driving. Keep practicing and pretty soon you will overcome your fear. Bet you will even become a good driver. Good luck and see you on the super slab one of these days.

Answer 9

Just off the top of my head I think you might benefit by trying deep yogic breathing. If you can, take a yoga class, one of the first things they will teach you is breathing technique. You control your breathing, you concentrate on it, deep, slow, purposeful breathing, filling your lungs from the bottom first, filling them all the way, holding for a second or two, then releasing it slowly and in control. It calms you. It gives your mind a focus outside of your other concerns. I hope it works for you. Good luck, thats the best I can come up with.

Answer 10

I have anxiety driving too. It helps me to drive places with my dad in the car. Just build up...start in parking lots...get up early and drive when noone else is on the road...ease into things...