I had a panic attack on the third lane a few years ago, and now I cannot go on the freeway without feeling like I am going to pass out. I feel like such a psycho taking the side streets when it is more convenient to take the freeway. Has anyone had a similar experience and how do I get over this?
2007-01-20 18:00:32 · 11 answers · asked by RunsWithKnife 2 in Social Science ➔ Psychology
The only way to get over any phobia to expose yourself to the thing you are afraid of. For instance take the freeway just from one exit to the next until your are comfortable with that. Then start going two exits and work your way up from there.
2007-01-20 18:08:10 · answer #1 · answered by neverland_mom 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have the same problem. I have panice disorder, generalized anxiety disorder and a whole lot of phobias including driving. I can assure you that you will not pass out. It's impossible because your body works on it and it won't let you pass out or crash into another car or person. I assume that you used to drive a lot. You will get there one day, just take it slowly. start by driving on the highway when there's no one there or you can start by driving on a major street. You are not psychotic. If you can think you are, then you are not psycho. Psychotic people don't know they are psychotic.
My best advice to you is to not beat yourself up. You are a compentant person and you can do whatever you put your mind to. I have panic attacks for days and I still manage to run errands (without driving of course).
Try to tell yourself that you are a very capable person and that you are brilliant. It was just an accident. Car accidents happen every few seconds in America. It's not a big deal. Try to keep telling yourself that.
Hope this helps, I know exactly what your going through so I can feel the anxiety too,
2007-01-20 18:18:40 · answer #2 · answered by porselin 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Although this might sound dangerous, but you need something to distract your mind. Hopefully, you are an experienced driver that you can multitask. Try (again, dangerous suggestion) talking on the cellphone when you drive. I find that radio does not work, because you need an engaging source that you must interact with. Once you get out (alive) of the highway your first time, next time do it without a cellphone. If you have other ways of distracting your mind, PLEASE do that b/c this is the only way i can think of right now.
2007-01-20 18:10:52 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i know what you mean. i take side streets as often as i can. i live in houston and theres tons of road rage these people drive really crappy. when i have to take the freeway i look around alot and think happy thoughts. example....find a billboard and see the humor in it even if you add your own and try to forget your on a scary stretch of road. hope this helps
2007-01-20 18:11:23 · answer #4 · answered by jenny 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i'm scared to force on the restricted-access highway too. human beings force like maniacs the position I stay. If he's a few thing like me it causes stress, and he'd somewhat dodge it. He probable is embarrassed notwithstanding that is an truly authentic worry and significant to conquer. It would not recommend some thing is faulty with him. i might want to easily attempt to be smooth to it. He would settle on to do it sometime if he feels waiting. I do it in certain circumstances because I even ought to, yet on condition that i really ought to! i did not get my motive force's license till i become 20 and utilizing become very intimidating to me.
2016-12-02 20:13:12 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you have a true phobia then there is little that you alone can do about it. It is not possible to rationalize away a phobia since it is by its very nature irrational. You'll need to seek the advice of a professional.
2007-01-20 18:46:18 · answer #6 · answered by wordweaver_three 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I did not drive for two years after panic attack decided one day to get over it, drove a little forward, a little back, over and over now I am fine.
You will do it when you are ready! I just say I can do this over and over!
2013-10-15 17:33:35 · answer #7 · answered by Vickie 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I too have a similar problem and still cannot get fully over my situation of driving in cars and over over passes and with anyone that drives too fast. the way I overcome is that I stay posted and go when necessary. To get over your have somone to drive you instead of driving.
2007-01-20 18:05:27 · answer #8 · answered by JoJoBa 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go driving on highways with someone you do not want to embarass yourself in front of , like a boss or a close friend. You will aim to please and you'll be driving back on highways in no time.
2007-01-20 18:09:55 · answer #9 · answered by always under siege 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have your Man drive you everywhere like batman.
He could drive with his pants down.
I DO for my HOT wife
2007-01-21 05:55:44 · answer #10 · answered by SiCKnDAhead 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋