Phobia to drive on the Hwy? Help please.?

Question

Hello, I know I'm in need for some help I just don't know where to start. I've been living between USA and Canada for the past 7 years and never drove on the highway, people moving too fast, people merging, changing lanes scare the **** out of me. Living in a big city is a necesity, you can go places faster and not wasting your precious time on the back toads like I do. Some friends suggeted driving lessons, I don't think that's what I need 'cause I think I'm a good driver with no record of accidents or anything I just can't jump into the hway; I tried once and I was crying and my heart was pumping so fast like it was trying to jump out of my chest.

If somebody have an idea how can I seek help to overcome this suggestions will be very appreciated.

Answer 1

driving lessons won't do it..since you already drive.. however.. most fears are natural and come from merely not being exposed to the surrounding or fear in question often enough... I myself was just as scared as you getting on a highway the first time and every so often sometimes there is one crazy driver that has me remeber why i was so afraid when i first started driving... but then the more i did it the more confident a driver i became and the more that fear was in check.. so i don't have that phobia like you described but then i have to also share something else... from your description it sounds to me like you are a very good and cautious driver.. but if you are focusing on your fear and more on the other drivers don't you think if you thought about the same thing in the back roads or were distracted you would be exposed to danger as well.. sometimes back roads are more dangerous and perhaps just as many accidents happen or could happen there as well.. now i don't want to or intend to add to your fear so that you don't get into your car at all.. but what i am getting at is that when you get into your car you don't have to be speeding, on a highway, on a back street or in a parking lot or whatever for something to happen.. your fear has to get in the back seat and have to stay focused and concentrate on being a safe driver and aware and alert of the pyshcos that are on the road and could cut you off or what not anywhere... and when conquering any fear on your own you have to take baby steps if at all possible.. and if nothing else is working.. and you phobia doesn't get better.. i don't remember once in a college course there are some who specialize in hypnosis.. you should try it.. may people that have certain fears, ticks.. or weaknesses submit themselves to this treatment because whatever it is that they have or lack is really something that is interfering with there life... such as speaking in public or what not.. and well seems to me you might benefit from it.. i knew someone who has learned to do it and could also self - hypnotize herself.. if she could concentrate.. or focuse on something.. lacked motivation to keep to a specific diet/health plan and it worked for her.. so it might work for you if all else fails.. =] good luck... driving on a highway is not all that bad.. it is more direct once you get used to it you might actually like it and wonder why didn't you use it before.. =]

Answer 2

Believe it or not I know three people that also have phobias about driving on freeways and highways. Each one has a different reason or excuse for why they won't do it, but they all claim to have the fear of cars going so fast and lane changes.
Myself I feel that the freeway is the simpier way. Maybe if you look it from the other point of view.
On a freeway or highway they be going fast and have lane charges, but they are all going in the same direction, where as on a normal street you still have all of this including the cars on the other side of the road that could turn right in front of you. When you are on a freeway they have signs that direct you and tell you how many miles until the street you want. On a normal street they do not provide that information and then to sum it up you can usually get places quicker from the highway with less congestion.
Just a little food for thought to look at the glass half full insted of half empty.
You could try just a small trip maybe a mile or so and then with each trip try just a little further and then before you know it your traveling everywhere without any problem. The only true way to get over your fear it to try and get over it. If it doesn't work then at least you have saved some time.

Answer 3

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Answer 4

I have the same phobia. I lived in Houston, TX for 15 years and developed a sudden phobia of driving on the various Loops and multi-lane highways. I became terrified to go to work and I mentally re-lived my death every time I got on it. I went for therapy and took medication, but nothing helped.

I ended up moving to a small town in West Tennessee the first opportunity I got. I went on disability so I could afford to live here. Now I drive with no problem. I even go on the highway - it's only a 2 laner with speeds of 70+. But when I get anywhere near a big city like Nashville, I still panic and let someone else take over the driving.

I would suggest you see your doctor for some medication to calm you down like Xanax or Ativan and go for counseling. Perhaps you will find a solution even though I did not. Good Luck!

Answer 5

Think of the hwy as just a regular road with no traffic lights or stop signs, take your time, start off in the slow lane, but make sure you stay up to speed, if people have a problem with your speed and you are going the speed limit, let them go around, it takes time, but practice, start off just going a couple of exits down and gradually increase it as you practice. Good Luck.

Answer 6

WELL U CAN TRY SOME OF THOSE DRIVING GAMES ON THE BIG SCREEN THAT MAKES U FEEL LIKE UR IN THE CAR SO U GET USE TO THE NOISE THE RUDE PEOPLEE AND SEEING PEOPL CUT U OFF IT MAY COST SOME MONEY BUT HEY BETTER THAT WAY THAN A ACCIDENT ON THE FREEWAY . TRY THEM AT DAVE AND BUSTER OR AT A ARCADE I'M SURE FRIENDS CAN HELP U FIND OUT WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT IF U DON'T KNOW

Answer 7

Start when there is no traffic- late at night or Sunday morning. Start by driving a very small circle around your home. Gradually build up to bigger circles and more trafficed timed. Driving is a skill like any other can be built on over time and with practice.

Answer 8

i dont know if i can help you at all because i think i am worst. i dont drive. i hate the highways. those big trucks and those tires. changing lanes, being beside us etc. my hubby drives my butt everywhere and when we do go on the highway or a trip i take pills to half put me to sleep.people just dont understand. i have talked in therapy about it but this is a life time problem i think. ;i feel for you.

Answer 9

Okay I can't remember what the specific type of therapy is called. But basically you get a therapist who is trained to deal with people with phobias. What they do is introduce to you slowly and gradually the thing that frightens you. There is a therapist around here that uses hypnosis to do this, but you would have to see what is available in your area.

Answer 10

Go to a therapist that deals with phobias and anxiety.