Paranoid ?

Question

I want to know if this is normal or not.....

whenever i ride in the car with someone, I get so nervous that other people are going to switch lanes, not stop at stop signs, cut the driver off, etc. and end up hitting the car.

I feel really paranoid about it and it stresses me out so much!

please tell me if this is normal...if its not how can i fix it?

Answer 1

Sounds like you have received an engram from being in an accident or near miss. (Meaning, you've been conditioned to feel nervous at those points so that you avoid being in danger - it's an interesting evolutionary quirk. Write me if you want to know more about that).

Based on the above, YES, it's normal. Otherwise, no.

Listen, I drive 80,000 lbs. of truck over the ice, snow, and through buckets of rain from a tornado using a manual transmission and unresponsive air-brakes. And if there's one thing I can tell you about being safe it's this:

Make sure you've got more than enough following distance. (How to calculate this is in your local DMV Driver's Manual).

And make sure you give US enough distance, because if you don't and you brake, we won't be able to stop in time.

Answer 2

Driving a car is like handling a lethal weapon. Any or all of the things you fear happen daily .. to other people and therefore, you know they can happen ...to you.

Therefore it is up to you to make wise choices. NEVER get into the car of someone who has been using drugs or alcohol. DO not ride with people who drive erratically or try to "impress" with their speed or sharp turns and screeching stops.

On the other hand, most folks out there handling lethal weapons (aka driving) are safe conscientious drivers, worthy of your trust and respect.

How to fix your fear? Make the conscious choice to deal with your irrational fears. Before you get into a car, be sure you trust the driver. Then do some deep breaths and choose to relax. It may be helpful to ride in the back seat where you cannot see everything (and misinterpret every move of the driver). Reward yourself when you make it through the driver without panicking. Having a journal of drives where you reflect on what worked and what didn't will also help. Talking about your progress with someone who you trust will also help.

The behavior you describe can also have outside causes (beyond driving in cars). If this is only a symptom of deeper fears then see a therapist and work together to uncover what has you so afraid.

Answer 3

Does this fear only happen in cars, or are you distrustful of people & situations in general? Have you ever been in a car accident or witnessed one? Each of these so-called fears actually are what every "defensive driving" course teach you to be aware of, but it sounds like you've taken it to the next level. We've all heard of "back seat drivers," & this may be the category you fall into. However, I don't know anything about your background, so it's hard to offer advice. If you feel that this fear is becoming disruptive in your everyday life routine, than you may need to speak to someone. Don't suffer with this problem, there's help. You need to take control of your life & it is within your power to do so.
Good Luck.
Phyllis G.

Answer 4

Its normal to not feel secure when driving with someone else because you're not in control at the moment, unless you've known the person for a long long time there is always going to be some sort of anxiety when you're not the one driving.

Answer 5

It takes time overcoming these fears, especially for new drivers. It takes a great deal of time to be a good driver. I was a truck driver and have seen it all and scared the hell out of me. I went to one professional driving class that taught the SMITH system, is very good! Look it up and it might save peoples lives.

Answer 6

i just now have the same problim i was in an accident the truck i drove rolled over 3 times and a car battery smashed through the drivers side rear window and hit me in the head
i have severe pain alot and when im in a car feel the same thing and tend to grab things to hold on i have seen a few dr's and am told it is ptsd . good luck

Answer 7

i get the same feelings when im driving with someone at night and i see signs that say deer! my mom was in a horrible accident with a huge buck and now im totally freaked out! i guess it is kind of normal until it controls ur life!

Answer 8

I do not think its a question of it being normal or abnormal !
It is a fear that needs to be over come by help from a pshychatrist irrespective of what the reasons are for this fear ! You cannot just get "over them " without help..so think about this...its your choice!

Answer 9

I get nervous when I drive with people too. But then again my friends aren't the safest people to be around.....

Answer 10

I have a similar anxiety! I don't think it is uncommon, but you may want to talk to a doctor about it if it gets really bad.

I am on anti-anxiety meds!