Anxiety Help...
So in just about a years time I'll be able to drive automobiles... (I know scary.) I have a horrible case of anxiety and every time I ride in cars I go stiff clench my fist and shake in fear. Every shake in the car every turn is going to be death... Now I can't be weary like this when driving in a years time. Anyone else with a similar condition have any solutions that could help me in the coming years? -PL0X
I didn't have that particular problem, however in the past I have had to deal with anxiety. You will have to gradually face your fear - and it seems like you're already doing this. You can do things to make yourself more comfortable, like having someone who you trust in the car with you, or putting calm music on in the background, etc., but in the end you will need to be able to let go over any "comfort items" as well, as you won't always be able to have them with you...However, I did say gradually, so at first make it as comfortable as you like - do you feel more comfortable driving in the country, or just a short distance from your house? Well then start there, and just slowly extend on it, and slowly you will gain in confidence, and you will be able to drive for a certainty.
You can also see the positive side of your situation - because you have so much anxiety you won't be taking risks, and thus you are more likely to become a safe driver.
Just remember to look back in a year from now, because you will see how much you have progressed, and that will give you a good boost of encouragement as well.
All the best with learning to drive!
Hopefully I can apply these, thanks for the ideas!Originally Posted by Hawk
I didn't have that particular problem, however in the past I have had to deal with anxiety. You will have to gradually face your fear - and it seems like you're already doing this. You can do things to make yourself more comfortable, like having someone who you trust in the car with you, or putting calm music on in the background, etc., but in the end you will need to be able to let go over any "comfort items" as well, as you won't always be able to have them with you...However, I did say gradually, so at first make it as comfortable as you like - do you feel more comfortable driving in the country, or just a short distance from your house? Well then start there, and just slowly extend on it, and slowly you will gain in confidence, and you will be able to drive for a certainty.
You can also see the positive side of your situation - because you have so much anxiety you won't be taking risks, and thus you are more likely to become a safe driver.
Just remember to look back in a year from now, because you will see how much you have progressed, and that will give you a good boost of encouragement as well.
All the best with learning to drive!
No problem, happy to help!
i have the same problem, i can't ride in the car without freaking out and don't get me started on trains. my doctor put me on paxil and after being on it for a month i can once again ride in the car, and drive again. before the medicine i was having panic attacks while i would be driving or even riding in the car. also make sure your getting air when your in the car, cracking the window helped me some and distracting yourself, read a book or bring along a game system so you don't think about being in the car. you could also be like me and be afraid of being confined to a small space. which could be triggering the anxiety in the car, because its such a tiny space. i would def talk to your doctor about it though.
I swear I'm not following you brutal, I just clicked "Whats new" and this popped up and I seen anxiety and figured I'd read it in case I could identify and possibly say something helpful,it just turns out you beat me to it.
Anxiety is tough, I actually have social anxiety myself, so it may not be the same exact circumstance, but what I feel is basically what you describe in your situation. Driving is easy, I swear to you. It might be tough now because of your fear and uncertainty, which is by no means irrational in any sense. I still to this day cannot drive somewhere that isn't in or close to an area I'm familiar with. For me it became easier after I spent a lot of time behind the wheel, and by a lot of time I mean years. Once you get the basics down, and try some of the suggestions these other members have given you (which are great ones) the best thing you can do for yourself is take the time to get the feel for it. All vehicles in my experience have been different, I went from a car to a truck that's so big I literally have to jump out when I exit, and it took me a couple years before I even wanted to touch it because thanks to the size, it was highly intimidating in my eyes. I had friends with licenses teach me, and I started out in my neighborhood that I knew very well, which made a huge difference. I don't know if you live in a big city or small town, but beginning somewhere that you know in and out can make a huge difference
stalker.....lol jk.
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