ANYONE HAVE DRIVING PHOBIA?

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-25-2003
ANYONE HAVE DRIVING PHOBIA?
11
Tue, 03-22-2005 - 6:38pm

Hello.
I've had my driver's license for 13 years now, but even in the very beginning, I wasn't really excited about going to driving school. In fact, from the beginning, I have always feared driving on the highways. I had to drive on a couple during my driving lessons and it scared me so bad that I have never driven on one in 13 years.

I also have a fear of driving in unfamiliar places, even if I had the directions on paper on the passenger seat. But I used to be fine with driving to familiar places in the past before my kids came along, but ever since I had my 2nd child, I am nervous to go out driving alone with my kids, only if it's kind of far-if its fairly close to our home, I'm fine with it.

I have an aunt, that told me recently how she has a highway phobia too since she was very young(she's 70 now). It's odd that I share the same phobia with her.

As far as driving on the highways go, I donot care to change that part of my phobia. I get so terrified at the mere thought of driving on any highway that my heart races, I get nauseaous, my palms get sweaty, etc.
However, I wish I could conquer the part of my fear that disallows me to drive more than 10-20 minutes away from my home.

Does anyone out there share my fears?
I don't know anyone else(other than my aunt) that shares my fears and it would be nice to have someone to talk to that can relate to what I'm going through.

Thanks!

Laura~

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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-22-2005
Tue, 03-22-2005 - 6:50pm

YES! Me too. I avoid the parkway all together as I wound up in bumper to BUMPER traffic way too many times and almost lost it. I avoid rush hour, and anywhere I know there might be TRAFFIC jams in which I can't escape. I also get VERY nervous and avoid unfamiliar places. Seems so odd coming from someone who would jet on planes and travel by herself. Sure hope this changes soon one day and not for myself only, but for all of us ;)

So "NO" you are "SOOO" not alone!

Hugs-
Jenn

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Tue, 03-22-2005 - 9:57pm
Hi, Laura & welcome to our community. You are not alone. Driving fears are very common here. Anxiety & phobias tend to run in families.
 

 


 



iVillage Member
Registered: 04-25-2003
Wed, 03-23-2005 - 1:07pm

Hi Jenn!
Thank you for posting!
You sound soo much like me and it's a relief to know that others here share my fear, since only 2 others in my family also have driving phobias.
My mom does too.
She resides in Florida and refuses to not only drive more than 10 minutes away from her home, but lives near US Hwy 19 and HATES to drive on it!
But her fear is fairly new, whereas mine I've had ever since I got my license 13 yrs ago, and it's only gotten worse.
I have ALWAYS had a fear of driving in snow also, but pretty much EVERY adult female in my family can relate to that!

I can remember crying b/c I would get so scared of driving in snowy weather, if I got lost, etc!
Curently I am a SAHM, but when I worked b/f I had my kids, I would only get a job either in my hometown or the next city, as long as I could get to work only by back roads.
If it at all was far enough-even 2 cities over that would require me to use the highway/parkway, I wouldn't go for the job interview!

Which state do you reside in?
I'm in Connecticut.

take care!

Laura

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-22-2005
Wed, 03-23-2005 - 1:21pm

I reside in NJ, near the shore. And yes, if I'm out at work and it starts to snow, OMYYYY do I have to leave. I had bad experiences so I think this is one cause. As long as the traffic is MOVING, I'm somewhat OK, but if I get stuck, well, ummmm, look out ;-)

I push myself though, because the more I avoid the worse it will only get! It's hard though. But your far from alone....

-Hugs,
jenn

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-25-2003
Wed, 03-23-2005 - 1:37pm

Jen,
I also had very bad experiences driving in snow, which added to my fear.
My first car was an 81'Nissan 200SX, REAR-WHEEL-DRIVE of all things, and
I remember getting stuck, sliding, etc. on my way home from work after just about every snowstorm.
It got so bad, that whenever it was either going to, or did snow-I would avoid driving myself to work altogether and had my dh drop me off early in the morning(since he had to leave for work 2 hours b/f I did)at a diner across the street from my work, would eat breakfast and then hang out there until it was time to go to work!
And he'd pick me up after work.

Laura

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-25-2003
Wed, 03-23-2005 - 1:39pm

Hi Jan!
Thanx for your post.
It feels good to know others share my driving phobia on this board.
I forgot to mention how I also get very nervous, etc. in traffic too-and not only when I'm driving! Which brings me to another phobia of closed in spaces, elevators, concerts, shopping in a jam-packed store when you can barely get around.

I will definitely stick around and hope to find a new friend or two that shares my fear of driving.
It's hard b/c many relatives(even my dh) does/do not understand that it's a serious phobia that won't 'go away' simply by getting in the car and forcing myself to drive in the situations that scare me the most. It doesn't work that way.

Anyway, thanks again!
You made me feel welcome!

Have a nice day!

Laura

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-17-2004
Wed, 03-23-2005 - 5:39pm
I have had Panic Disorder for 18 years. My primary trigger is driving, and I too am in Connecticut. There was a time that I didn't drive for over three years, but then got past the panic and was fine. However, just when I thought I was done with panic for good, it reared it's ugly head again... and my doctor had retired. Thank goodness for a wonderful Primary Care MD who is using all of the therapy that I experienced with my Psych doc to help me get over this latest challenge. The way that I try to overcome my panic is by taking "safe" routes, and then slowly introducing variations as I feel stronger. I need to know that a bathroom is close at hand, because that is one of my manifestaions of panic. I do a little bit at a time, and celebrate each victory. I don't hide my disorder, and because I have a tremendous circle of friends they too are there if I need some help. I guess what I am trying to say is this; take small steps, be open about your needs (you'd be surprised how many others you will meet with PD) and don't give up. If you fail one day, two days, three days etc. keep going... because success will arrive... I promise.
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Wed, 03-23-2005 - 8:42pm
That's great that you could join us & share your experience. That's wonderful advice & an inspiration to all.
 

 


 



Avatar for aerandel
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Thu, 03-24-2005 - 11:48am
If you aren't opposed to medication, you might benefit from an anitdepressant medication. It sounds strange but it worked for me. I have also always had a driving phobia, I remember sobbing that i would never get my liscence because I was so afraid to drive. Now I am 21 and things have gotten better. they were awful though until I went to the doctor and told him about my problem. I went on zoloft 50mg for a year and a half. During that time I was able to remain calm while driving. I still have no tackled the interstate and I don't think will happen anytime soon (if ever!) but I can now drive around my hometown without crippling fear (I still get scared but it's not as bad as it was) and I can make the 45 minute drive to my college without a problem. That is a big accomplishment because I am a senior this year and it was the first year that I have been able to drive myself there. My bf drove me every day for the previous 3 years! Anyway, I went off zoloft probably about 8 months ago or so due to weight problems, but I have been able to keep my newfound driving freedom (although like I said it's still limited, it's more freedom for me!) Some of the fear has come back but I am able to squash it now by saying "You've driven to school every day since the beginning of the year, what's the difference now..." It is hard though and I understand your fears. I will be looking for a teach ing job for next school year and I'm afraid of not being able to drive to my job should I get one! I hate relying on my friends and they know better than to ask me to drive anywhere. I have friends in college across the state that I cannot go visit...to them it's not big deal to hop in the car and come home, but to me I cannot fathom actually driving all the way out their colleges. Traffic is awful! Just yesterday my bf drove us home from Philadelphia, a 3 hour drive but it was snowing so much it took us almost 6 hours. I sat in the seat next to him biting my nails, with my hand holding on to the door handle. The big trucks on the interstate scare me so much. I hate passing them or being next to them. (Like I said this is when I'm riding, not driving!) If you want to talk more feel free to contact me, it's the same screen name at hotmail.com Good luck!

                          

             

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-25-2003
Sun, 03-27-2005 - 5:53pm

Thanks so much for your post!
It really sunk in, and I am willing to take the 'small steps' that you speak of.

Your post means so much- I can't thank you enough.
Feels good to know that you( as well as many others) share my phobia and can relate.

I will take your advice, and will return to keep you posted-
Thanx Again,

Laura :)

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