Panicked and Don't know what to do
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Panicked and Don't know what to do
| Thu, 12-07-2006 - 6:10pm |
Hi, I really am in need of help. I am having trouble driving. I am deathly scared to drive in the dark and the rain and snow. I don't know what to do. I have to drive 40 min. to work every day. I can't move right now but plan to very soon. It took me almost 2 hours to get home today because of snow. I don't have panic attacks but I am deathly scared to slide and feel like I can't see as far as I want to. I don't know what to do, I don't want to live in fear. I avoid a lot of get togethers because of my fears. They seem to have gone on and off for years depending on how much I have had to drive. Please help!

(((Maria)))
Sheri Ann
Hi, Maria! It's nice to see you in our caring community. You are NOT alone. Many of us have specific fears/phobias. Driving is a common one. I don't fear the weather conditions when I drive, but being stranded in an isolated area without access to help. Or getting stopped on a bridge or in a tunnel where I would be trapped. Like Sheri Ann said, I was able to use the small step approach to get back on the road.
First, don't be discouraged. I know that you're distressed, but break it down into small bites. Regardless of the weather, just tell your self that you will belly breathe & reassure yourself by repeating positive affirmations. You can read up on these in our *coping tips & tricks* folder below. They will work for you. Keep stress to a minimum. Tell yourself that you will practice these relaxing techniques for so many miles or until you reach a certain landmark or even assign yourself so many minutes of driving. Congratulate yourself when you achieve your goal, then continue on to your destination for the next 10 miles or 5 minutes. Whatever is your choice. Don't focus on the entire 40 minute drive. Keep facing the fear. Allow it to pass over you or through you. It will NOT hurt you in anyway.
You might consider going online & reading all the safety tips you can about driving under less than ideal conditions. Defensive driving is easily learned. It will build your confidence & reduce the fear. I am sure that there are driving courses offered near you. In your shoes, I would consider taking one of those senior driving courses just to practice your skills. They are offered for free, sometimes even through your car insurance. What price can you put on your peace of mind? You will meet new people & my dad said the ladies went wild over the young man that taught his refresher course;)
{{{HUGS}}}}