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Need to move forward

14 years ago 0 +0 / -0 124

I have tried this exposure therapy for driving and if you take things slow and work your way up it really helps. I just increased the distances a bit each time and sooner than later I was driving without having panic attacks. There is the odd time where I get feelings of panic behind the wheel, but taking this approach to driving really worked for me.

Besides, I have to get from point A to point B, I have to get to work, and do errands....

Give it a try Lance.

SIM

14 years ago 0 +0 / -0 2606

Lance,

To do exposure therapy for driving you can use these steps:

1) Visualize yourself sitting in the car, starting it, driving it, coming home safely.

2) Actually sit in the car, start it, drive it out of the driveway only and increase the distances progressively.

You can also ask your therapist for exposure ideas for driving. We are here for you through these times.

Samantha, Health Educator

14 years ago 0 +0 / -0 183

I drive to the store a few times a week. Is this exposure? Im not going any further as just this is sometimes not too pleasant.

14 years ago 0 +0 / -0 183

Whats holding me back is the fact I have myself worked up about having a panic attack, that I am scared.

I really dont know what the problem is, is it fear? I drove before and did fine. Do I just need to get out there and do it?

I'm going nuts having someone else drive me in my car. I can see how I can have a car a long time and have it stay in good condition, compared to how others operate a car. It is very frustrating and more so right now with my med issue.

I am so "off" right now. I dont understand how the way I perceive life and things is so distorted sometimes.

So, what next on driving, I go see my therapist Tues and I know, training or work will be starting very soon. I was hoping to be past this issue by then.

14 years ago 0 +0 / -0 11216

Lance, you sound determined to get over this fear. You have so much strength when you say, "This can't go on."

So what is holding you back? You know you need to progress. What is stopping you?

How do you think you will feel when you are able to drive panic free?

Members, do you have a fear of driving? If so, please share your experiences.

Ashley, Health Educator

Here to help :)

14 years ago 0 +0 / -0 6252

Hi Lance.

You do sound OCD, right now. I think your expecting too much too soon, you were doing so good. If i'm not mistaken it's a 12 week or there abouts course. I had set backs, I think every body gets set backs. There have been others who said they got three steps forward and two back. That only means your one step ahead, but it's still one step. It took me longer. I saw a therapist for six months and at one point I got mad and told her I didn't want to see her again. I had to appolagize profucely. She asked me to do something I didn't want to do cause I thought I didn't have to. But she was right and Thank God she had the patience to put up with me or I'd still be having panic attacks. So patience please and keep at it. I won't lie to you and say it's easy because it's not, but it does work. Any questions just ask, some one will answer. and if they don't I will.

Davit.

14 years ago 0 +0 / -0 183

Why am I OCD all of a sudden? I have a history of panic attacks when I drive. Thats my issue.

14 years ago 0 +0 / -0 12049

Lance,

We encourage you to, if possible, to get some professional help in planning your exposure work.

The other thing you should do is try to reduce any "safety behaviour" (i.e. compulsions) that is associated with the obsessive thought. Most people with OCD, they have an obsessive thought, which causes anxiety.  They then reduce the anxiety by performing some compulsive behaviour (washing, checking, arranging, praying or mentally "undoing"). The compulsion works until the next time they have the obsessive thought.  Then they have to engage in the compulsive behaviour all over again.

People with OCD and people without OCD have the same kinds of thoughts. It's what the thought "means" to you that is important. Psychologists say that you are winning against OCD when you recognize an obsessive thought as "just an obsessive thought."  Attempts to hold back the disturbing thought only make it seem more "important."

For example:

Try to not think of a "white bear." The more you try not to think about it the more you can't stop thinking about it.  The similarly here is trying not to think about disturbing thoughts only makes them seem more "important."

In general, one component of treatment for OCD involves getting people to gradually reduce their compulsive behaviour and "exposing" themselves to the discomfort (anxiety) created by not performing the compulsion.

The second main component for treatment of OCD involves getting people to do exposure work in which they "expose" themselves to their disturbing thoughts.

A third component of treatment for OCD involves getting people to use thought records to challenge what the disturbing thoughts "mean," So you see it is similiar with fear.

It is slow process, so take your time to start and get yourself ready to conquer your driving, it wont happen in one day, but it will happen.

Josie, Health Educator

14 years ago 0 +0 / -0 183

I feel stuck, I am stuck, I need to be progressing faster and I dont know why I put off doing what I need to do to progress.

My life will not improve until I am driving everywhere. I know its fear and I need to get past it. How do I get past my fear of fear?

I have my car, but rely on a friends help to go places, This cant go on.

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