How do you think you go about learning coping skills Megski? I have a hunch you can answer your own question.
You learn coping skills through working the program, searching the forums, talking to a counsellor, reading, researching practicing, etc. Overcoming anxiety does take quite a bit of work. But like with any skill and any type of learning, practice makes perfect. Search for coping mechnisms that work for you. For starters, check out the sections on Relaxation tecniques and Worry. I'd be interested in hearing about anything you find that works for you. Keep us updated.
I answered this but can't find it. So I'll do it again.
It is about focus. In a snow storm the focus is on two things, the snow and the road. Nothing else matters. On a clear day in traffic there are to many points of focus. When you have another person in the car who can drive you have an escape so you are in control and again the focus is on this other person and the road. Take that person out of the car and you have too many points of focus and have lost your control of the situation.
Sitting by the side of the road you still have too many points of focus but you are not moving. Driving slow on the shoulder would put the focus on driving and the edge of the road and get you to where you could get off it. On good days you will find you have fewer points of focus or a distraction that reduces the number. Your period possibly does this or the hormones does. Can't say because I'm male.
The problem is that you try to block all the points of focus instead of accepting them and letting them go to give you control of the situation instead of them controlling you. The more you try to block them the more confused and scared you will get.
Exposure is not the answer with out coping skills. You need to deal with how your mind treats all the points of focus.
Ok, why can I drive just fine even in bad weather with someone in the car who knows how to drive or a good friend but then I'm totally different when alone?
Why was I able to go farther last week than this week? Is it due to not driving 5 days in a row? My period? Me having a cold? The stress people are placing on me?
What techniques do you recommend for me to drive comfortably? What do you recommend if I feel an attack coming on? What words do you recommend I tell myself? How long does it take to overcome this extremely annoying phobia?
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