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TRAFFIC LIGHTS - gradual exposure

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TRAFFIC LIGHTS - gradual exposure

16 years ago 0 +0 / -0 341

Hi Dina, thanks for your input. I will start doing a bit of driving around my neighbourhood, on the side streets, we live in an area with lots of little streets that all link up. So that may be good for me, Just once a week or something. I agree about going with someone, my husband always is trying to be supportive, but I get more nervous. Its great that you are still driving, thats awesome. Even if you pull over, at least you carry on.

16 years ago 0 +0 / -0 20

Hi Minn, I was just sitting here thinking; you are about the 10th person I have heard of that has trouble with the "turning left" thingy. I too have that same problem during a panic attack. I also have the bridge and traffic light thing too. I have gotten to the point where I absolutely hate to drive, but I still force myself to do so. I also hate driving with others. It gives me more anxiety. Some of my worst panic attacks are on may way to work. Some days, I have to pull over into a parking lot just to calm down. It is that bad. But yeah, I am totally with you on the whole left turn thing and as far as the expressways, forget it. I cannot even get on one. I think I would drop dead of a heart attack for sure. Anyways, I think you should consider driving around your neighborhood once in a while. It may help. When I told my Doctor how I was getting fearful of driving, he said you have to be careful about giving in to anxiety, for it can eventually turn into agoraphobia.

16 years ago 0 +0 / -0 1288

Minnesota, If you're determined to start driving again, we suggest that you start slow. Visualisations may be helpful for you. Don't rush anything. Sylvie, Bilingual Health Educator

16 years ago 0 +0 / -0 341

I have a drivers license but havent driven in about 10 years. I feel that I dont have any independance, I used to live in Toronto, so it was easy with transportation, now I live in the US in Eagan, Minnesota. The bus system is once an hour and not on weekends. My husband has to drive me everywhere. I tried to drive a bit, but I was scared of how fast the traffic moves here, also i'm scared of left turns and traffic lights, and bridges and tunnels. I cant walk on a bridge, I run accross them.

17 years ago 0 +0 / -0 7

Conquer Queen-I see it has been many months since you posted about needing help dealing with traffic lights and the 1/2 way suggestion. So do tell, have you mastered this task and how? I to cannot go 1/2 thru a tunnel or over a bridge. thoughts???

17 years ago 0 +0 / -0 9

Hi, Don't know if this helps, but I have on /off times with traffic lights. Sometimes, on bad days, I feel so trapped at a light that I start to panic. Some intersections are worse than others, for some reason. But, on good days, I find that some things that help me are: -Working on calming techniques (breathing, thinking about things I like) -Distracting myself (i.e. I take the time to clean out something in my car or purse - don't worry, I know when the light changes :-) ) -Looking at areas around the light / intersection (such as pretty trees, or interesting signs). Before I know it, the light changes and I'm on my way. I try to stay focused and calm and force myself to remember that "it wasn't such a big deal", so that I'll feel better next time. These are just some ways that I try and be calmer - what works for you?

17 years ago 0 +0 / -0 8760

ConquerQueen, Perhaps the first step would be to learn how to bring your anxiety levels while standing at the stop light. You could also visualize yourself walking through the stop light as a first step. The next step may be to just step off the curb and step back onto the sidewalk. Diva also gave you a great suggestion for your first actual crossing. Danielle ______________________ The PC Support Team

17 years ago 0 +0 / -0 2101

Hiya Conquer! Well, I will tell you what I think even if i might be way off track here lol. Take into account when reading this that I am the driveless wonder. Oh yes,, I do not own a driver's permit or know how to drive lol So who am I to give advice huh? But here it goes lol. Well I agree with you that you can't go halfway through a traffic light. So that first step of going through that first traffic light will be a big one. But I think there are ways to make it easier. Pick and traffic light you know to be a quiet intesection and go at a time of the day where you know it will be as calm as possible. If there arent any near where you are that you can get to on your own. Ask for help with this from a friend or loved one who drives. They can drive you to that particular intersection if it helps. But anyway, you make sure that the circuit you drive on has one quiet intersection with traffic lights (only one) and you drive it everyday if possible till you feel comfy with it. Then add more and more traffic lights as you go till you find yourself not scared of the traffic lights anymore. Now that is my idea on how to go about this and I know it implies a pretty big first step which is actually fully crossing that first traffic light... Anyway, it is the best I could come up with. Hope some of it helps a bit! Sorry I couldn't be more helpful as I said what do I know I don't even drive. -Diva

17 years ago 0 +0 / -0 21

HI everyone, I am only up to week 3 but would like to try and conquer traffic lights. How on earth do i do this gradually? I can't go halfway and then turn around and come back........is it either all or nothing? They freak me out cause if I get stuck at the red lights or in a traffic jam waiting for the lights(which happens quite alot here)there is no way I can reverse and go back cause there is about 20 cars behind me. ANY SUGGESTIONS?????? Thanks Conquer Queen

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TRAFFIC LIGHTS - gradual exposure