My last post to you was general and possibly vague, so for specific ideas about driving in the car, please see "Mastering Your Fear In Specific Situations/Specific Phobias." I could have written the post on this thread, as well as, the one I just mentioned. Hope this helps :) Your Friend, Shari
There are a lot of things that fall under Agoraphobia. It is actually a fear of not having control of the situation, there fore things like going out doors, or shopping malls where a lot happens around you fall under this. So does driving, think about it. You have no control over what the other person is doing or what the lights are doing and there are things that change fast and again take the control away from you. The first step in controlling agoraphobia (your fear of driving) is to build coping skills and relaxation techniques. You can get these from the program and specific ones related to driving from the posts or you can just ask. We are here for you. It is a very common fear and not insurmountable. First comes knowing why it is there and second what to do about it. Also, if it has always been there then you want to look into core beliefs and how to change them. I would look into them anyway. The program will also explain about panic attacks, why they are there and how to cope with them. There are no quick fixes, it takes time but a lot of people are finding relief after the first couple of sessions and if you stick with it you will get cured. Believe me, or better yet believe yourself. Just believe it can happen and it will.
There are several great posts that give lots of ideas about how to cope in the car. That was my issue and I found that reading other people's ideas about what they do, really helped. I have also posted as well. There are too many to name, but if you search around a bit, you will find the answers you are looking for. I know you will get better as I have. The sessions in this program really help and there is so much support here and so many friends. Welcome. Your friend, Shari
Welcome and thank you for posting. Like Davit, I am curious if you have tried CBT also.
Also, I will with to agree with red, Exposure work is the best way to get a handle on these fears. I encourage you to set up a plan to work on the program. The entire program is proven to work, even after only a few sessions. Be sure to add rewards in for completing sessions and moving forward. This will be a great experience for you and I am looking forward to hearing all about it!
Good morning and Welcome to the support group. In answer to your question. I have found when doing exposure work it really helps me if I have a plan and break the exposure down into small steps that build on each other. Doing it this way does take time and you have to remember to be patient with yourself. Also reward yourself for each accomplishment no matter how small.
Welcome, we can help but we need more information. Have you done anything like this program or CBT of any sort?How long since you could drive? Any thing else you can't do?
I have been suffering with panic attacks for almost 20yrs and have come along way in the last several years. I am still unable to drive on highways or drive for more than 30 minutes. I have tried and tried but have full blown attacks and have to pull over. Any suggestions????
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