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Trouble driving

12 years ago 0 +0 / -0 2

Thank you everyone for your responses. Cant wait to get started on this

12 years ago 0 +0 / -0 2508

Welcome Spartyfan...This program has helped lots of people with driving here..If you do a post search and type in driving you may find others who have been through this too...

Red...

12 years ago 0 +0 / -0 6252

Hugs

No Actually I was wondering if the members thought this was a control thing. You know, who has control, you or the phobia because as far as I'm concerned that is what it is about. As in have to verses want to. If you want to you have control, if you have to the phobia has control.

So I always try hard to tell myself I'm doing it because I want to so I have the control. I find this works for everything Agoraphobic from shopping to driving to what ever.

It is the basis of how I do things I don't want to. I add the relaxation and distraction things to this and it goes well. Very well some times.

If I am directing something to some one I try to remember to use their name even if I am only babbling and not looking for an answer.

How do the other members deal with things they don't want to do or have to do? This is just how I do it. It always works for me. I now do it subconsciously.

Davit.

12 years ago 0 +0 / -0 4027

Davit,

I'm not certain I understand your question. Is it directed at me?

12 years ago 0 +0 / -0 6252

A control thing?

Davit

12 years ago 0 +0 / -0 4027

HI Spartyfan,

I used to have a fear of driving, and through exposure it became less frightening. I used relaxation tapes, and did exposures in bits until I felt more comfortable over a period of time. I also gained a great deal of confidence with a specialized course at a "skid" school, which was as much fun as an amusement ride, but acquired skills.

After I purchased a more responsive car, driving became a pleasure too. If you don't have a responsive car, or aren't seated properly, with mirrors adjusted, the experience is going to be worse. I notice that my car is more fun to drive when I get it back from the mechanic, since he probably tweaks the tire pressures and hinges with lube for small things that make it noticeablely more comfortable.

It's funny that I never discussed driving with a doc, but there are so many other issues in the past..

12 years ago 0 +0 / -0 6252

Welcome Spartyfan.

I love driving. I love weaving in and out of the traffic. I love the challenge. This fall I got a lot of pleasure out of stirring the leaves on the road on the way to the store. I live in the mountains and it is a narrow valley with a road on either side but the store is on the opposite side from me so it is down this windy road to the river and across a one lane bridge and up the other side. I love it. Now can you see me not being able to go to town? It used to be that way.

Some times I would try three times to go each time just turning around and going home. Some times I would even get as far as opening the door in the parking lot but have to go home.

Sad isn't it. I would drive back home, take an ativan and go back and do my shopping and take the quiet back roads home. I would drive by the restaurant and see my friends there but go home instead. I would have to go work in my garden because I would be so mad with the tears streaming down my face.

Well not anymore. If I want to drive some where I do. If I have to drive somewhere I do. And I am not on medication. Nothing. No crutches at all. Just an understanding of why it was that way. And the solution is so simple it is funny. This is not an advertisement for a magic bullet to cure you. It is just something that works. It works for anything Agoraphobic.

If you read back through the forums you will find what it is. It should work for you. It has for others.

CBT works and this program based on CBT works as people here will tell you.

Davit. Just a member and just my experience.

12 years ago 0 +0 / -0 11215

Hi Spartyfan.

Fear of driving is common. This entire program can help you address this. Start at the beginning and make a plan for yourself regarding when you want to work on the program. It is a lot of work but if you stick with it you will see results.

I am sure many members here will be able to share experiences regarding this too. Search the forums and continue to post. We'll help you figure this out.

Ashley, Health Educator

Here to help :)

12 years ago 0 +0 / -0 373

Spartyfan - I have always been very anxious about driving - I waited until I was 29 to get my license and I avoid the highway whenever possible. The great thing about this program is that it will provide you with tools that really help! I am a newbie, too, and I probably can't help - but I wanted to send a note of support and confidence that this program will help you! Keep me posted!

12 years ago 0 +0 / -0 2

I am new to this program. I started having problems a few years ago with panic attacks during driving on the highway. Its gotten worse over the years and now is too the point where driving anywhere is a challenge. I try to avoid driving anywhre and completely avoid highways and bridges. Anyone have experience with this? Suggestions?

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