subject: What is Driving Anxiety? [print this page] What is Driving Anxiety? What is Driving Anxiety?
Anxiety is a feeling that many experience at one time or another. Depending on a person's lifestyle, work and other factors, the level and frequency of anxiety may be more or less, compared to the next person. However, when it comes to driving anxiety, this feeling is taken to a whole different level.
Anxiety is described as feelings of nervousness and worry. In extreme cases, having this kind of anxiety can actually manifest itself into physical as well as mental/emotional symptoms. It is not uncommon for a person to have numbness in their extremities, headache, a rapid heartbeat, abdominal pain, nausea and even a sense of overwhelming hopelessness. Pair that with being on the road in a vehicle and it becomes a problematic combination.
Driving anxiety happens when drivers begin to experience panic attacks and other similar symptoms each time they get into their car. This often occurs because of previous trauma, such as a car accident. The memories of the trauma usually continue to replay themselves in the minds of the driver, which makes it difficult for them to adjust to the reality and resume their normal driving practices. Because driving anxiety typically happens when a person gets into the car, the driver will often go to extremes such as avoiding the act of driving entirely. Instead they will look for other options such as having someone give them a ride to and from their destination(s) or taking public transportation.
Fortunately, there are ways to get around having anxiety attacks while driving, including participating in a special program, joining a support group or receiving information with helpful tips for overcoming this kind of condition.
