subject: Do You Have A Fear Of Driving? [print this page] For the majority of people who drive every day, either to work, to take the children to school or just going shopping, it will be difficult to understand how anyone can have a fear of driving. Nonetheless, this is a very real anxiety disorder, and is actually a type of agoraphobia (which is anxiety about having a panic attack anywhere that may be hard to escape from).
What Causes a Fear of Driving?
You may have suffered a bad motor vehicle accident, either when driving or as a passenger, or possibly have witnessed one, where someone was severely injured.
You may already suffer from anxiety or panic attacks, and be anxious about having an attack while driving, which in itself is enough to bring on an attack.
You are anxious about other peoples driving you see some crazy people on the roads nowadays, and you are worried not so much about your own driving, but that someone is going to crash into you.
Perhaps you had a near miss on the freeway or going over a narrow bridge or going down some narrow country road. This can lead you to try and avoid these places.
You may be feeling stressed about something else entirely, such as final exams or a breakup of a relationship. If you have only recently got your drivers license, it is an added anxiety to think you are now alone in charge of a motor vehicle.
These are just some of the reasons that can cause you to suddenly have a fear of driving. It is a very unpleasant form of anxiety disorder, and one that can affect your life to a very great degree, because for most of us, driving is such a big part of our lives.
What Can Be Done To Cure This Fear of Driving?
There are certainly some simple things you can put into place for yourself, which will help.
Think about what will happen if you do have a panic attack while you are driving. What is the worst thing that can happen? You will probably have been having panic attacks for a few months, so you already know that you are not having a heart attack, and youre not about to pass out. So what you need to do is pull over to the side of the road and stop driving. It is therefore a good idea to have someone with you. This way you know that should the worst happen you are not going to be trapped with no way of getting home, as there is someone else who can drive.
Always have a mobile phone with you this will stop you feeling isolated, and you know help is only a phone call away.
Confront your fear gradually. Only drive a little way to start with, just around the block is fine. Do that every day until you feel comfortable, then go a little further for the next few days, and so on.
Dont travel at night
Put some relaxing music on, as long as it doesnt distract you
If you have tried some or all of these things, and you still have a fear of driving, you may need some sort of therapy. It is very important you talk to your doctor asap and tell him your fears. He or she may suggest some type of therapy, and as with other types of anxiety disorders, good results are being got with Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT).
Always remember, there is lots of help available; panic attacks can be controlled and your fear of driving can be conquered.
