I am 52 years old and feel somewhat inadequate. I used to drive on the freeway and traveled out of town often. Then suddenly, now, I have developed this phobia and will not get near a freeway. It is frustrating. I freeze when I get on the freeway. It is amazing to me. I was independent and now rely on someone to drive me long distance.
Please, give me some suggestions. I need to overcome this phobia. My doctors want to give me Prozac. I don't think is the answer.
Thanks.
Doctors are prescribing you the Prozac to relieve the anxiety you're feeling, highways and freeways included. My take on this is that unless you address the underlying causes of your anxiety all you're going to be doing is mask -- and perpetuate -- the problem.
Any link I give you here will be labeled advertising and deleted by moderators. I did, however, borrow the following information from a website after typing searching under DRIVING ANXIETY:
"Perhaps you get get anxious when driving in traffic, on the highway, over bridges, or when far from home and outside your “comfort zone”. Regardless of what external condition or situation appears to be the cause of your anxiety while driving, ultimately, the TRUE cause is your negative and anxious thought patterns that have wrongly convinced you that anxiety is an appropriate response to what is occurring.
It is important to understand that anxiety is a reaction to a perceived threat, and when legitimate, serves a valuable purpose. For instance, if you were to be driving on icy roads at night, it would be appropriate for you to feel a small amount of anxiety and the physical reaction that comes with that anxiety would help protect you and keep you safe by keeping you alert and vigilant in a situation that demanded your focus and attention.
Anxiety in and of itself is not to blame or to be avoided, but the reaction of anxiety when unnecessary can be extremely damaging and disruptive. It’s important that you take note of the fact that anxiety is a REACTION to a perceived threat, NOT a threat in and of itself. Although the physical and psychological effects of anxiety can be frightening, anxiety does NOT cause you to lose control, die, or 'go crazy'."
There are institutes that help people overcome driving anxiety. There's no reason for you to keep suffering. And no reason why doctors should choose the path of least resistance and prolong your misery by prescribing pills that aren't going to work in the long run.
Bless you, and keep us posted.
-- ED
I have the same problem. Here are 5 Driving Tips that could be help you:
1. Use the time to quietly focus on your breathing as your car is warming up if you’re in a cold-weather area.
2. Listen to a stress release Cd - I am using “ Driving the enlightened way ” by Stephan Niemen at drivingphobia.net - and engage your senses within the experience—notice and release tension in your body, pay attention to the sights around you, hear the sounds of passing traffic.
3. Practice focusing on one thing at a time—your hands on the steering wheel, for example. Give it your complete attention. If your thoughts wander, come back to that one thing.
4. When you see a red light or a stop sign, smile at it because it’s helping you return to the present moment. It’s not the enemy—it’s a reminder to slow down and be where you are.
5. Visualize your car as a physical extension of yourself. This may help you feel more grounded in the moment, and it may also help you drive more safely and defensively.
Good luck and stay strong. You are not alone.
God bless you.
Godsbeautiful
Godsbeautiful
I know there is help out there for me. I won't give up.
Have a good day.