Sudden random fear of driving on motorways

[Waytooearly]

For years I had been commuting 2 plus hours a day on motorways. Plus driving on motorway for an hour about every other weekend for visiting friends. Zero issues. I didn't mind driving as long as I had podcasts etc.

I moved recently, closer to work and friends. Therefore I wasn't on the motorway for about two months. Got on the motorway a couple of weeks ago and... froze up. I just felt this overwhelming fear and disorieation. Something about the multiple lanes? The speed? I don't even know.

I thought it was just a one-off but then it happened again the next time I was on the motorway. Sweating, panicking, the lot.

Today for work I had to drive 30 mn for a meeting. 30 min on the motorway, that's it! I wasn't even thinking of it beforehand, just was getting my stuff together. Then I got on the slip road and.. Bam.

I am still shaky. I am having a sandwich in the car park and planning a route back on the A roads, I'm ashamed to say.

I am fine, my car is fine, I know the way. What on earth is happening?!

Any ideas on how I can bop this over the head?

This happened to my mum. A few years ago I was living 100 miles away with DD and having a horrific break up from exP- he'd take DD away and not tell me where she was etc when she was 2. My mum was a tower of strength and constantly up and down motorway but since we moved home and things have tentatively settled down she can't do motorway driving at all anymore. I feel v responsible and will be watching this thread with interest

I’d never done many long journeys..always left it to my husbands
However when husband number two had his stroke and couldn’t drive it was either give up the life we loved or step up to the plate

So I. Hose to step up to the plate . At nearly 64 I found it tough.
I mentioned it to my gp , who also was a homeopath
She receommended Aconite 10m

Now everyone on mnet knows homeopathy is a big crock...but it was a game changer for me.

I keep it handy in case I need it again.

In two weeks we are down to Cardiff..about 5 hours, then over to Dorset and then back pop north about 7 hours.

I won’t lie , I’d rather not have it to do...but I love our travelling life

I haven't had any side effects with ashwagandha.

Ha! I was thinking 'menopause' as I read this. My worst symptom was overwhelming panic and hot flushes all rolled into one.

I tried all sorts of 'natural' treatments and then went for HRT and haven't looked back.

I am not perimenopausal, but dread motorway driving after a gap of a few years. I put this down to the fact that, when I did drive on them, I often started to feel drowsy. This led me to avoid them whenever possible.

www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-6992273/amp/The-menopausal-motorist-change-making-women-scared-drive.html

Sorry-Daily Fail link but it's a thing!! :)

At 43 am I too young for perimenopause, and could the anxiety be attached to something else than driving?
Not wanting to derail, but this is very interesting.

So I guess the answer is exposure therapy. Maybe I should make a pont of getting on the motorway once a week or so.

I avoid motorways full stop.

I drive the long way to our city centre, to avoid an A road. I am so scared of being in an accident. I must do about 60 miles a week at the moment.

I even changed my job as it involved a lot of driving & the thought of DD being in school, whilst I was miles away did me in.

My anxiety increased 10 fold, for 2 days a month, (I put it on my calender, along with 3 nights a month of insomnia, 2 days a month of tearfulness & a week of headaches!)

Im young mid-ish 40's

I had to go to another city yesterday. Train was not an option because I had to pick up some things along the way.

I got some good podcasts uploaded. I checked my oil and tyre pressure before I set off, noticing what good shape my car is in.

I forced myself to stay at 70 mph for most of the trip. When anxiety surged up I took deep breaths and reminded myself that everyone else on the road was just a nice person like me, trying to get somewhere. I also kept my focus on the podcasts.

The trip home was a bit better.

I think I need to just forc myself to get on the motorway once a week or so.

Thanks for all the helpful suggestions!!!!