AIBU to ask how I get over this and stop panicking?

11 replies

LoopyLou1981 · 03/02/2019 21:52

I’m not an overly confident driver but I can get myself (and the kids) around safely with a bit of a talking to before I leave.
Last night I was in a cab and someone pulled out of a turning straight into the side of us. Obviously not going that fast but it was a bit of a jolt and made a horrible noise. Not hurt apart from a bit of a sore shoulder.
I made myself get in the car today because I knew it would play on my mind but now, every time I see a turning with someone waiting it makes me jump and my heart starts racing.
I need to get myself over this before it becomes a real issue. I’m not having my dc missing out on things because I panic every time I get in the car.
Any tips?x

OP posts:

Bunnybigears · 03/02/2019 21:58

This might be rubbish advice so feel free not to follow. I was in an accident on a mini roundabout, the ones where people seemingly have no idea whose go it is! Everytime I had to use one after I felt very nervous. Everytime I negotiated a mini roundabout without incident I counted them up. Every so often I would think so since the accident I have done mini roundabouts x amount of times and nothing bad has happened. Eventually I stopped counting and stopped being scared.

Sparklesocks · 03/02/2019 22:01

That is scary. Did the other car actually hit the cab or was it a close miss?
Could you maybe try to think about all the times you have passed turnings without incident?

Original poster

LoopyLou1981 · 03/02/2019 22:04

No it actually hit us. It hit the side of the car that I was on but I was in the back at it hit the front.
I’ll definitely try counting up occasions when things haven’t happened. I know I just need to be rational. It’s just unfortunate that my brain doesn’t always remember to be rational 🙄 x

OP posts:

unicornsarereal1 · 03/02/2019 22:04

It is a case of keep doing it.

I know that sounds un-sympathetic and heartless (I don't mean it to be)
I was badly injured in a car accident on a round about with a drunk driver ... it took me months to finally feel safe as a passenger, especially at roundabouts.

I made myself be the passenger every tome it was possible and anytime it meant driving that way - I always asked someone to go that way so I could get over the fear of the roundabout.
Once I saw it was an accident and wouldn't happen every time I was fine

Sorry you got injured. Are you sure you're ok?

Original poster

LoopyLou1981 · 03/02/2019 22:09

I’m sure I’m fine. Just a bit achy. I saw what was going to happen so I put my hand up to the headrest to stop myself going forward and I think it jarred my shoulder.
Sorry you had a bad accident too. I’m glad you got over your fears x

OP posts:

Pfnb · 04/02/2019 03:16

I absolutely did not believe in it beforehand, but hypnosis changed my life.

musicMerchandiseWebsite · 04/02/2019 03:33

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kateandme · 04/02/2019 04:10

mindfulness.getting your breathing under control and being able to rationalise or at least look into the fear and breathe through it helped so much

Smotheroffive · 04/02/2019 04:21

It's a natural reaction, try not to worry yourself over it, it will also naturally calm after time. It does go away. Its a touch of PTSD, which will fade. If it's too problematic try speaking to your GP about a beta blocker?

GailTheFish · 04/02/2019 04:46

Sorry to hear that you’re injured OP, hope you are feeling better now. I wonder whether a few sessions with a driving instructor might help to get your confidence back and give you validation that you are a good driver?

Onlyjoinedforthisthread · 04/02/2019 07:36

I had a car do the same to me and it does make you more aware everytime you go past a junction and I'm a confident driver, it will pass in a couple of weeks. The more you drive hopefully the more confident you will get.

Flip