Please or to access all these features

Mental health

Mumsnet hasn't checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you have medical concerns, please seek medical attention.

Anxiety when driving.

4 replies

Happiestinwellybobs · 11/01/2014 09:26

I have suffered with anxiety and depression in the past, although the depression has stayed away in the past three years.

I used to suffer with panic attacks and was often hit in the supermarket. These too have vanished (when DD arrived, she took the focus of the source of my panic).

However I have developed an anxiety when driving. Local routes are fine but driving any distance makes me worry (as does being a passenger). This anxiety hit a high last year when commuting (only 10 miles). I became obsessed with the thought that I was going to get a flat tyre - having had about 5 in the space of the same amount of years. Again, I managed to bring this under control again. I'm not sure how, but it went away a bit. From panicking nearly every journey, it went to about once a fortnight.

But I am feeling it creep back again. Plus my car is making a weird noise - the garage says they can't find the reason and say that it is running fine. But they also added that if something is wrong, I will likely find out when it actually goes wrong! Which isn't installing me with confidence.

I have to travel with DD today. Only a total of 35 miles, and I am planning on avoiding the motorway, but my chest is tight and I woke up with a very anxious feeling.

What do I do? Today I have to go, so will fight it and get her there, but I don't want this taking over my life. Apart from this, my anxiety doesn't really affect me.

Sorry for the ramble :)

OP posts:
Happiestinwellybobs · 11/01/2014 09:26

*instilling

OP posts:
teawomen · 11/01/2014 10:29

Sounds to me like you know what to do. You just need some hand holding. Deep breaths no relax. Have u got road side cover that's all you need if something goes wrong.

Happiestinwellybobs · 11/01/2014 10:43

Thanks tea I have cover so I know it will be okay. I just seem to have this continual worry (even before the noise started) that something is going to go wrong with the car. I (and DH) tell myself that if something does go wrong I can just pull over and call the AA.

When I had the flat tyre anxiety I would often pull over to check the tyres - bonkers! I am trying to relax before I set off.

OP posts:
Happiestinwellybobs · 11/01/2014 11:28

Or maybe I was being psychic - just got into my car to set off and battery warning light is on meaning my alternator has gone. Thankfully happened as I pulled out of home.

OP posts:
New posts on this thread. Refresh page