Phobia

[mcfee]

Can any-one help? I learnt to drive about 10 years ago, never liked it from the start and so never drove much but now I have the biggest phobia ever about it. I can't even sit in the drivers seat without panicking and feeling / being sick. Haven't driven for a year now but have a 3yr old dd and its getting difficult to do everything we want to. I don't feel independent any more.

Maybe a refresher course with a sympathetic instructor would help? I was a very anxious learner and when I passed and got a car I used to feel panicky and sick when I got in. I was determined to get over it as dh didn't drive at the time and I knew it would change my life for the better if I could get over it. I forced myself to do it tbh and a few years on I'm still a nervous driver but I don't get those panicky/sick feelings anymore unless I'm driving somewhere unknown! I tend to stick to the routes I know and feel safe driving but I think that's better than not driving at all!

When I was pregnant I did a refresher course and did manage to drive for a while but like you only tried & trusted routes. But then I went back to work and didn't drive during the week and then DH was about at the weekend so it tailed off and now I can't. I can't even think about more lessons with another strange person who will charge a fortune and think I am a nutcase and I can't do with family / friends as they have not seen me in such a state.

I think it was fortunate for me that dh didn't drive at the time or I definitely would have let hime drive and would have probably never driven again. Would you drive with your dh in the car? Start small, I did round the block a few times before I went further afield. Focus on how the positive impact driving will have on your life. I used to imagine myself driving to the shops or taking my dc places etc. My mum & dad didn't drive, and I hated the fact that I had to rely on other people's parents for lifts so that was a big motivation for me!

I think its too convenient for me that every-one else drives. But they're not (especially parents) going to be around forever. Don't suppose any-one else can sort my head out for me! but it makes me feel better to know that there are other crazy (joking!) people out there with the same fear! thanks!