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Original poster

Driving anxiety

15 replies

BlessedT · 25/09/2023 21:53

Does anyone have any advice for someone struggling with driving anxiety. It's literally crippling me and im struggling to be calm on the motorway.

I have to drop my daughter to nursery and drive to work 20 miles each way. It's the closest job to home, I could find. I feel embarrassed that I'm so anxious about driving.

I've had my licence since I was 18. But only recently at 32 have started driving regularly.

OP posts:
kittenseverywhere · 25/09/2023 22:01

I've known a few women to start having this when their hormones started changing. I know you are young for this but thought I'd mention it in case it does fit for you.

I went through this myself. I was looking into hypnotherapy. In the end, I took anxiety meds for a year and got over it. Now off them and doing fine with driving.

I feel for you. I know how awful this feels.

SkaneTos · 25/09/2023 22:08

Can you take some driving lessons, just to get back into driving? Practise the parts of driving where you feel uncertain, like motorway driving?

Practise driving with a friend or a family member as support, someone that is a good driver, someone calm.

The more you drive, the more confident you will be!
Plan your route, and stay calm.

Good Luck!

Blueglazzier · 25/09/2023 22:09

Oh I totally understand . I have to drive 130 miles to visit unwell sister using m27 m3 and a3 . My stomach is always in knots . I tell myself I'm OK, I can do it . I only drive on Sundays very early . The only thing I can add is keep it up , you can do this , you will get stronger and braver . I feel for you.

Original poster
BlessedT · 25/09/2023 22:13

Thanks so much. I feel so embarrassed because everyone makes it seem so easy.
I'll try to see if I can get meds.
Thanks for acknowledgement of my post it means alot.

OP posts:
Original poster
BlessedT · 25/09/2023 22:14

Did some refresher lessons with hubby. But he's not the most patient

OP posts:
HenryCavillsWife · 25/09/2023 22:16

It really helps if you do a spoken commentary while you drive, or sing along to music. It distracts the part of your brain that otherwise just expects instant death.

CognitiveBehaviouralHypnotherapy · 25/09/2023 22:19

No need to feel embarrassed OP. Driving anxiety is very common.

It's great that you're doing the thing you're afraid of. Facing your fears is an effective way to get better

Here's a couple of tips that can ease your anxiety in the moment

  • box breath to ground you (4 in, hold for 4, 4 out, hold for 4)
  • every so often scan your body when you're driving. Are you gripping the wheel, leaning forward, clenching your jaw? One can't be relaxed and anxious at the same time
  • this might be a tough one: cut out (or down) coffee

How long ago did you start driving again?

Startoftheyear2023 · 25/09/2023 22:19

I've had this and honestly think I'm out the other side now. I had some online sessions with a special driving instructor but there's a lot of helpful stuff online, have a look on YouTube. Good luck!

QGMum · 25/09/2023 22:26

I have this. As others have said the more you drive the easier it will get, especially on a route that becomes familiar. I give myself a good talking to each time I get in the car, remind myself that I am perfectly capable of driving and breathe deeply.

HerbalTeal · 25/09/2023 22:27

Ah op, I feel for you, I would think nothing on the past of driving 500 miles in a day, happy to go anywhere, but I’m also suffering from the same. All I can say is keep practising to get more confident and see your gp too, hopefullly they can prescribe something.

Original poster
BlessedT · 26/09/2023 05:59

Started driving 3 weeks ago after a 10 year break. Also returning from maternity leave.

OP posts:
Original poster
BlessedT · 26/09/2023 06:00

Thanks everyone

OP posts:
muddlingthrou · 26/09/2023 06:44

I'm on the other side of driving anxiety, though I'm still a woeful parker! What helped me was a refresher lesson with an instructor where he basically reassured me that I could drive, and time. It took a few months, but I don't even think about jumping in the car now. Best of luck x

CognitiveBehaviouralHypnotherapy · 26/09/2023 17:58

BlessedT · 26/09/2023 05:59

Started driving 3 weeks ago after a 10 year break. Also returning from maternity leave.

aha! Our anxieties can perk up during periods of change. Sounds like you're pushing yourself out of a comfort zone. You got this OP!

Blueglazzier · 25/11/2023 10:33

Hello again I've wondered how your driving is going now its been a few weeks . I am driving back home tomorrow A3 M3 and M27 so my anxiety is slowly showing its annoying face telling me the roads will be shut or the car will break down etc etc . But I make myself do it or I'll never drive the journey again . I have already stopped driving to Southampton to visit a friend as its just so fast and busy on M27 and lorries . Anyway I hope your stronger and keep at it like me . Best wishes

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