Hey guys, I dont think i've posted on this forum before though im a regular at psychcentral. so hello

I'm in a situation where fear is totally crippling me, and it concerns driving.

I passed my test 5 and a half years ago and havent driven since. Reason : Long story short, my studies have always been put first and ive used the money that could have gone on insurance and transport in to living whilst I study, I am also a mother of a two year old as well so funding has been tight.

I finished uni before the summer, and im now in the position to really go for the career ive always dreamed of, however, the only way to get in to work is if i drive. I have a car, I am now fully insured, but the problem is: im absolutely terrified of driving.

After being pretty stable for over two years, I've had issues this year with severe crashes of both depression and mania, and my life has been shaken up a bit. My confidence has seemed to hit rock bottom, and im fighting to find my way back to the top again. After a few therapy sessions I have bene brave enough to get in to the car, and my partner has given me two refresher lessons so far - which were both massive failures. My time off the road has not done the driving any good whatsoever, im having a major problem even remembering how to simply drive the car around a car park.

He got very mad with me today, as he doesnt understand why im not just bad at driving, but how I simply cant drive. It doesnt help that my concentration, memory and attention span have been impared due to all the stress recently. I had a breakdown and burst in to tears in front of him, as the anxiety of it all was just too overwhelming, and now I feel like ive failed.

Its embarrassing because it seems to come so naturally to others, however has become such a great hurdle which reflects as a phobia almost to me. My job is on the line for this, I will have to be able to make my own way (quite the distance!) for work and I just dont know what to do.

Thank you for listening. Megan.