Besides social anxiety (and agoraphobic tendencies) I have a serious driving anxiety. Losing control of a car is a recurring scenario of my nightmares. Even just driving up the street, even on a route I've traveled countless times before, I feel frequent bouts of anxiety and panic.

It contributes to my social anxiety, as when I do socialize with people and a situation comes up which might require me to drive, I have to find a way out of that situation. I'm always making excuses and trying to avoid the subject with people I don't know well. Sometimes, I try to explain and people don't get it, and instead give me the old "you just need to push yourself and face your fears!" line which isn't helpful and just makes me feel more alienated.

I resisted learning to drive, and only got my license just in time for college (I passed the driving test on the first try, by 1 point). I managed to drive to my first college for two years on a short route, and my second college for three years, which was a much longer route.

Generally it's easier for me if I get used to a route to drive with less anxiety, but if I have to go somewhere new, if there's road work, an accident, anything that disrupts the normal route and routine, then I'm in panic mode and can barely stand it.

Since finishing college, and losing my only offline job, a few years ago, I've rarely driven. I rely on family for rides and work online sporadically. I was pulled over years ago (on a false accusation) and that made everything much worse. My most recent driving experience was, in an attempt to force myself to get used to it again, driving my girlfriend to a movie, and I was so nervous and terrified that I broke out in hives that lasted for days.

Does anyone else suffer from this anxiety, and if so, how do you deal with it? Any advice is appreciated!