Hey all,

A quick intro about myself: I am in my late 20's, work full time from home for the past 10 years. My husband taught me to drive when I was in my early 20's but I don't drive everyday only on weekends or whenever it's necessary and mostly locally.

Around two years ago I posted a thread about driving anxiety/phobia where I received many helpful responds, and even feedback from many that could relate. Since that time, I have improved a lot. I drive more calmly, and don't hesitate to do so compared to before. But I still suffer from anxiety issues.

For instance, something that is driving me crazy! I still don't know to properly parallel park, I avoid it. I won't park in front of my own house that may require along the side or parallel, and instead I park in the rear yard and get panic attacks as I reverse my car in the carport, I constantly look outside, constantly 'think' about how to make my situation easier for me and even memorized my rear neighbor's schedule so if I park my car in forward I wait until she moves her car and leaves so I can fix my car and reverse park so it's easier for me to get it out and avoid crashing into her car (never happen, just me overthinking) if I have to drive the next day (Who does that?!). My mind becomes a nervous cluster when I have to reverse park, go on the high way (which I rarely do), driving to unknown locations, etc..

Sure, I get things done like taking my daughter to her med appts, grocery shopping, going out etc.. but I am still not a confident driver. I still google map street views. I still mostly drive in my safe zones. This is affecting my life.

I don't feel like this always but when I feel little control,scared then it leads me tot feel anxious,nervous,intrusive thoughts, overthink a lot, have self doubt, think people are looking at me.. and driving is only one aspect. An important one at that, because of this I avoid a lot of things. And it doesn't help that I work full time from home, it isolates me..makes me feel safer but I want to grow.

To add, I get similar anxiety feelings in social situations as well. Some people just tell me, I need to go out more,gain a social life and I agree but what if I actually have an anxiety disorder/ocd.. I know I have to get out there more, practice. Now more than ever that I am a first time mom.

Besides practicing more, should I seek a therapist for anxiety help issues or should I go to a driving school and see if they can help me with those things I have yet to improve? I am not sure if my problem is overall anxiety which isn't helping me think straight in those situations or if I just need some help from a professional when it comes to driving.