[rtaylor9837]

The other day a couple of my friends and I needed to take a trip about 30 minutes away. One said, "I'll drive." He had the best car so why not. I had to leave the room, actually go outside, in order to have a panic attack at just the thought. Several years ago, 10 or 12 now, I was in a car accident and right after wasn't even able to get in a car period. Now I feel ok as long as I'm driving but still when I'm passing a car or coming to an intersection my anxiety level gets so high. To the point where I've had to just turn into the closest driveway or road just to avoid it. I'm tired of this!! I can't go anywhere unless I drive and gas is not cheap these days. It's affecting me emotionally and now financially. HELP!

[Umbral_Seraph]

I just can't let any of my friends drive either; it always has to be me. I feel it's a legitimate feeling since I'm the only one who hasn't wrecked a car...

I can definantly see how being in an accident make you nervous to be in a car, period. Then there's that feeling of loss of control when someone else is driving.

Gas prices are really hitting me too.

[sundog]

Hi rtaylor. Welcome! I'm really sorry you're struggling with this. The fact that you have already been in a car accident must make things so much more difficult. As opposed to just worrying that you might have an accident - which is bad enough to worry about - you have an actual experience of having had an accident.

Are you getting any professional help at all? I have several phobias, as well as GAD and panic attacks, and it's really hard to work through this alone. A therapist could help you work on some skills and techniques that might make this easier. I really hope that's an option for you.

[alaskas]

I can't offer any advice here, just to let you know that I have the same problem. If I do have ride with someone, even my husband it is almost more than I can bear sometimes. I close my eyes and bore a hole thru the floor boards pushing in my 'brake'....