[Ipod1]

I've had this phobia ever since my first panic attack and I thought it was gone up until about six months ago. I can't drive on the highway, during rush hour or if some unexpected traffic pops up I panic so bad. Every day when I go to work i dread driving home every night. It's getting really difficult to deal with because I have two jobs and drive quite a bit. I can't shake that I'll just get trapped out on the highway broken down and might die when I'm out there or something. It causes so much anxiety. I still have other issues too. Not sure if I'm losing my mind or if it's just all my anxiety and ocd or if it's something more. Ugh. Any help or has anyone had this traffic, trapped, phobia?

[more70]

Hi! I have A LOT in my 40 years of anxiety attacks. I have backed off a highway one time when I entered it and found myself in traffic. I threw it in reversing and nobles my horn and everyone moved to the side. I backed out about a mile. I have also stopped and called 911. Horrible, I know. But I know how you feel. I would panic so bad that my hands and feet would stiffen up so much I had to pull over. Not saying you will get that bad at all. Just saying I made it through that and drive with no problem at all. One thing to remember, its only fear and not rational thoughts. It's in your mind and you can change your mind. As much as you feel the anxiety has taken control, it hasn't. You and millions of others have driven down those highways and are completely fine. And even if the worst was to happen, You will still end up on your couch at some point. The anxiety and fear you feel is woody then adrenaline which means your body is working right. The only difference is that your unconscious is confused and you can change that by talking back to those feelings and thoughts. I began to use my time in traffic as time I could relax because I didn't have to be doing anything. I hope I helped.

[DenisDonnacha]

I've experienced bad driving phobia before, unfortunately I can't offer much advice to help you I can't afford to drive anymore and never got a chance to get over it fully.
But maybe if you get a chance you could find a stretch of road that's quite at some point during the day and get some extra driving in to get your mind back in the right place while driving.

[Ipod1]

See I drive constantly I deliver Chinese food 3 nights a week and work at a pool hall a couple nights a week. Both are on the opposite side of town so I end up taking these back roads because the highway driving would cause major panic attacks. Now on the back roads I'm having the same problem. Idk what to do.

[Rosie23]

Sorry you are having such a hard time with this. Especially since you need to drive for your job.
Did something happen in the past to make you afraid of driving on the highway?

I always try to pinpoint where my anxiety and panic is coming from. It doesn't always make it go away, but at least I know why and then I do a lot of positive self talk. And that isn't always successful either, but it's worth a try.

[Ipod1]

I've had quite a few panic attacks while on the highway. Breaking down, sitting in traffic etc. and now I just keep thinking I'm gonna break down I guess. I just can't seem to shake it at all.

[thunderbear]

I have that same thing when I drive. Sometimes, I have panic attacks when someone ele is driving. I dont know what to say to help just lettin you know Im right there with you

[Ipod1]

Its just something else that dampens my life because of anxiety.

[lancetrot]

Many people feel driving anxiety for different reasons. It could have been past bad experiences, fear of traffic crowds, lack of self-confidence and lack of cocentration etc. Find what part of driving t you enjoy and it absolutely gets more comfortable the more times you exercise it. Initially I was afraid to drive alone for a while. I am terrified of winter driving and I avoid it sometimes even though i know it will never improve when I avoid it. Just take baby steps and it will get better. Its actually not the fear of driving it is more likely a fear of crashing or not knowing what to do.

[Ipod1]

Originally Posted by lancetrot

Many people feel driving anxiety for different reasons. It could have been past bad experiences, fear of traffic crowds, lack of self-confidence and lack of cocentration etc. Find what part of driving t you enjoy and it absolutely gets more comfortable the more times you exercise it. Initially I was afraid to drive alone for a while. I am terrified of winter driving and I avoid it sometimes even though i know it will never improve when I avoid it. Just take baby steps and it will get better. Its actually not the fear of driving it is more likely a fear of crashing or not knowing what to do.

That's some really good advice. Baby steps are what I've been trying to do.. I too have anxiety driving in the snow, heavy rain, etc.. Baby steps in all aspects of life.. Can't just jump into it or avoid it. Avoiding it just grows the fear.