[summerblueskies]

How to deal with anxiety surrounding driving? I really dread it! The idea of driving long distances alone like even more than a 2 hour drive, terrifies me. Sometimes I get this weird distortion of perception when Im driving. The road suddenly seems longer than it is, or rounding a curve feels like itll never end. Its gotten so I dont even like being in cars, even as a passenger.Its tempting to speed just to get it over with, but I cant afford to get a ticket. Help please. Thnx

[Travelinglady]

Hey, Summerblueskies. I used to be anxious about driving, but I just kept doing it and now I have no problem. Do you feel comfortable listening to the radio or some other kind of CD's or whatever? Music does make the time pass by more quickly.

[stuck1978]

I too agree with the travelinglady's suggestion regarding listening. For me it was audiobooks that worked. My local library has free digital downloads that I would add to my digital player and play them through the FM radio transmitter in my car. Being told a story by a professional reader is very engaging and does let the time pass quickly while driving.

Another thing you can try is taking something from your home on the road with you. Something that makes you think of home and comfort. It could be someone's photo, a trinket, a pillow, blanket, etc... When you start feeling anxious, you can reach out for it, touch it, smell it, etc. to help you calm your nerves.

-stuck

[Hobbit House]

Originally Posted by stuck1978

I too agree with the travelinglady's suggestion regarding listening. For me it was audiobooks that worked. My local library has free digital downloads that I would add to my digital player and play them through the FM radio transmitter in my car. Being told a story by a professional reader is very engaging and does let the time pass quickly while driving.

Another thing you can try is taking something from your home on the road with you. Something that makes you think of home and comfort. It could be someone's photo, a trinket, a pillow, blanket, etc... When you start feeling anxious, you can reach out for it, touch it, smell it, etc. to help you calm your nerves.

-stuck

I Agree,
as a truck driver I do about500-600 miles a day.Books on cd are a great idea or could you drive with a friend??

[summerblueskies]

Originally Posted by Travelinglady

Hey, Summerblueskies. I used to be anxious about driving, but I just kept doing it and now I have no problem. Do you feel comfortable listening to the radio or some other kind of CD's or whatever? Music does make the time pass by more quickly.

Thanks Travelinglady. listening to music definitely helps, its like theres another person in the car too lol. But I still feel overwhelmed driving any amt of time.Esp in an unfamiliar area, Im convinced ill get hopelessly lost but never do

[summerblueskies]

Originally Posted by justusryans

I Agree,
as a truck driver I do about500-600 miles a day.Books on cd are a great idea or could you drive with a friend??

Good idea about the books on CD. It would give me something to look forward to while driving i think. I try to have my bf come with me but he also has to work.

[summerblueskies]

Originally Posted by stuck1978

I too agree with the travelinglady's suggestion regarding listening. For me it was audiobooks that worked. My local library has free digital downloads that I would add to my digital player and play them through the FM radio transmitter in my car. Being told a story by a professional reader is very engaging and does let the time pass quickly while driving.

Another thing you can try is taking something from your home on the road with you. Something that makes you think of home and comfort. It could be someone's photo, a trinket, a pillow, blanket, etc... When you start feeling anxious, you can reach out for it, touch it, smell it, etc. to help you calm your nerves.

-stuck

Ill have to try that too! I roll down the window or turn on the A C for fresh air too. It helps sometimes.

[Parley]

I listen to music that makes me move my neck~

[deartick21]

I have the exact same issue. I refuse to drive on highways or freeways at all I get such bad anxiety. I have found keeping calm music on is good and not playing it too loud. I am still probably overly cautious but it makes me a little less scared and anxious every second I'm in the vehicle.

[Insidelookingout]

I have the exact same experiences as you do when i'm driving long distances. I bring a book and workbook on anxiety and flashcards for panic attacks. I always bring them in an extra bag when I travel so I can read them and remind myself of the coping skills and that it's just anxiety. It never goes away fully but it helps and gives me a since of security.

[Insidelookingout]

I turn on the ac or roll down my window all the time. I agree the fresh air helps a lot. Especially if i'm having shallow breathing.

[dwfieldjr]

Just keep your hands at 10-2, don't turn your radio to loud just enough to hear it, look at a map and write out your route before you leave. That helped me when I drove long distance for the first time.