[Holly07]

I have a phobia of driving on interstate highways and bridges. I have suffered severe panic attacks just thinking about having to drive over a bridge or highway. I feel that very limited in where I drive in that I avoid driving over a bridge or highway at all cost. As a result I have felt inadequate and embarrassed. I haven't always felt this way. This nightmare began about 10 years ago and even with a couple of counseling sessions, reading books, etc. I have found nothing to help my situation. I'd rather have a fear of spiders than driving in certain areas as I really need to regain confidence and get where I need to go. I have an 9 year old child and feel I am limiting what she can do because of the fear that I have and this makes me feel even worse. I do not have a support system and I feel so alone dealing with this as I don't know or heard of anyone suffering from this type of phobia besides me. I want to know is there anyone else in the community who share the same fear? Is there anyone in the community that has helpful advice on how to get rid of the negative thoughts and free myself from this bondage? <font color="#000088"> </font>

[(JD)]

Fear of driving over a bridge is one of the most common symptoms of anxiety. (((hugs)))

You can get through this. Try to identify the real things in and of life that have you feeling out of control. My guess is that once you begin to work through those, you'll be driving again. TC

[Holly07]

You are correct in that there are other issues that are causing me to feel anxious and nervous (i.e. such as speaking in public, fear of not succeeding, etc.) . But this has been a major issue for me for such a very long time. Thanks for yoru encouragement. Please keep me in your prayers.

[(JD)]

Sure. The fear of public speaking is shared by nearly everyone in the world, But the fear of not succeeding...thouhg also common, usually has some individualistic traits to it. Studying that might lead you to more indepth feelings you harbor, things that are workable issues to solve...

[GJAX1]

Holly you are the reason why I just signed up on here. I seen this post/thread and you are soooo not alone.
In all the years i've been driving since i was 28 now 50, i've been on a highway once...you ever want to talk i'm here ok?

[KwoNeShe]

Highways, bridges, semi trucks, too many cars....all things which have sent me into a panic attack.

From things I have read here and other places, you aren't alone. These seem to be reoccuring factors that trigger an attack.

[tiodlliwi]

Me too! I have the same exact problem and have almost my whole life. I get anxious on freeways (especially when busy), bridges, in snow or heavy rain, etc. I live about 30 minutes from most of my family so I can't avoid it altogether. Also, it seems to go in phases for me- there were years when I felt fearless on the roads- not lately... Also, in addition, I have a control issue because, for me, being a passenger is worse. My husband is not a bad driver, but I almost always prefer to be the one driving (the one in control) because I get way more anxious in the above situations if I am just sitting there helpless...

For me, this comes from a long line of driving issues in my family- my gram never even got her license because she was so fearful of driving and my mom refuses to drive freeways- I will never forget the time when she did try to take us kids somewhere on the freeway when we were real little and had a total attack on an exit and had to pull over, crying. Not surprising that I have driving issues...

Nice to hear others out there who struggle with the same things- thanks!

[Holly07]

It is good to know that I am not the only one suffering from this type of phobia. Any recommendations on what I can do to desensitize what I fear so greatly?

[GJAX1]

Holly, if you find something to cure this, will ya let me know please...it kills me, my daughters 29 and my sons 25 and their all over the place. no fear at all...you know how that makes me feel!!