[lilypup]

I drove today to see a movie with a friend. I did fine going, but once I got there I sweated (my hands literally were wet) through the whole movie about driving home. Then when I drove home, I got there and could not stop shaking.

I have been reading a book on CBT and anxiety. I've been driving here and there with my husband. It is much harder alone. I did drive alone to the grocery on Monday, got groceries and drove home.

I'm trying to do the best I can but am so disappointed in myself. I used to drive everywhere.

I have Klonopin for anxiety, but hate to take it and drive.

Can anyone help?

[Skeezyks]

Hello lilypup: The Skeezyks is afraid he can't be of much help other than to suggest the obvious. Discuss your concerns with with your pdoc. But I do understand your concern. I used to drive all over as a part of my employment. I quite enjoyed it. However, as my mental health struggles progressed I became less-&-less confident driving. And now, I no longer drive at all. I would not feel comfortable behind the wheel, as they say. I don't know if doing it more would eventually lead to feeling more at ease with it or not. In my case, I simply prefer not to find out.

Depending on where you live & what is available, one thing you might consider would be enrolling in some type of safe driving course. I know where I live there are courses one can take where you actually get to practice driving under difficult circumstances, but in a safe, controlled environment. Something such as this might help to increase your confidence.

[ManOfConstantSorrow]

You did it. No one is dead or injured. Well done. Congratulations. We can call that success.

lilypup. It's interesting that you mention CBT. My program really helped with my anxieties. First, perhaps think of using 'exposure' therapy for your driving. Pick a route and each day go a little further. Start this exercise at a time of day the roads are relatively quiet. As you increase the distance also choose increasingly busier times to do your driving until finally you can accomplish the route at the busiest time.

There is CBT work dealing with Catastrophic Thinking that I found very helpful Briefly described, make three lists. Worst Case Scenario // Best Case Scenario // Likely Scenario. It is an interesting excercise. After creating your lists now assign a percentage of likelihood to each column. The results should provide you some relief to your worry but we aren't done yet. Now look at that worst case scenario and consider what you would do should it happen and if it is possible to make a plan if it did so.

[Ladycakes]

I really feel you on this. I'm 34 and only just learning to drive now. I've always had a problem being in cars and for 15 years I have unconsciously made excuses to avoid learning. Now I have 2 kids and live in the suburbs so I have to get my license otherwise I am homebound.

It is hard, but getting better. I had some therapy sessions and discussed my fear of driving/being in cars and came to a realisation about where the anxiety stems from. Once I realised that, I knew that I could fight the fear. Perhaps if you are able to identify the exact source, you will be able to overcome it too.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[barbella]

Hi lilypup,
Please know I am thinking of you and wishing you all the best.