I stopped driving for about 9 months but after doing tons of research and working my way through the Panic Away program and using their fear of driving tape, I have overcome my fear and have been driving almost daily for the last 6 months. It's a wonderful freeing feeling to be able to drive. Every drive is a new adventure full of wonderful sights to see.

Are you taking a meds for your anxiety? I take Celexa and xanex as needed but hardly ever need it anymore.

I'm not currently on any meds. I was on Xanax for about 2 years, but I ended up becoming dependent on it. Took me over 2 years to ween off of it. I'm actually without insurance at the moment, so I'm not able to explore further options at this time. Insurance should kick in at the beginning of next month. I have tried celexa before, and it made me sleep for like 14 hours a night, so I had to stop taking it unfortunately :(

absolutely! I was in an accident, my first and that really hit me hard. Shouldn't have even been driving!

Yes, I haven't quit driving but get a little nervous at times--especially when I have my 6 yr old son in the car. I never really had problems before driving around town or on two lane streets--just highways. I was taking Xanax too because my anxiety seemed to worsen a few months ago. I weaned myself off because the medicine was making me feel dizzy/unbalanced & not myself if I didn't take them every day (my doctor & counselor wants me to take Celexa but I'm afraid of withdrawal--I am going to try St John's Wort). I do pray and I'm doing a workbook called" Mastery of your Anxiety & Panic" by David Barlow. The deep breathing (as described in the book) really helps me and seems to stop the panic attack before I have one.

It's such a tough decision to get back on Xanax. I know it helps, but it took so long to get off it the first time. Hard to decide if it's worth going through that again.

Also, I had a friend about a year ago that actually got a DUI for driving while on Xanax. That's scary stuff :(

the thought of driving send me into a near panic. i don't understand it. i've never been in an accident and i haven't had any family members in life threatening accidents.

When I first started getting anxiety attacks, it was always on the way home from work. On the the highway, I got tunnel,blurry vision and couldn't breathe. It scared the shit out of me, which made it worse. I still drive- don't get the visual prob anymore. Lexapro has helped some. I take xanax when i need it, but not if I'm driving. I'm going to try meditation soon to see if it helps.

I still drive during the day but driving at night freaks me out. I feel closed in and it feels so dark and frightening to me.

Driving has been my biggest anxiety inducer. I can only drive with someone else in the car. I have lately been trying to follow someone to get used to being in the car by myself, but still having the security of someone near by. Maybe give that a try?

Hi I also have a fear of driving. Where did you get the Panic Away Program fear of driving tape. Sounds very helpful.
Becky Cody-mama

I have the fear of driving too, especially when the traffic is bad or when it is night time. It's horrible. I am still try to find ways to get past this anxiety and panic attacks, but haven't found anything that works long term. I don't want to be on the meds either. I have recently started Reiki Healing. It has helped, but it is too soon to tell if I am cured. Keep your chin up and know that you are not alone.

Music helps me a lot!

yes i hated drivivng but drivivng for my job in different situations, in the dark, rain, snow ect helped me like exposure therapy.
I dont work know due to anxiety but still drive locally, i just wont do long drives like state to state.
I feel better if i have goole instruction map with me if i dont know where im going, i have even thought of getting a bob, iv,e heard alot of people say hey have had tremendouse luck with this.
Like peterson said being on meds really help calm down our anxiety and then just really work at it with help.
Good Luck!
Understand how you feel.
hugs.

i was in an accident when i was 18 and ever since then i have major anxiety when im in a car.whether i am driving or im riding with someone. doesnt seem like anything helps :(