Anxiety Support Group

Anxiety is a physical condition marked by intense and persistent feelings of distress, fear, angst or dread. General anxiety caused by routine day-to-day stresses usually passes quickly and is experienced by almost everyone at one time or another. However, such feelings that linger over time and are very difficult to cope with, and which lack a clear cause, may indicate...

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Faced my fear today

mcreathb
mcreathb
So this weekend I took a huge step. I have never drove very far away from home because of my driving anxiety. I was scared I was gonna die, get in an accident, and get lost. I have been scared to drive in big cites my whole life. I decided to go see one of my friends and not make excuses of how i cant make it up. I did it. I made it up there and back. I am so exhausted because I was so nervous and anxious the whole weekend about getting home. The problem is I dont feel proud of myself. I am a man and I am proud of driving to a town. Most people would think i'm weird for that. I wish for once in my life i like could feel proud, like i'm worthy. Even when i do good things my anxiety still messes with me? Do i not put to high of expectations on myself or any? Another reason I took the road trip is because I had a date and didnt want my anxiety to ruin it. its effected my social life and i barely ever can make it to a date without bailing. so i get there and the girl tells me im not gonna go out tonight not feeling it. so thats why i feel bad i never drive and go on dates but when i do things like that happens. im afraid my anxiety will always affects my social life how will i get a lady with anxiety always on my back?
mae2014
mae2014
Congratulations for facing your fear! That's a big accomplishment and you should be so proud of yourself :) The anxiety and fear will not go away over night. But now that you made this drive, you have proved to yourself that you can do it! Next time you need to drive somewhere remind yourself of this accomplishment. Over time and the more you drive it will begin getting easier. Maybe it would help you to have a friend or a family member in the car with you while you are driving, even if it's a quick trip to the store or something, it's always nice to have the extra support and encouragement in the seat right next to you. Good luck and congratulations! :)
annieheart
annieheart
Congrats,you should be very proud of your accomplishment! It takes a real man to admit his fears and then fight them!
Best of luck as you continue to fight back.
faithhopeandlove30
faithhopeandlove30
I agree wholeheartedly with mae2014! I've also dealt with driving anxiety and have had the same fears you have, but each time you get into the car and face those fears you are taking a step in the right direction. Anxiety messes with our heads; most times we fear things that will never happen. We fear the idea of something happening, but I completely understand how those fears can be debilitating. I'm really proud of you for facing the anxiety head on and getting out of your comfort zone. You've proven to yourself that you can accomplish the things that have held you back without something bad happening. And, I don't think you are weird for feeling a sense of accomplishment for driving...people in this group are dealing with all sorts of anxieties, so we get it. You're not alone! :)
Reed31
Reed31
A lot of people have some limitation. Epilepsy, diabetes, an ulcer, etc. and their partners accommodate. Just as you'll accommodate your partner's needs. Perhaps they can't drive at all because they could have a seizure. Maybe they can't eat anywhere but home because of severe allergies. Or they have to be really careful about where they go because they get migraines if exposed to perfumes, colognes or any chemical smells.

And most people have little oddities like not being able to use a restroom anywhere but home or not going out after dark or not being comfortable going on the highway. And we accommodate these quirks.

I do what I can but let people know "I'm sorry, I have anxiety so I have some limitations. Could we meet at (somewhere I'm comfortable) instead of (somewhere I'm uncomfortable that they suggest)?"

It's hard to be in a relationship where the other person is not direct, but if the person can be straight-forward and honest, it's generally not a problem.
laurie32
laurie32
I am very proud of you. I think slot of people have axierty. I have axierty too. I have panic attack those are not fun. You should just relax and take your time on drive. Maybe you can drive short distant at one time. Then try to drive little far. You could have the radio on and that might help you relax.
hyperpgal
hyperpgal
that is awesome!! I have a similar thing with driving to places I don't really know--afraid of getting lost, panicking, getting in an accident. so good for you for just doing it anyway! that is how you will beat it!

true confession---I made my friend drive my car into a city I wasn't familiar with today...lol....so yeah, be proud of yourself!
deleted_user
deleted_user
I know EXACTLY how you feel, to finally face your fear and then not feel proud at all about it. Roadtrip Anxiety is one of my biggest obstacles in my GAD...I not only have anxiety about driving, I sometimes get even worse anxiety when riding with someone else. The fear of a car accident or being stuck in a traffic jam overtakes the whole experience and purpose of the trip. You may not feel proud now but taking that step is big, and next time you get road anxiety you can tell yourself that if you did it before you can do it again! When you start to feel anxious about a trip, try to concentrate on the purpose of the trip and the events that will happen once you arrive instead of dwelling on the drive. I was terrified to drive to the beach this past weekend and I love the beach. I forced myself to only think of how much fun it will be once I arrived. Take baby steps and be confident that you CAN get better with road anxiety. And take comfort in the fact that you are not alone!
pugipufi
pugipufi
Very proud of you! I get the same thing for travelling with plane and inter-city buses sometimes. (not ships and personal cars though) I fear that I will get an anxiety attack and be stuck with all those people in the air or on a cramped bus. I hope to do a plane journey in the upcoming months I hope!
deleted_user
deleted_user
You should be proud of yourself, even though you were anxious, you made it! I have similar issues with long distance driving. I accomplished an 8 hour drive by myself 2 years ago- with a lot of anxiety- but I did it. You have to take small steps before you can run. Don't beat yourself up over it, keep working, it will get better.
mcreathb
mcreathb
Thank you everyone! Your words of support have helped me alot!
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