Caregivers Support Group
A voluntary caregiver is a spouse, relative, friend or neighbor of a disabled person or child who assists with activities of daily living and assists those unable to fully take care of themselves. The challenges of a caregiver are unique and sometimes it's hard to find people to talk to who know what you're going through. Join the conversation and find others who...
ok this has nothing to do with caregiving but i do have a question and maybe somebody can offer some insight . currently i do not have my license.the wife does. and she is not getting any better as time passses and i feel guilty that i cant drive her around and that she has to always make the sacrifice to drive me to grocery stores and such because i know how hard it is for her some days. so i am thinking of getting my license, however here is the problem. i have been in alot of car accidents. nothing serious. i have been able to get up and walk away from every accident i have been in but it has been enough that it has scared the crap out of . i do not get into cars with drivers i do not know,i will not ever take a taxi.busses i have come to accept. it took 6 months before i ever got into a car with the wife. now almost 4 years later she can drive me anywhere and im ok with that. but i have tried to just sit in the drivers seat with the car off in the driveway and i go into full blown panic attack to the point of vomitting. how can i overcome this fear. yes i can take driving lessons at a school but they can teach me how to drive not overcome this fear.if i cant get rid of this fear i will never drive. and i feel like with her condition i kind of have to learn. any suggestions?
There are many different forums on this site. Perhaps finding a forum that centers on anxiety issues would be a better place to ask for advice.
If I were to offer advice? I would certainly start the way you have- simply sit in the drivers seat without the keys in the ignition & try it again & again until the anxiety passes. Then try sitting in the drivers seat with the keys in the ignition, but car NOT running & try it again & again until the anxiety passes.
Baby steps, but you can do it!
I hope you find better advice in a forum dedicated to anxiety.
Hugs, MelodyJane
Hire someone to do the driving for you. It's not safe for you or your wife if you're prone to panic attacks. I don't know your age, but senior citizens groups might be able to help or ask your dept. of human services for suggestions.
Boot