Phobia Support Group

A phobia (from the Greek "fear"), is a strong, persistent fear of situations, objects, activities, or persons. The main symptom of this disorder is the excessive, unreasonable desire to avoid the feared subject. When the fear is beyond one's control, or if the fear is interfering with daily life, then a diagnosis under one of the anxiety disorders can be made.

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Fear of driving

MyAmStaffie
MyAmStaffie

Hi, I’m. Newbie to this site. I get severe anxiety about driving in traffic. It’s holding me back from going out to socialize, shop, etc. i was taking Xanax however this medication was affecting my memory. 



When I do go out I plan my trips when there is likely the least traffic. I used to be confident when driving now it makes me nervous. It’s not uncommon to have to sit in traffic for hours. Road rage attributes to my anxiety. I have a fear of being in an accident. Seeing the roadside memorials of past accident fatalities scares me. 



Anyone else have this issue? Looking for suggestions to get over this fear,

hannahr2d2
hannahr2d2
hey! I had a very similar thing. It took me years to finally get my license, but the thing that helped was focusing on my breathing and doing things to calm myself down when I drove. I made a playlist that made be feel badass on my phone and I also listened to the classic rock station a lot during my first year of really driving on my own. It just takes a lot of facing the fear and finding things that help you feel strong enough to try. Good luck!
Surrender930
Surrender930
Hi, I seriously thought I was the only one afraid of driving. I just got my license last December after my husband passed. I was forced to drive. I don't care for it, but i like not having to depend on anyone. People can be so uncaring.
I go out when traffic is lightest whenever possible.
I listen to country music on the radio. But not always. Sometimes it distracts me.
Taking things one day at a time. Don't know what else to do.
Scout21
Scout21
I was afraid to drive. I am 26 now and finally starting to get behind the wheel and, I'm glad I did it.

But because I'm still a learner, I always give myself space between myself and the driver in front of me. Doing this gives me more control: room to stop, check my surroundings better, and make quick decisions ahead of time. I don't care what other drivers think of me, I'm playing it safe! Just remember, it's not a race.
losingsleep123
losingsleep123
I have panic attacks when there is heavy traffic and sometimes just being on the freeway so I try to take the streets a lot and sometimes driving at night makes me really nervous.
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