I am just starting the program. I panic at the thought of driving on the highway. After session 2 I drove one exit on the highway and got off. I know I should have been proud of myself but it scared me. I have not been back on the highway since. I really want to get over these attacks. I would love to drive on the highway by myself and not go into a panic. I am so frustrated.

Driving can be a scary thing, but don't be frustrated.. It's a big accomplishment to even get in the car and try.. that's already half the battle.. Turn on some happy soothing music and believe in yourself.. and you'll be driving on the highway in no time

Mr. D.
You'll get there. I did and I was agoraphobic and petrified of driving alone, even on tiny side streets.
Try the CD from the MWC "Driving with Comfort" or the reverse on that title. Somehow I tend to mix it up but when you call they'll know what it is.
It's an awesome Cd and helped me tremendously before and during driving. I also listened to #3 many, many times while driving. I "took Lucinda along for the ride" and it worked.
Takes a while. Now I drive anywhere.
hugs

I have this pretty bad from time to time..especially if there are tail gaiters or if I haven't already driven the area before..

Until they have a program for driving in Chicago..I think this will always be stressful in my case.

Thanks for the encouraging words. I promise I won't quit but it is kind of scary.

I am the exact same way. I used to love to drive but it has gotten hard. No hyways for me. I'm ok on side roads and the hyway would be ok as long as there is a shoulder. I have to have an escape. If i see orange constuction signs or those concrete barriers i freak. So i just avoid hyways all together. i am going to check out the driving cd that was recomended.

Hello All,

I am curious if driving anxiety is something that develops over time. I recall having it when I first learned to drive, but thought it was normal. I am no longer the fearless driver.
I was hit by a guy going through a red light 2 and1/2 yrs ago and now I can't drive for more than about 20mins without getting nervous. I have to leave the window down a bit and I can no longerr jump in car and drive for 3hrs to see my best friend. I miss her and I just can't do it alone. I also ejoy going motorcycling with my friend, but when we went out the other day, it didn't help my anxiety like it usually does. I have been wanting to get my own motorcycle license and already have a bike and now I am absolutely terrified. Breathing is all I can do to make it home sometimes. Kinda hard to steer when I'm shaking like a leaf and I have tried to change the music in the car to the mellow station. Any insight from anyone would be helpful. Thanks very much.

Hello everyone. In the past I had alot of difficulty driving. Even sitting behind the wheel of the vechile my panicky feelings would start.

I am much better now becuase I would constantly listen to tape 3 negative thinking when I was driving, also Driving with comfort.I found this CD very comforting.

I also came up with a little mantra I would repeat over and over while I was driving and practicing my deep breathing.

I am a good, competent, capable, safe driver with excellent reflexes. I am relaxed and confident behind the wheel of my vechile. I enjoy the challenge and freedom of driving.

Now I am happy to say I am beginning to enjoy driving.

I hope this helps somehwat. Take care and God Bless.

I am having the same troubles of driving........I can only drive for about 5 to 10 minutes. Then I start to feel like I am going to pas out. The feelings of shacking all over comes on. I feel lite headed and like I am not all there. Please someone help me. Thank you

Angels,
I'm reading your ststement and you are me.
I used to drive and be very independent.In 2001 I was very stress one day and while driving I experienced a panic attack. My heart started racing,I was shaking, and I feel like I was not there sort of out of my body. I though I would pass out behind the wheel. This scared me so bad until when I drive now I anticipate this happening and I guess I make this happen by thinking it's going to happen. Most people don't understand it and i am embarrass by it. I make up excuses as to why I can't go a certain place. This is really an miserable existence.
Please help. I'm tried.

I experience the same feelings... I would love to drive then one day a yr again i got theses strange feelings, my heart started to race, I could not breath, my hands and face were tingling, and I thought I was having a heart attack, within 5 mimutes I was fine. I do avoid highways unless theres a shoulder and majority of my routes I take the side roads. I have limited my life to only doing things close, or have others drive. luckily I have overcome it a little bit, I am not all better, but do experience this time to time... Its nice to know I am not alone, but hope we all get help that we need so we are not limiting our life anymore

I can drive in our small towns near here and have no problems until I have to enter an interstate or drive in the city. I feel very frightened about those areas and have someone go with me then or drive me. I didn't know there was a CD from the Center about driving. I think I will try to get that...how do some of you get through the city driving and interstate driving?
tessie 1