I am learning how to drive all over again. I had been living in the city until this past year when I moved out in the country. In the city I could not afford a car and stopped driving years ago when the panic attacks started coming.

I have made progress. But my family actually gets mad and makes jokes about my ability or inability to drive. They think that I am making excuses breaking the thing down into baby steps. My mom made the comment that even kids can drive. I really don't understand. Because with or without anxiety --the way people learn anything is to break it down. I have learned to ignore their comments and do it at my own pace. That is probably the wisest thing I have done in a long time. IGNORE OTHERS.

This is one thing I can say about the program. It has helped me with not feeling bad about what I can and cannot do. The first day that I started driving my mom made the comment that I should be on the highway... etc. Anyway, I wish anyone luck with family that have no idea of what anxiety feels like.

Good for you, andi.

I am surprised you encounter that much pressure on the driving issue . I am so proud of you for believing yourself and did it your own way. What an inspiration!

You are right about learning by breaking things down to baby steps. They just forgot that they learned everything that way as well. If not, why don't high school make us do only math for entire year just to get it over with. Then next year all science. Look at this program, MWC breaks the whole program into 15 sessions. We learn and process all the skills one by one so we could understand how all the skills are inter-related and inter-dependent.

It's that end-result that counts. Good job, andi.

You are so right. Ignoring others is a very wise thing to do. Could youimagine if we took EVERYONES advice? We'd be running around in circles all day long! And why can't others just give a word of praise instead of a word of advice or criticism. Isnt it much easier to say "Cool, you are practicing your driving!" Instead of "you should be on the highway". I too have to remind myself to be positive to my kids instead of always being the teacher. Anyways, good job on the driving. One thing at a time and breaking it down is the way to go. Keep up the good work.
Reena

Andi,

I just want to say i totally agree with you on breaking things down. It's so much easier to learn & remember if you take things one step at a time. I also agree that ignoring others comments can be a VERY good thing, especially if they've never had anxiety and have no clue as to how hard it can be just to do , what they think to be, normal things.

Also, congrats to you for being able to take that step to start driving. Good for you! Keep up the good work and Stick with your OWN positive comments, they're probably the best anyway . Take care!

Doyle

Congratulations!

Ignoring family members negative responses is a huge step. Do what you feel is right. It's your life. You are the only one who knows what is right for you.

STOP FEELING GUILTY! I know first hand that defying family members is guilt producing. But you know, they are not always right just because they're your family. Age and blood ties do not give them the right to think that they know what is best for you now. Only you can help yourself.

Best of luck

You're doing great and nobody here is gonna argue over that fact. Baby steps is the way to go. I ought to know. It's how I got back behind the wheel too and guess what? I AM on the highway!!! You can do it too but in your own time. Don't let people "should" all over you.

You sound like you have some good self esteem! We're all proud of you and we're glad to hear you're proud of yourself!