Driving Anxiety Therapy

Stop Driving Anxiety From Ruining Your Life

Driving anxiety is a very common fear that can have serious impacts on one’s quality of life. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to help overcome your anxiety and get back on the road. In this article we’ll provide an overview of driving anxiety and discuss strategies that can help with reducing your anxiety.

What is Driving Anxiety?

Driving anxiety is a fear of driving that can cause extreme physical and emotional responses to the thought or action of getting behind the wheel and can have serious consequences on your life. These my include feelings of unease and panic attacks before and during driving, physical symptoms such as increased heart rate, sweating, and difficulty breathing, and avoidant behaviors. Some individuals with driving anxiety may avoid driving altogether while others will only drive in certain conditions and won’t drive over bridges, on the highway, on unfamiliar roads, in bad weather, or where there are traffic lights.

Driving anxiety can make it difficult to get around and engage in meaningful and enjoyable activities, such as going shopping or visiting family and friends, and can can lead to job loss or inability to find employment because you are unable to drive for work purposes. Additionally, it can cause difficulty in relationships and decrease your independence which can lead to further feelings of shame and embarrassment.

Same day delivery, uber, and remote work have made it more possible to avoid driving. Unfortunately, avoiding situations that trigger anxiety have the opposite affect, increasing and maintaining feelings of anxiety.

Is It Normal?

It’s important to remember that anxiety is a very common feeling, part of the human experience, and it doesn’t have to stop you from enjoying your life. Everyone experiences anxiety in different ways and at different levels, and feeling some degree of anxiety around driving is common and doesn’t necessarily mean there is a problem. However, if your driving anxiety becomes so intense that you are unable to drive or even think about driving, it is important to seek help.

Where Does Driving Anxiety Come From?

It isn’t always clear where anxiety comes from. There are many possible causes of driving anxiety. It could be due to a past traumatic experience while driving, such as an accident or feeling unsafe in traffic. It can also be caused by a fear of losing control or making a mistake, feeling anxious about being judged by other drivers, and worrying about the safety of yourself and others. Additionally, if you have a fear of open spaces, closed spaces, or being out in the world, getting behind the wheel can be overwhelming. Often there is no clear source for an individuals anxiety response and that’s ok too. It isn’t really necessary to know the origin in order to reduce one’s anxiety.

Can Driving Anxiety Be Overcome?

It is completely possible to overcome driving anxiety and lead a normal life. The most effective way to do this is through a combination of techniques including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and exposure therapy. There is no one size fits all and it can be very helpful to have an experienced therapist guide you through this process. 

• CBT is a type of therapy that focuses on changing your thinking patterns and behavioral responses to situations. It can be very helpful in evaluating the thoughts and beliefs about driving and your own emotional response that are contributing to anxiety. 
• Mindfulness can also be beneficial introducing flexibility to the way you engage with your deepest thoughts and feelings. This can help you disengage and learn to take your worries less seriously, reducing the impact they have on your life and happiness, and reducing stress.
• Exposure therapy sounds scary but it doesn’t have to be. It involves reducing avoidant behavior and gradually exposing yourself to the situations that you fear. You may learn that you feel less anxious than you imagine. Or you might still feel anxious but learn that you’re much more capable of managing your anxiety than you believed. 

When Does Driving Anxiety Go Away?

The answer to this question will be different for everyone. It can take weeks or months of practice, depending on the individual and their severity of anxiety. The most important thing is to not give up and keep working at it – even small steps can have a big impact over time. 

Remember that you are not alone in your struggle with driving anxiety and that there is help available to you. With dedication and the right tools, it’s possible to conquer your fear and regain your independence. 

Conclusion

Just because you experience driving anxiety doesn’t mean that your life has to be limited or that you can’t drive ever again; it doesn’t have to ruin your life. By combining these approaches and working with a therapist, you may find that your anxiety reduces and eventually fades away. With the right tools and support, it is possible to conquer your fear and regain your freedom. It is important to remember that it takes time and patience, but it can be done! Don’t let anxiety win – take steps today to work towards overcoming it.