Extreme anxiety about driving

**Posts:** 2 · by **Tayart** » Sun May 09, 2004 9:47 pm

Hi I've just discovered this site and think it's great.
I'm not sure which forum to post this on, so bear with me if it's the wrong one.
I'm suffering from a crippling anxiety about driving. Passed my test about 8 years ago but didn't get a car and didn't get into the habit of regular driving. I'm now doing a job which would be a lot easier if I could drive and I have actually bought a car. However, I'm doing everything to avoid using it. I hate the way the thought of driving makes me feel - heart pounding, stomach churning, going to the loo every five minutes. Of course when I do drive in this state (not very often) it affects my concentration which makes me make mistakes, which in turn makes me feel I CAN'T do it, which affects my self-esteem and self-confidence.
I have started seeing a hypnotherapist but I am failing to unlock that part deep inside my brain that is stopping me from doing this.
It is really spoiling my life. I have a great job, great relationship etc but my anxiety about this situation is actually making me feel ill and causing a lack of sleep which is driving me mad.
I feel I've reached make or break time. Conquer this fear or give up and never drive again.

Sorry I've waffled on a bit

Thanks

**Posts:** 225 · by **fathom** » Wed May 12, 2004 8:01 am

I'm no expert here but try this.

1. If you enjoy listening to music - just go to the car and listen

2. If you enjoy reading - just go to the car and read

Or go something else you enjoy that could be done in your car.

Eventually this will become second nature and I'll enjoy being in hte car.

Down start car and do the above.

Then drive to a close (favorite) place and do the above.

Everntually you will find that you have tied driving to things that you "enjoy" doing and seeing and the car allows you to do both "easier".

**Posts:** 61 · by **JoeBrewer** » Wed May 12, 2004 8:30 am

Hi Tayart

This is fairly common - I remember when I had passed my test and felt very nervous for quite a while when driving by myself.

The key to getting to a point where you'll feel ok driving is familarity when driving by yourself. Firstly though you need to associate a calm relaxed state to thinking about driving - If you go to www.hypnosisdownloads.com there is a self hypnosis course which will help you to do this. Also there is some information at www.panic-attacks.co.uk about learning how to relax.

I recomend that you ask your hypnotherapist to use a technique called the fast phobia cure (this is often called the rewind technique or the VK technique). If your hypnotherapist doesnt know the technique there are plenty that do here: www.uncommon-knowledge.co.uk/training/h ... pists.html

Hope some of this helps.

Joe

**Posts:** 225 · by **fathom** » Wed May 12, 2004 8:45 am

JoeBrewer wrote:Hi Tayart

This is fairly common - I remember when I had passed my test and felt very nervous for quite a while when driving by myself.

The key to getting to a point where you'll feel ok driving is familarity when driving by yourself. Firstly though you need to associate a calm relaxed state to thinking about driving - If you go to www.hypnosisdownloads.com there is a self hypnosis course which will help you to do this. Also there is some information at www.panic-attacks.co.uk about learning how to relax.

I recomend that you ask your hypnotherapist to use a technique called the fast phobia cure (this is often called the rewind technique or the VK technique). If your hypnotherapist doesnt know the technique there are plenty that do here: www.uncommon-knowledge.co.uk/training/h ... pists.html

Hope some of this helps.

Joe

Yes - some good stuff there Joe!

**Posts:** 2 · by **Tayart** » Wed May 12, 2004 5:25 pm

Thanks for the advice.
I really like the one about sitting in the car reading and listening to music.
I have almost seen the car as my "enemy" so far!
I did go out with my husband today and did a short drive, part of the way to where I work. My plan is to go a little bit further each time. Do you think this is a good idea?
I was in a terrible state when I got into the car but felt a little bit better as I drove along.

Is the rewind technique the one where you start off in a safe place, imagine yourself doing what you most fear and go back to the safe place if you feel anxious? My hypnotherapist has used that technique with me. I think some form of self-hypnosis would be a good thing to master. I will look into the links

Thanks again
Tayart

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