I would really appreciate some help. I have extreme anxiety/fear while driving. My grandfather died in a car accident when I was only 9 years old. Later in life when it was time to learn driving, I was too anxious just to sit behind the wheel. Somehow my driving teacher managed to get me a license. During my lessons we drove only on quiet/small streets which I now regret. I didn’t realize that a trainer’s duty is just to help me get a license. Although I got license, my fear of highways or even any road with a little extra traffic makes me anxious. I used to drive only on known roads to the same places when I had to go. Sometimes I’d even take a longer route to avoid intimidating traffic or left turns without signals which always make me hold my breath. Then suddenly one day I had an accident; an old woman hit my car. And even though it wasn’t my fault, I’ve never been the same ever since. I avoided driving even more. I lost practice.
Fast forward 10 years later; I have a son now who needs to be dropped at school etc….I’m driving him tomorrow for first time on my own. When life throws unexpected curveballs at me, I’ve managed to face them in the past but now it’s even harder given I lost touch with driving. I last drove in 2013. My husband helped me do a couple rounds to familiarize myself with the direction and so I wouldnt get scared in the AM.
I would appreciate any help on what fields I could use tonight to help my mind gain some confidence on the road. I couldn’t even attend therapy because of it. People say “go to therapy” but I need to drive to go to therapy…isn’t that kind of funny in my situation? i want to have a good quality of life too which can come when I improve with driving. My son is definitely the only reason why I’m willing to get back on the road and face my fears. My fear worsens with left turns — I hate them.
Right now I’m listening to the “Amygdala healing (fear release)” track. Please suggest a few more. Keep me in all your prayers. Thank you