Anxiety

Well to get over my driving phobia, my therapist had me go out driving everyday. I only drove to the point where my anxiety got to about a 5 or 6 on a scale from 1 to 10. Then I had to calm myself down using breathing and affirmative statements like "this is just anxiety it will not hurt me". If I calmed myself down I could continue, but I was to NEVER push myself to the point of getting a panic attack. Because then it would be like starting all over again from square one.

I was always allowed to give myself permission to pull over if I needed to or return home if the anxiety got really bad.

I think it is called "gradual exposure therapy". If you allow yourself to push so hard that you panic...it is called "flooding" and when you panic, you are back to where you started :(

It took a long time of driving so far and going out the next day and driving further. But as long as I didn't let my anxiety get so high that I panicked I got more comfortable with driving and using the breathing and affirmations.

After awhile it got to where I was able to calm myself down and it just seemed I was able to go further and further. To the point of going pretty much anywhere :) Except highways, I haven't conquered them yet :P

I hope this helps. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask, I know how hard, depressing and humiliating it is not being able to drive yourself anywhere :(

Hugs.

Lisa

Hi. Just curious about your driving blogs. I wasn't able to drive for awhile, but overcame it.

Are you just doing it on your own or following a therapist's advice or self help book's suggestions?

If not and want some pointers, just let me know.

Elisabeth