Driving + OCD

OCD is making it hard for me to drive anywhere. The fear that I could hit someone with my car, whether they are in a crosswalk or on the sidewalk scares me so much, and it makes me not want to drive. This is difficult as I have a commute to work that is over an hour, and even some trips like going to the store make me scared. On top of that, when I am in my car, I feel. like my head is fuzzy and I can't concentrate. How does someone combat this? My therapist says I need to try and stop taking ubers, but the fear is paralyzing most days.

Harm OCD

Nicoleisdoin...

Date posted: 1y ago

Omg! I have such an intense fear of driving! Hearing someone else say exactly how I feel is oddly comforting 😭

Jo C.

Date posted: 1y ago

I feel the odd comforting feeling as well, but feeling and learning that I'm not alone does give me some comfort. Hoping we can combat this!

Nicoleisdoin...

Date posted: 1y ago

@Jo C. Exactly, the feeling of not being alone is so comforting. I wish I had advice but honestly I haven’t even really seen much growth in this area for me and despite it being discouraging I know that I’m working on it. Time working through anxiety is time well spent ♥️

a712

Date posted: 1y ago

Hi! I’ve recently been (sort of) over my deep fear of driving, especially on the highway. I have a remote job but we do in-person meetings sometimes that require me to drive a farther distance. I was terrified but working up to those days, I would go “practice” driving, alone and sometimes with a friend/family member. My advice would be to start small and work your way there! If you have time on the weekends - asked a loved one to sit passenger seat with you and practice driving, parking, etc. make it fun! Ex: drive to your favorite ice cream shop, or a new park youve always wanted to visit! Hang in there❤️

a712

Date posted: 1y ago

@a712 And let’s be real - one of the reasons I took a remote job is so I didn’t have to drive everyday. BUT - I’ve switched my mindset and challenge myself to still drive somewhere everyday, even if its just driving around, so that I don’t let those deep fears come back. The more I avoided driving the worse my anxiety got being behind the wheel.

Clem.99

Date posted: 1y ago

I feel this so hard. The fuzzy feeling is real too omg i wasn't sure if anyone else felt this

Jo C.

Date posted: 1y ago

While I wish we didn't feel this, it is comforting to hear someone else experiences the same thing. I'm not sure if the avoidance of driving is making it worse.

Clem.99

Date posted: 1y ago

@Jo C. I'm not sure, luckily i don't avoid driving so much. But i do avoid driving near busy places and at busy times

trinii

Date posted: 11w ago

How do I navigate my new diagnosis?

So after my ocd has become more prominent, it gets harder to fight through these compulsion’s everyday. I don’t go to therapy or take any medications and to be honest I am very lost in my journey on how to navigate life with ocd. I don’t want it to take over my life. I want to be able to feel like I can live without a weight on my chest and to finally feel like I can breathe. Any suggestions or words of advice is more than welcome.

cows12465

Date posted: 10w ago

suic. ocd i’m panicking

Does anyone else get fixated on one “topic” with their ocd?? like for me trains and guns are mine. like i’m scared of trains and im scared to be around guns because that’s what triggers my ocd and makes me convince me that that is the way to go. i literally worry myself into thinking im going to sh*t myself when i don’t even have a gun but my ocd convinces me. idk if im explaining it good, but its a real struggle. just need some tips & advice

Christy Str...

User type: Therapist

Date posted: 7w ago

OCD & Isolation

OCD can be an incredibly lonely experience, especially when people around you don’t understand the thoughts and fears you’re facing. But you’re not alone—others have been there too. What’s something about OCD that makes you feel isolated or alone?

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Driving + OCD

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