Driving anxiety?

Hi everyone! This is my first post!! I'm currently 24 years old and I only just officially got my drivers license last year. I always tried to explain to friends/family why driving gave me so much anxiety and panic, but I couldn't ever find the right words to help people understand it. Since I've gotten my OCD diagnosis, I realized my only other friend who can't drive at the age of 26 also has OCD. Is this something any of y'all have experienced, too? For clarification, I was never in a scary car accident or experienced any kind of car related trauma growing up. People seem to assume it must be trauma related, which is why it's always been so hard to explain.

Username: Wolfram Wolfram

Date posted: 39w ago

OK, as stupid as it sounds, talk me through when you need to focus more and why. Give me a scenario and how you tend to deal with it

Username: Laura.1999Laura.1999

Date posted: 39w ago

It doesnt sound dumb! I'm really grateful for your help!!! A situation that would cause me severe anxiety would be the highway, going extremely fast and having cars zip by me, ESPECIALLY the fear of not being able to merge in time and then simply running out of road. When I'm a passenger and I start to freak out, I close my eyes and remind myself of who's driving and that they're a good driver and someone I trust. When I'm the one driving, I either shut the radio off or start going "oh my god oh my god oh my god" verbally (which is a good way to signal to everyone in my car to shut up lol), I white knuckle the steering wheel, sometimes hold my breath, and basically go into an immediate panic response. The adrenaline and extreme focus tend to get me through it, then I stay in the middle lane going exactly 5 above speed limit until I have to get off the highway and go through the same thing. It's gotten to the point where I completely avoid highways when I'm the one driving, I'll take back roads no matter how much extra time it takes me. :P

Username: Wolfram Wolfram

Date posted: 39w ago

@AvatarLaura Merging is always a fun one. In your case I'd personally watch videos on how to do it even though you probably know how. Different cars respond in different ways so I'd struggle to give advice on that bit. I'd usually go a bit slower when approaching something I'm unsure on as it allows me more time to process and think, then accelerate when you've got a good gap. Slowing down is the only thing that gives you more time. Obviously check your mirrors before you do as you don't want the car behind up your bum before you hit the brakes 😅. As for panicking I'd practice on fairly straight roads a few things when you're out. Practice driving straight with one hand on the wheel and alternate. Breathe. Also when you notice you get tense, loosen the grip on the wheel and relax your elbows, almost letting them drop. Back roads are more fun anyway. Highways are boring

Username: Laura.1999Laura.1999

Date posted: 39w ago

@Wolfram That's really good advice, thank you so much. I'm going to start with watching some videos, more information and tips and tricks definitely couldn't hurt! Back roads are much prettier though, it's true <3

Username: Wolfram Wolfram

Date posted: 39w ago

@Laura.1999 Hope it works out. If you want any more info, let me know

Username: EstridEstrid

Date posted: 39w ago

Welcome to our community! I have different OCD themes - one is around driving. I haven't experienced any trauma/accident I just have a big sense of responsibility and a vivid imagination so it makes it hard to drive. This is a common fear among people with OCD - I hope you can have therapy if you need. Don't let your fears stop you. Here is a link about this, maybe you can show if someone ask: https://www.treatmyocd.com/what-is-ocd/common-fears/im-too-scared-to-drive-my-car-could-therapy-help

Username: Laura.1999Laura.1999

Date posted: 39w ago

Thank you sm!

Username: Wolfram Wolfram

Date posted: 39w ago

What about it scares you? I teach people to drive for a living and have taught people with ocd and anxiety disorders

Username: Laura.1999Laura.1999

Date posted: 39w ago

I think it's all the intrusive thoughts. The constant worry that I'm in a death machine that I am responsible for, and I may hurt someone completely accidentally, no matter how focused or good of a driver I am. Plus all the "if I turned the wheel right now I could kill everyone in my vehicle and the vehicle coming towards me" thoughts. And there's also my deep sense of empathy, I hit a raccoon recently and it tore me apart.

Username: TanyaShelby22TanyaShelby22

Date posted: 39w ago

hey there! congrats on getting your driver's license, that’s a huge step especially when dealing with the anxiety and panic that comes with ocd. 🚗 it’s totally understandable how driving can be super stressful without a clear reason like a past trauma. you're definitely not alone in this; ocd can make us hyper-aware of the responsibilities and what-ifs of driving. i’m battling a different ocd theme, but i get how tough it can be to explain these feelings to others. something that’s been a game-changer for me is this app called “unstuck ocd therapy tools.” my local ocd support group recommended it, and it’s been super helpful. it offers ai-personalized guidance and exercises which are great for those in-the-moment needs. also, you might find the ocd reddit really supportive. it’s a good spot for sharing experiences and finding people who get what you’re going through. ✨

Username: TaylorRaineTaylorRaine

Date posted: 32w ago

Are there still people in this group actively discussing driving ocd?

Username: Saz

Date posted: 6y ago

Does anyone else suffer from panic sessions or severe anxiety where you feel you can’t breathe whilst driving alone? It’s been a year since I was hit with depression/anxiety and OCD and now I can’t go out or drive alone. My depression is more or less gone but my anxiety and OCD are quite high. How do I confront this fear of something bad happening to me whilst driving alone because I feel like I can’t breathe and that I’ll die.

Username: Jordo

Date posted: 6y ago

I am new to this, and really hope it helps. I have pretty severe driving OCD. It has definitely gotten progressively worse. Every bump in the road I hit, every bicyclist, every-time I have to drive on the highway I constantly worry that I hit someone or caused an accident. Some of the rituals I have been experiencing include driving around the “scene” multiple times, checking my rear view mirror (a lot), checking the local news to see if there were any accidents in the area. I have to have my husband confirm there is no damage on my car... it’s endless. To put it plainly, it is beyond exhausting. It’s also pretty lonely as the majority of people I tell have no clue or just look at me like I have 10 heads. If anyone else goes through this my heart is with you, it’s awful.

Username: Koalasinpyja...

Date posted: 5y ago

Driving with ocd -advice please

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