Have any of you ever experienced OCD and driving? It does to me. I’m constantly afraid to drive alone or I’m afraid I’ll get into an accident with someone. I’m trying hard to cope with it by saying affirmations and meditations before I get behind the wheel. Does anyone else with OCD experience this?
*TRIGGER WARNING* I had horrible driving anxiety that helped me become and addict and a shut in. It happened over many years. To be honest, I love cars. I faced it head on and it took years. I now build simulation cars to help with my Anxiety/OCD when I have these moments. After only a few years I PREFER to drive most places. I am sad now when I cannot drive! Actually, that’s why I am writing to you! I'm not a doctor. I hope this personal insight is helpful to you. You are not alone dear🫡
Yes, and you have to do exposure therapy for it.
i totally get how tough it must be dealing with the fear of driving and the anxiety around potentially getting into an accident. it's really brave of you to share this and to be actively trying affirmations and meditation to help cope with these feelings. you're not alone in this struggle, and it's okay to seek support. 💛 by the way, have you heard about this new AI-powered OCD therapy tool called 'unstuck?' i've been in your shoes before, and what really helped me was this free AI OCD therapy tool called "unstuck" (unstuckmyOCD.com/try) that my NOCD therapist recommended to me. i think it'll be especially helpful for you because it offers personalized step-by-step support when OCD targets specific fears, like driving, providing guidance just like an OCD therapist would. i hate when people promote stuff, but i really think it can help you because it's changed my life. lmk if you have Qs or just want to talk more! <3
The struggle is real! Try listening to calm music when you drive ( such as the classical radio station) Or if try an educational podcast (not a true crime one, or the news, lol) Listen to helps you focus on the road and stay calm. Also, try doing some breathing exercises when you get into the car and sit behind the wheel. I’d try saying your affirmations/prays out loud as you drive as well. No one will care if you talk to yourself in the car - they’ll just think you’re on a phone call😅 I’m sure a good therapist can give you more personalized resources, because I’m not a medical professional. But hope these tips are helpful!
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.
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.
I always worry I’ve accidentally cut someone off in traffic and caused a major accident that I didn’t see. I always feel like I’m on the verge of being arrested at any moment for having unwittingly harmed someone. Sometimes I’ll turn around, others I’ll look online for traffic accident reports. Other times it just won’t get out of my head, and I just try to remember every detail to quell the anxiety. Sometimes I worry it’s not OCD, it’s paranoia…budding psychosis. If you feel safe/comfy, would you share your similar experiences?
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