Hello from a back roads girl in Oregon

[elna]

Hello everyone,

Well, this year will be my 8th year of not driving on freeways, highways, interstates, etc..basically anything that has no stop lights. I am fine driving on back roads or any road that has a stop light so it basically takes me 30 minutes or an hour longer than it usually would take me to get anywhere versus taking the highway. I try to convince myself that back roads have prettier scenery and it is more relaxing than highways but the truth is is that I'm terrified of highways. I find the whole thing very depressing and for the most part have kept it hidden from my family. My husband had always thought that I had been able to drive on highways, even when I was in school (which was 17 miles from home!) he doesn't know that I stopped driving on the highway and took the back roads instead (a long out of the way drive).

I still remember the first time I was overtaken with panic, anxiety, sweaty hands, while driving on the highway. It was 8 years ago and I can still remember it like it was yesterday. I don't understand why this happened to me, before than I was pretty fearless and would take my car and drive anywhere. Lived in different places so drove on the crazy freeways of california, endured the crazy drivers of new jersey, and before the panic attacks was driving on long stretches of highways in maryland. It's crazy for me to think that a few incidents can paralyze me this much with driving. I can't even drive anywhere of some distance without thinking of my escape route first, basically looking up the map route on google and finding directions without using highways.

Anyway, I find a lot of comfort and hope in knowing that I'm not alone. Sorry for the rambling it doesn't make sense in my head just yet of why I'm so afraid. Well, I bought the DrivingFear program and have not had the courage to go through with it yet but I am determined to do it soon. I would like to overcome this fear mainly for my own well being but also for my children.

Thank you for this forum and here's to a new year of driving without fear!

Elna

[Fiore]

Hi Elne and welcome to the forum.

Your story sounds all too familiar and there are many of us just like you on this forum.

I too "kept the highway thing" in the closet for many years but have actually found it easier to be more open about my driving now. You will find, almost without exception, family and friends are very supportive. Those that aren't have a bit of a problem I think.

Keep popping into the forum and let us know how things are going for you.

Regards

Fiore

[astrobarb]

Hi,
When I first started to read your story i thought it was my story.
I can't believe that other people feel the same way as me, I really did think I was the only one untill I went on this forum.
I hope we can all support each other and get rid of this CRAZY FEAR, with the help of the program and others on this site I am sure we will
battle this fear.
Keep working on it and keep in touch.
Barb

[ecpdba]

Welcome!

You are not alone, we have all been there. Please study hard and use Rich's program, it works!

1 year ago I did not know how I was going to get to work and now I am driving at night for over an hour!

You can do it, remember "eating the elephant" - baby steps.. but stay with it!

Frank

[donna0314]

You sound just like me! :-) I grew up in the state of NH, and have always felt comfortable driving the back roads. I'll drive over them through any weather, snow, rain, fog, whatever. I hate driving on the highway, and whenever I do I become anxious and nervous, I feel shakey, my mouth feels dry, and well you know the rest!! Recently I drove to New York to see my daughter, and her husband and my grandson. Just like you, I checked google and found the non highway route to go. I know it would have been faster to take the highway, but I told myself the route was so much prettier, and since I didn't have to hurry why bother with the highway, but deep down I know that was just an out. Since I have no fear on the back roads, now I am working on getting rid of my anxiety about driving on the highways. Just started the Fear of Driving program. Looking forward to putting this fear behind me!! :D