Hello, I'm Jim

[Jim]

I live in Los Angeles, California, and I have been driving for over 30 years, but developed a phobia about driving. Basically, if I am moving, I am OK. However, if I have to stop at an intersection, for example, and if there are cars "all around me", I get really anxious. To reduce anxiety, I tried driving on the right side of the street, so that if I stop at an intersection, at least my right side is clear of cars.

I guess my real problem is a form of claustrophobia, where I don't like being in a enclosed position where I can't escape. I currently brought the Fear of Driving program, and currently reading it and doing the exercises. Before I bought the Fear of Driving Program, I basically tried homeopathy (e.g., Ignatia) and nutritional supplements such as L-Theanine to help with the anxiety, but they do nothing about the scary thoughts I have, which is basically, "I gotta escape."

Can somebody recommend a specific chapter in "Fear of Driving" that would really help me?

[drsusieq]

Hi Jim and welcome!
I would recommend finding your "safe place." It really helps. Memorize it or type it out and put it on your dashboard.

[teaser]

Hi Jim -

I have had great success with the thought popping... but you really need to WORK on it. Spend some time every day. It took a couple of weeks, but it just sort of happened. I was fascinated the first time I was sitting at a light and wasn't "thinking about sitting at the light" and it didn't occur to me until afterwards. :o

Also, some other things that helped me was comparing "wait" time. Honestly, how long do I sit at a light? I spend 20 minutes blowdrying my hair.... waiting... for my hair to dry in a small bathroom. :roll: An idea for you may be.... while taking a shower (well, unless your shower is "gi-hugic"), you are in a small spot... do you have those same feelings? Probably not.

Just some ideas... but I found these things worked for me.

Therese

[Rich-Admin]

Hi Jim,
Check out the chapter "Scary, Irrational Thoughts" in the DFP.

Rich

[Lupe]

Hello Jim,

Welcome.

Lupe

[deanstnt]

I live in Los Angeles, California, and I have been driving for over 30 years, but developed a phobia about driving. Basically, if I am moving, I am OK. However, if I have to stop at an intersection, for example, and if there are cars "all around me", I get really anxious. To reduce anxiety, I tried driving on the right side of the street, so that if I stop at an intersection, at least my right side is clear of cars.

I guess my real problem is a form of claustrophobia, where I don't like being in a enclosed position where I can't escape. I currently brought the Fear of Driving program, and currently reading it and doing the exercises. Before I bought the Fear of Driving Program, I basically tried homeopathy (e.g., Ignatia) and nutritional supplements such as L-Theanine to help with the anxiety, but they do nothing about the scary thoughts I have, which is basically, "I gotta escape."

Can somebody recommend a specific chapter in "Fear of Driving" that would really help me?

Hey Jim,
I'm with you man! I'm a right lane lover from way back :D

I am feeling very hopeful of this though and am going to purchase the program asap!