Terrified of driving on freeways - steep hills

[mouse]

Three months ago, I developed a fear of driving on freeways. Originally, it was only on night, but lately it has crept into my daytime driving as well. It gets particularly acute when I reach a really steep incline; (mountain driving is the worst!). I developed a mantra - It's only driving, I've been doing it all my life - it's smooth, it's easy, it's fun! But lately that mantra has not been working. I perspire and feel a rush of panic, particularly when the freeway divides into options to take different routes. I feel as though I will be trapped, unable to pull over and save myself. As the panic increases, I take an exit and take a walk. Sometimes, I get some bottled water and take a few sips. Then I attack the freeway again and try to go a few more exits. Once the panic starts, it doesn't go away and I feel myself fighting it all the way to my destination. I need to master this thing and defeat it. It's very frustrating.

[Rich-Admin]

The mantra's aren't going to be very effective if you don't believe them :)
it's sort of like telling yourself the sky is green...you can do it all day long, but as long as you keep seeing a big blue sky, it won't matter. Same idea...as long as you keep feeling and fearing your sensations and thoughts, affirmations won't do a thing. You need to learn more powerful techniques to cope with and eliminate your fear so you can get out of the cycle of avoidance it sounds like you're in.

Rich