Driving Anxiety & Agoraphobia: Overcoming Fear on the Road

I am amazed you mentioned all I do in this one video, the water, the meds (not taking them but having there for "just in case", the bridge avoidance, the racing thoughts, I have put in to practice your exposure method and it has helped me tremendously. I cannot thank you enough.

Fantastic video! I use it with my clients.

I’ve failed my drivers test 4 times,it’s a struggle getting it because of the panic attacks !

Ive had some pretty traumatic driving experiences in my lifetime. Recent one was in January, I had an appointment an hour away, and had a panic attack basically the whole drive. It came in waves and altered in intensity, it was drivint me insane not knowing if theres going to be another wave coming. Those 60 minutes felt like 60 days. It was absolute torture. The panic only stopped not because Ive finally arrived, but because I felt my body exhausted itself of stress hormones. There was literally no more energy to burn, and after I was home again, i felt like I was going to fall asleep and not wake up again. Ever since I struggled leaving the house even for 5 minutes, panic would start immediately. Ive had a similar experience before which was over a year ago. I was stuck in traffic on a 2 hour ride for 2 hours (so it became a 4 hour ride) and let me tell you I felt so helpless. The absolute worst part was the uncertainty. When will I be able to reach my destination? When will this traffic jam be over? Will it be 15 minures, more? So 15 minutes went by. Then 30. Nothing. Then an hour. Then two. I went absolutely crazy. So yeah driving is currently a huge no no. I genuinely dont know how Im ever supposed to be able to get in a car again.

Omg she is good exactly how I feel I’m ready to overcome it I was doing so good up until my grandma passed in June 6 2023

this video has just been such a breathe of fresh air. when i describe this fear to people i feel like they think i'm crazy because they just can't understand why i would be so afraid. hearing someone describe this very specific kind of anxiety that i experience every time i get behind the wheel for the first time just makes me feel extremely seen. thank you.

I had an accident a few hours after getting my license, it was my first time ever driving alone. I went off the road and overcorrected, and then overcorrected again. I hit a tree and flipped my aunts car. Its so hard driving and its really scary. I never drive anywhere outside my small neighborhood.

I got my driver's license nearly a year ago, I had really bad anxiety before because of my experiences while learning I was made to feel like every mistake I was making was horrible and now I feel like everything im doing is wrong even though I know it's not. I was driving to work and back and ventured farther out (I have a 30 year old car and it has been sitting for a while which added to my fear) I started to become more confident until one day I got off of work and this anxiety I hadn't felt in a while hit me, it was strange because it was so sudden and I couldn't pinpoint why. When I was making a right turn I went into the farthest left lane which was my mistake because I thought I had time and I got into a minor accident. It wasnt bad and the other driver was nice but it felt like all my thoughts about how I was a bad driver and I didn't know what I was doing and I didn't trust my car etc, were coming back, especially since it wss outside of work and infront of an autoshop of people I knew I felt even more embarrassed. I've driven 3 or 4 times since then but each time I have this extreme anxiety. It's been months and it wasn't that bad but I still have this feeling of fear, now that I have a newer car that ill damage that one and that my mom will be mad. (I'm 19)
I'm not sure how to go about it especially living in a bad neighborhood with high traffic and frequent accidents

I am learning driving now. And today I realized that when I comment what i see and what am I supposed do outloud, it helps me to focus and not forget what am I supposed to do next. For example, I see speed limit 40 miles and I say "speed limit 40" and Instantly I adjust my speed limit. Or I say "there is traffic light ahead and its red so I need to slow down and stop" etc. For me it instantly gave me confidence in my driving and lowered my anxiety. Hopefully, it will help someone too. And your tips sound super useful, I will use them. Thank you!

I had a car accident in early 2021 and I have not driven since, I even sold my car. I am now ready to drive again but my anxiety is sky high. I think the trickiness about driving anxiety is the fact that it’s not fully unrealistic. Driving is dangerous, there are so many factors to consider… this is what I struggle to get over. :/ the accident was not my fault - and I can’t control how others drive.

I am happy, but also so sad this needed to be made! I have had a problem with driving (particularly bridges and overpasses) since my son was born six years ago. I drove about 180 miles round trip a couple months back thinking the "exposure" would help but it made it worse, likely because of all the "safety behaviors" and distractions I implemented (including hauling my poor MIL along to talk me off the ledge.)

I passed my test in my mid 40s here in England, after on off lessons with 10 year gaps due to cost life etc!! But my dads cars gears were breaking… and hand break…… throw in lots of roundabouts ,narrow roads and people going 50 mph on your back down bendy tiny roads is terrifying! Had to drive to work and my daughter etc…dad in hospital….I had to do it even though terrified….nearly broke down on motorway etc! Pulled off had to be towed home as clutch going etc that was scary!!!….Now second hand new car have to get use to ,6 gears quickly, have stalled in middle of road as so diff to dads car ,gears ,breaks really sensitive,biting point etc …but driving round local area at night. Just get use to car, getting there! Just annoyed to be so stressed when want to enjoy it.

I'm 42 years old, and I've been driving since I was 16. Last year while driving a 5 hour trip to visit family, a trip I have made dozens of times since 2005, I had a panic attack about halfway through. It came out of nowhere and scared me so much. I thought I was having a seizure or something at first when it happened. Since then however, driving, especially out of town or on an open highway has become something I don't look forward to doing anymore. I've around 5 panic attacks while driving this year. The fear and adrenaline scares me so much when I get on the highway and begin to pick up speed. It's even gotten to the point where I don't even like driving around the town I live in. It's like I associate being in a car with danger now, something I never even used to think about. What I have noticed though is that anytime I've had a panic attack is when someone else is in the car with me. It's never happened while driving by myself, but I still stay worried that it will happen whether I'm driving alone or with others. I used to love driving, but that has all changed. I just don't know what has happened to me, but I'm going to take your advice here. Thank you for this detailed information.

This is such a great video 👏🏼 Thank you

I have had a terrible time driving for years. Now, I don't drive and have to rely on rides. Sitting at stop lights, stop signs and waiting for a left hand turn are all extremely difficult. I feel like I need to escape. It's really hard. I also have trouble in crowds, especially if I am somewhere I can't get out easily, such as up in bleachers. Is this related?

Everything you said was exactly how I feel, I’ve always felt like there was something wrong with me for being so afraid to drive but now I know that it’s a real thing and I’m going to start to put these things Into practice to be able to drive comfortably like I could before I had a panic attack while driving, this video was very helpful!

I don't know if it's just me but my anxiety goes way up when there's someone else in the car with me. Especially someone who has a bad temper when I am driving or who freak out unnecessarily. Like when you are driving fine and you are already doing what you are supposed to and they try to control every move you make and get upset and yell if you don't follow their instructions. So I feel much better driving alone when I am able to.

Thanks for this video! Very valuable advice here. I get anxious even about exposure therapy but I am gonna push through it.

Sounds so familiar mine happens when I’m at a stop light and intersections with cars all around me

Idk if exposure therapy works. I tried for two years driving through the anxiety (mainly afraid of vomiting while driving because anxiety would make me nauseous) and practicing many many techniques, but it only just got worse and worse. Every day I faced it it was like starting from scratch again. I've recently switched from and SNRI to an SSRI, see if that helps. If anyone has been through this situation and has conquered it, please comment. :)

I really enjoyed this video. It clicked for me that bringing things that make me feel “safe” are tricking my brain to think there’s still danger there. Ever since a car hit me while driving with my children 8 months ago driving alone with them has been beyond difficult. I will get back to normal. It’s all about building that confidence on the road again. Thank you!

My night driving anxiety just got so much worse out of nowhere. I had to call EMS twice within the last couple months. That’s how bad it is. It’s really frustrating. ☹️ you called me out in this video. The beginning of this video is literally me.🤦🏾‍♀️ The heart palpitations and overthinking them is my downfall.

It’s been almost two years since I got my permit and I’ve only driven a handful of times in non threatening conditions. (I avoid driving in the dark or rain or busy hours of the day) my anxiety stems from the fact that car accidents are so common and if I or anyone on the road makes a small mistake it can be fatal to me or others. I can’t accept the fact that getting behind the wheel is always a risk even on the clearest slowest days. I need to drive to sustain a job and I want the freedom so badly. Once I’m behind the wheel it’s not as bad but I work myself up before driving that I practically never do.

I can’t drive on the highway or alone away from home

Thank you ❤

Thank you for the video! A few years ago I started having anxiety when I am driving on hilly highway and winding roads. Especially when I drive from mountain down, I feel I am on the cliff. I used to drive those roads with no problems, but now my hands are sweat when I am on those hilly and winding highway. I am fine driving local and flat road. What should I do? Thank you so much!

I used to be scared/anxious of driving because of my driving instructor who was very mean and angry. Didnt drive until I was in my twenties, until I could borrow my girlfriends car on occasion and go for a drive in a known area
I wasnt necessarily having thought or fears about accidents or whatnot, although maybe a little, more about getting judged if I made a mistake etc.
The secret is to just drive in your own speed/tempo and not to worry about what others are think, because to be truthful, they're probably not thinking much.

I am so happy I found your video. I am currently unemployed and mostly due to the fear of driving. I always loved driving and looked forward to driving. However had few negative experiences when on a long open road. Feeling like I was going to fast and breaking to hard. Or panic attacks forgetting how to drive or what to do. Avoiding roads to the point I don't drive anymore. I always feel so disappointed in myself. And often get criticized because of it. Which reinforces the feelings. I really want my confidence back. And hope to use these tips today.

I was perfectly fine til I had a panic attack in December. Started staying home for a few months now it’s been a struggle getting out the house. I can’t drive anywhere alone. Can’t sit at a stop light, catch a train, be stuck in traffic…this is a nightmare 🥹

I’m current learning how to drive. The thing that’s the most frustrating is when other vehicles overtake me. That is (excuse my French) fucking disrespectful. It has gotten to the point where I’m more concerned about being overtaken than learning the lesson.

I had an accident at age 16 and have never drove since. I'm 20 now and I don't have my license. I am trying to learn again but I am just so scared.
I have done exposure therapy for social anxiety in the past. My therapist is helping me with driving anxiety as well

How did you get free? This is what's happening to me 3 years now😢

I get anxiety when driving in heavy traffic, and being in busy stores. The busier, the more anxiety. I “exposed” myself (due to work) to busy stores every day for 3 years until I had so many physical symptoms that I could not work anymore. Exposing actually made my anxiety worse. When I went to a counselor, she told me to practice “mindfulness” by paying attention to my other senses. It actually made my anxiety worse. Recently I started listening to tv shows while driving and it made my anxiety lessen.

Concise and helpful content. It's one of the most helpful videos I've seen. Immediately put the information to use, and I'm able to frame things better. Feeling optimistic :)

What can I do if the anxiety is caused by true medical issues? The medical issues gave me the anxiety in the first place and I am not fully recovered after 3 years yet so although the symptoms are mostly tolerable, there are times they are not so I still feel very insecure...
Oh and it's not about driving for me it's about riding in the car. I cannot drive now with my medical issues😢

Thank you I needed this so badly. Its hard to explain to anyone thats not been through it. I went from tears on ny way home from work to hope. Thanks again ❤

I been driving for years and my anxiety to driving is still not over , as soon as I get in to a car I have severe anxiety , harm urges that I’ll dive off the bridge or in to cars or in to people and there urges are super strong and i don’t avoid driving because I can’t afford to 🥺 how do I ge over it , is something more wrong with me ? It’s none stop the whole drive I feel that’s way , every time I have these horrible sensation in my hands and feet like I’ll swing that wheel or press that gas pedal🥺 how can I over come that . I need suffering with anxiety, ocd, panics for 17 years . I don’t take any medication for the last 8 years. Do I have something else than OCD is it something else. Please share your experience. Thank you🙏

Thank you so much for your wonderful tips and advice.

I have driving anxiety. My worst experiences are when someone else is driving. I fear I'm going to jump out of the car. Any advice?

Can OCD or any other condition influence gender or gender identity?

Your exposure therapy recommendations are helping me noticeably. Thank you so much for your commitment to alleviate anxiety situations.

Hello Paige, I just want to say thank you so much for putting in the time and effort to create this content. It’s absolutely invaluable to me, and I can tell from the comments, many others. Have a lovely day. 💜

Why do I want to drive when I am scared to death of driving away from my house?

Ma'am, your videos help me a lot, in fact you are the only source of guidance/counseling in the situation.

Hello!
Thank you very much!
I have driving anxiety with agoraphobia and panic disorder. I don't have a car, however, it's hard for me to ride my bike and my tricycle. It's even hard for me to walk. I know I have to do exposures, but most of the time, I need to feel motivated. And I need a plan. Because I don't know how to start. I only stay in front of my building (on the parking lot). I never go farther. I wish I could go farther, but the problem is that I don't feel motivated to do so. I don't feel courageous enough. And I am a slow person. I miss the life I used to have. Years ago, riding my bike helped me overcome agoraphobia. But now it's different. It's harder.
Thank you very much for this video!

I've had driving anxiety since I first got my license at age 16 (I'm 63 now), the year my panic attacks started. I've had periods of time when I've been better; like being able to drive around town pretty easily when my youngest daughter was growing up, but I have never been able to drive any distances over about 20 minutes in the car. Since the start of 2020 I have not driven at all since we have been isolated due to being high risk for viral infections. My driver's license expired 2 months ago and I really have to get it renewed but I am scared to death of trying to drive after 3 years of not doing so. I also really have nowhere to go for the most part as the only thing my husband and I do is pick up groceries. We have still not gotten out of isolation but are hoping to this summer. I know this going to be a major challenge for me. I appreciate the video. I am just still so unsure of even getting back out there at all.

Thank you for the advice…

Thank you❤🙏 I have been going through driving anxiety for 4 years after my panic attacks 4 years back. But now I feel confident now with these methods. Thankyou

I get pvcs or pacs sometimes ( usually just one not more) but they are intense. I have become afraid to drive far. I have always been afraid of bridges. Now , i can only go over a small bridge. I used to drive over a huge bridge on my way to NC from FL. But, i know my heart was ginna skip sonetime after I got over it. ( the adrenaline caused it) Now, if I get a " skip " while driving, makes me nit want o go out for awhile. They can happen anytime. I have no control of them. How on earth would I ever be able to drive all the places you say. I have bad cardiac anxiety and do have a pacemaker. Sometimes, I have to drive further than I usually go, but terrified my heart will act up. Sometimes it doea, sonetimes not. I work with a counselor, but she does not say to do so much in a day. Confusingm thank you!?Debbie

Can you please give any advice on how to deal with "mean drivers"? I'm fine with driving, but it is the other drivers that make me skiddish. It is really difficult trying to drive with aggressive drivers in congested areas. Also, I have been in a few car accidents and I'm always nervous about getting in another one. Should I just use ERP for that thought? Thank you for everything you do :)