Do you get anxious when you think about driving? Do your palms start to sweat and your heart race at the thought of getting behind the wheel? If so, you may be suffering from driving anxiety, a phobia that affects many people.
In this blog post, I will discuss what driving anxiety is, some of its possible causes, and what you can do to overcome it.
What is driving phobia?
If the thought of driving fills you with dread, you are not alone. Many people suffer from driving anxiety, a phobia that can make it difficult or even impossible to get behind the wheel.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5) does not recognise driving anxiety as a specific condition. However, it does recognise phobias that are commonly associated with driving anxiety.
Amaxophobia is a fear of being in a vehicle either as a passenger or driver.
Vehophobia is a fear of driving
So, what causes driving anxiety?
It can be triggered by many different things, such as:
A bad experience: If you have been in a car accident or had a near-miss, it is natural to feel anxious about driving again.
Negative media coverage: If you see news reports of fatal accidents, this can also make you feel anxious about driving.
Stressful life events: If you are going through a difficult time in your life, this can lead to anxiety that manifests itself in many different ways, including driving phobia.
Now that you know what driving anxiety is and some of its possible causes, what can you do about it?
Here are some tips:
Talk to your doctor: If you are suffering from driving anxiety, it is important to talk to your doctor. They can help you to understand what is causing your anxiety and give you advice on how to deal with it.
See a therapist: A therapist can help you to identify the root cause of your anxiety and work with you to develop coping mechanisms.
Join a support group: There are many support groups for people with this type of anxiety. This can be a great way to meet other people who understand what you are going through and to share tips and advice.
Take a driving course: If you have never learned to drive, or if it has been a while since you have driven, taking a driving course can help to build your confidence.
Start small: If the thought of driving on the highway fills you with dread, start by taking some short trips around your neighborhood. Gradually work your way up to longer journeys as you build your confidence.
These are just a few of the things that you can do to overcome driving anxiety. If you are suffering from this phobia, it is important to seek help so that you can hit the road and enjoy driving again.
For Further Reading:
The following are some posts you might find useful if you struggle with anxiety.
- Relationship Anxiety: What It Is, What Causes It, and How to Overcome It
- How to Overcome Anxiety with Simple Grounding Techniques
- Driving Anxiety: How you can overcome the phobia of driving
- Pet Separation Anxiety: The Human-Animal Bond in Two Studies
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- 20 Affirmations to Calm Anxiety and Improve Your Life
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- Separation Anxiety in Adults – How to Overcome Separation Anxiety as an Adult
- The Answer to the Question “Is There Such a Thing as Good Anxiety?”
- A Comprehensive Guide to Different Types of Anxiety Disorders
- Stress Eating: What is it, Signs you’re doing it, and How to Stop
- Things to help with anxiety – How to Reduce Worry and Overthinking
- 10 Symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder as Defined By DSM 5
- Anxiety Disorders – do we pass them on to our children?
- How to Overcome Social Anxiety – 6 Effective Strategies
- How to Cope with Climate Anxiety – What You Need to Know
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