Driving Anxiety is More Common Than You Think
Driving anxiety is a term that most people might not be familiar with, but it’s an issue that affects a significant number of individuals. If you’ve ever felt an overwhelming sense of fear or dread when thinking about driving, you’re not alone. Here at Boardwalk Recovery Center, we don’t just focus on addiction and dual diagnosis; we also offer resources for managing different kinds of anxieties, including driving anxiety. In this guide, we’ll examine 5 ways to tell you have driving anxiety to help you recognize the symptoms and seek appropriate treatment.
Extreme Nervousness Before or During Driving
One of the key indicators of driving anxiety is an overwhelming sense of nervousness or fear before or while driving.
Signs to Look Out For:
- Inexplicable feelings of dread when thinking about having to drive.
- Nervousness that amplifies once you get behind the wheel.
- Shaking, sweating, or nausea before or during driving.
Procrastination or Avoidance of Driving
If you consistently put off driving or avoid it altogether, you may have driving anxiety.
Common Avoidance Behaviors:
- Making excuses to not drive even when it's inconvenient for you.
- Opting for public transport, rideshares, or getting rides from friends and family to avoid driving.
- Avoiding certain driving situations like highways or night driving.
3. Physical Symptoms When Contemplating Driving
Physical symptoms can manifest when you think about driving or actually embark on a drive.
Common Physical Symptoms Include:
- Rapid heart rate or palpitations.
- Shallow, quick breathing, or a feeling of being unable to catch your breath.
- Dry mouth or difficulty swallowing.
Intrusive Thoughts and Catastrophic Thinking
Intrusive thoughts about terrible things happening while driving can plague you and further fuel your anxiety.
Symptoms of Intrusive Thinking:
- Imagining worst-case scenarios like car crashes or losing control of the vehicle.
- Constantly worrying about other drivers or conditions, even when they’re typical or safe.
- Feeling like you're unable to focus or think clearly while driving due to intrusive thoughts.
Anxiety-Induced Mistakes or Difficulties
Driving anxiety can affect your actual driving skills, making it difficult to perform basic maneuvers.
Signs May Include:
- Hesitating excessively at junctions or traffic lights.
- Becoming overly cautious to the point where it disrupts normal traffic flow.
- Difficulty parking or pulling over due to nervousness.
Recognition is the First Step
If you’ve noticed these symptoms in yourself, it’s crucial to seek professional help. At Boardwalk Recovery Center, we provide comprehensive treatment options for various forms of anxiety, including driving anxiety. Identifying these 5 ways to tell you have driving anxiety can be your first move toward regaining your freedom and comfort on the road.
Don’t let driving anxiety keep you from going where you need to go. Seek the help you need and take the wheel of your life with confidence.
FAQ's
Driving Anxiety refers to the intense fear, dread, or apprehension people feel either before or during driving. While not typically categorized as a standalone mental health disorder, it is often considered a form of situational anxiety.
Driving anxiety can be caused by various factors such as:
- Past traumatic experiences related to driving.
- General anxiety disorders affecting specific situations.
- Phobias related to elements of driving, like speed or enclosed spaces.
Yes, chronic anxiety, including driving anxiety, can lead to physical symptoms like high blood pressure, digestive issues, and chronic fatigue among other things. It’s essential to address it to maintain overall well-being.
Diagnosis usually involves a thorough evaluation by a mental health professional. This can include:
- A detailed interview about symptoms.
- Self-assessment questionnaires.
- A review of medical history to rule out other causes.
Treatment options can include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): To understand and change thought patterns causing anxiety.
- Medication: Anti-anxiety medications may be prescribed for short-term relief.
- Exposure Therapy: Gradual exposure to driving under controlled conditions.
It’s essential to assess the severity of your symptoms with a healthcare provider. Mild cases may still allow for safe driving with specific coping strategies, while severe cases might require treatment before resuming driving.