Driving anxiety can feel like a heavy chain, holding you back from freedom and independence. But what if I told you that breaking free is possible? I’m Rebecca, and I conquered my fear of driving. From feeling isolated and dependent on others, to confidently driving in foreign countries with my family and even towing a caravan, my journey is a testament to overcoming fear with determination and the right approach. Honestly, if I can do it then anyone can – you just need the right tools and guidance.
Understanding Driving Anxiety:
Driving anxiety is more common than you might think. It’s that gripping fear when you think about getting behind the wheel, leading to avoidance of driving altogether. This fear can stem from past traumas, lack of confidence, or even the unknown. My personal anxiety has stemmed from a mixture of low self-esteem and the new responsibility of children in the car with me. There are so many things that can cause driving anxiety, even in people who were once very confident. Whatever your story, you’re not alone. Recognising this was the first step in my journey. Understanding that I was not alone and that this fear was manageable changed my outlook entirely.
Small Steps Lead to Big Changes:
The path to overcoming driving anxiety is gradual, and it’s best that you don’t rush it. I started with exercises in managing my anxiety outside of the car. When I felt ready to get behind the wheel, I spent some time just sitting in the car, I continued this until I no-longer felt anxious about being in the driver seat. It’s best not to move on to the next step until the current one feels manageable. From there I built up to short, familiar routes, gradually extending them as my confidence grew. This didn’t happen overnight. It was a process of small victories, each building on the last. Celebrate every success, no matter how small. These incremental steps were crucial in building my driving confidence.
Seeking Professional Help:
Don’t be too proud or embarrassed to seek help. One of the best things I did was cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). I learned so much from these sessions, they helped me to understand and manage anxiety triggers. Seeking help from a driving instructor who specialises in nervous drivers could also be a game-changer for some people.
Practising Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques:
Learning to stay calm and focused was vital. Mindfulness and relaxation techniques like deep breathing exercises helped me manage anxiety in real-time. Practising these techniques both in and out of the car made a significant difference in my overall anxiety levels. It sounds cliche but, alongside other methods, I found breathing exercises to be so worthwhile. If you’re interested in breathing exercises and the science behind them, I think you’ll find this post helpful.
Something To Aim For:
Do you have a goal, or specific reason for wanting to overcome your driving anxiety? Perhaps it’s just the desire for independence. For me, a desire to go travelling in Europe with my family was a major goal and it kept me determined to succeed. We planned to travel with a caravan for months at a time, and I knew that it would be too much driving for my husband alone – if I wanted this lifestyle then I needed to take steps to make it happen. Driving in foreign countries was my ultimate test. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and required full responsibility for my family’s safety whilst on roads with different rules to back home! Parts of me didn’t think I would ever achieve this, it was so ridiculously out of reach that it was difficult to envision. This challenge was daunting, but the skills and confidence I had built over time prepared me for this. And yes, I even managed to tow a caravan! I feel transformed, and it is lifechanging. We are able to live the life we always dreamed of, because I was determined to reach my personal goals. I’m just an average mum, who has struggled with anxiety for years – if I can achieve this, then so can you.
Conclusion:
Overcoming driving anxiety is a journey of personal growth and empowerment. It wasn’t easy, but it was undoubtedly worth it. Today, I drive with confidence, not just for myself, but for my family. If you’re struggling with driving anxiety, remember, it’s a common issue, and with the right steps and support, it’s entirely manageable. Let my story be a beacon of hope. Take that first step, however small, and start your journey to freedom on the road.
