Sudden Nervousness When Driving

[robofluff]

I have been driving for over 18 years and without warning I have suddenly developed nerves and fears behind the wheel, I have not had an accident or anything, I am under a lot of pressure at the moment I am moving house and I have suffered a bereavement in the last few months of my sister. would the stress in my life have an effect on my driving? I cant find anything on google about this sort of thing

[gness]

Zacs....while I agree with you....I think we should all have top up refresher courses....and I have friends I'd willing gift some to.....but if Robo is like I was it's not always lack of confidence about what it is you're suddenly irrationally fearing.

I know I drive well......and I'm sure Prudie hadn't a fear of cinemas.....it's just something that hits you when you're at your lowest and is so bloody hard to explain...

The first time it happened to me I couldn't leave Kettering to get on the A14.....no reason.....no fear of my ability or the busy traffic....no panicking....I just couldn't do it......and I still don't know why.....

I hope Robo has a doctor as good as the one I had.....x

[kylesmum]

Hmmm...think a trip to my GP is on the cards as I also don't want to allow this irrational fear and anxiety to rule my life.

I have to say it never occurred to me to bother my GP about this problem but I shall, now I know that it's treatable without CBT (which is the usual default setting).

Let's hope you get help robo as well as all fellow sufferers.

Great advice....it's always encouraging to know you're not alone.

[Fusion5]

yep same thing happened to me a few years ago. Came out of supermarket car park and froze at the traffic lights. Managed to reverse and parked up in a near by car park. Sat and cried then phoned my Dad to come and get me.

Again stress was the blame.

[UKSWF]

This thread has been more useful than I can explain, I now know I am not going daft and today I made the effort with no panic to drive on the motorway, I remembered the last time i had driven on the stretch of motorway which upsets me now was when I was following the Hearse that carried my beloved Dad to his grave , so it now seems obvious why i get upset, so time for me to get a grip or get medical help, my dad would be furious!!!! Good luck all and thank you

[gness]

We often keep quiet thinking it's just me, don't we.....and that nobody else could understand.......but a post like Robo's helps us see how common it can be...and that it can be sorted...x

[David H]

Me too, panic attacks mainly (30 year history) but only driving related when I had the first ones driving. Motorways being specific as you can't just pull over like you can on most other roads, I tend to stay away nowadays just in case as well, it's not worth the risk if it may happen, plus once it has then worrying about it can bring it on as well. I'm on tablets but even they can't shut it down enough to do it easily.

[FrogNog]

I also get this and I'm worse as a passenger.
I think it's a bit like vertigo, where your balance is upset by the movement and makes you a little dizzy. Then panic sets in.
Make sure you eat before you drive. It's less likely when your blood sugars are tickety boo.

[robofluff]

Hello just updating on my problem. I have got better with driving and I am driving more fluidly with almost no nerves or anxiety. I have been reducing my stress levels and I think it's making the difference as I am feeling better in myself. I am forcing myself to drive lots of little short trips but I feel like I'm making improvements. It's a long road. Thank you to all the responders to my question.

[gness]

Good to hear, Robo...and this isn't the best time of year for driving is it?

By spring you'll be even more relaxed and driving happily I'm sure...x