Driving anxiety is a nightmare

[CatLove56]

The constant second guessing yourself and the lack of confidence make the simplest drives such a journey. I half assed tried medication a few years ago for anxiety and depression but I quit maybe 2 weeks because of denial. I'm looking forward to my upcoming psychiatrist appointment so bad.

I know medication's not a complete fixer but man just to have something to maybe feel more normal and calm me down. I want to make a real effort because it's gotten so much worse.

I don't know if anyone here struggles with this but it is an absolute nightmare and makes you feel like a real idiot which doesn't do anything to help confidence.

 

[chester]

How often do you drive? How long have you had your license?

 

[CatLove56]

I only go out if I have to. At least once a day for work or right now medical appointments because of an injury. I'd say a little over 10 years. I keep thinking of the reasons but I don't think it even matters. So much bs in my head fixing it, meds or otherwise is going to be a challenge. A car wreck didn't help, but the confidence thing I'm pretty sure is because of all the toxic jobs I've had over the years constantly dismantling what little confidence I have and then overall self hatred.

Adhd and anxiety are my first priorities when I finally talked to a doctor, next is depression and suicidal thoughts

 

[Ironborn]

I can only speak for the UK but driving here, especially in built up areas is horrendous.
I used to drive professionally and the number of close calls/near misses I saw everyday was ridiculous.
I got my car licence 20 years ago, the roads seemed empty compared to today.
I would not like to learn today because unless you know an area you are fucked going through it the first time. The roads are overcomplicated and far too busy.
I honestly get younger people not wanting to drive or at least avoiding the cities.

 

[zengiraffe]

I loathe driving. I try to avoid it as much as possible, which means I don't get a lot of practice, which means my driving confidence is low, and so I feel pretty anxious every time I get behind the wheel, even for very short trips.

I know I can work on this by just forcing myself to drive a lot more but ugh, I hate it.