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oh Lance, you remind me of myself a few years back when I had to drive somewhere. I would pace the floor and think up all kinds of reasons why I didn't have to go out. Then I would decide to just go and do it. I would sing at the top of my voice in the car when I felt anxious again. It somehow made me breathe better because I had to take deep breaths to sing. I can honestly say, yes, it did go away. It was not overnight, but because I pushed myself to drive, I was never housebound. I could see myself going that way if I didn't get out. When the chest pains got too bad I would pull over and relax for a few minutes and start again. I often wondered if I would ever get better, cried about it. It's no picnic, is it? I figure no one can take care of me all the time, I have to do this for myself. It takes courage, belief in the CBT program and lots of positive thinking. I really do understand what you are going through and am pulling for you, all the way. God bless you and keep you safe. Keep posting, because we do care for each other on this site, we understand.
Just keep telling yourself that this is a place you drive to frequently and it is part of your weekly routine. Keep working on your exposure therapy with driving.
Well in a little while I have to drive to the drug store to get my prescription. I dreive there a lot, but right now I am getting myself worked up and I am nervous.
Lance, thanks for sharing your experience with us. I can only imagine how frusterated you must feel, but the important thing to remember is that you have made it this far. You made it to the point where you were ready to take the drive, that's an important accomplishment because it shows that you are mentally preparing yourself for this. Keep trying and don't give up. The only way you are going to get un-stuck is if you keep moving forward.
I would suggest re-reading the Common Problems people experience when they start doing exposure work. This section could be quite beneficial in your situation.
Davit, thank you for sharing your advice with us. Members, what are some of the things you have thought were helpful when you found yourselves "stuck" in a certain stituation? Please share your experience with us.
You might want to ask him about Buspar. It's not a Benzo and it's not addictive. It does the same thing (anti anxiety) but it works slower and has to be taken steady. It's often used as a replacement for people who have a hard time stopping Benzos. Good luck.
My pdoc wont prescribe benzos, I still have a few in my car from before.Im gonna ask when I go back. I have too much going on I need to get past somethings.
I'll say this again. using Ativan to get you over the hump won't lead to addiction. Remember me I'm the addict. I'm the guy who won't push drugs, But you may need help. It works like this You take one Ativan 30 minutes before you have to drive and if you don't feel impaired you drive, the next time you make it 45 minutes before, then an hour then you drive with the pill in your pocket incase you need it. Remember it works within 15 minutes. then you see how long you can go without taking it and pretty soon your driving without it. My only concern here is that you do this with a friend along incase. Or if you think it will leave you too impaired don't do it. I think I carried Ativan in my car for a year and never touched it. Just knowing it was there was enough. I now drive where ever and when ever my disability lets me and I enjoy it. We have a long twisty hill on the way to the grocery store and I run it as fast as I can and I enjoy it. Now this is still only what I would do, it's still your decision and if the Ativan leaves you impaired don't do it. What happened to set you back, you were doing Ok? There is one other thing you can do and that is just do it. Pick quiet side streets and do it. Try to imagine the hell I went through, The grocery store is 15 minutes away, and yes I had to pull over some times and calm down and some times I'd get part way and have to go home, but I kept trying, sometimes three times in a day. And now I would drive all over if my Arthritis would let me. Keep trying and keep posting. Members, what would you suggest, I know I'm not the only one who has beat this fear. Help me out here.
I had planned on making a drive today. This would have been the farthest yet. At the last minute, I gave the keys to my friend and he drove. I am not very happy with myself about this. I need to move forward and I am stuck. If I am not at a point where I can get myself to a job when I get one, what will I do then?
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