Driving anxiety is the fear or phobia of driving that causes distress and affects everyday life. The anxious person experiences emotional distress and avoids this situation by escaping from driving, avoiding busy routes and bridges and tunnels etc. Some people feel anxiety while driving due to the past symptoms of an anxiety disorder. However, driving anxiety can be overcome by knowing its sign and symptoms, and causes and giving proper treatment.
- The anxiety can cause a person to feel like they are in control of the car and can make it difficult to focus on the road.
- The anxiety can also make it difficult to breathe, which can lead to a feeling of suffocation or death.
- The anxiety can also make it difficult to concentrate on anything else, which can lead to a loss of focus and productivity.
The sign and symptoms of the anxiety while driving
People who are anxious tend to have a lot of symptoms that make them feel tired, restless, and irritable. They may also have trouble concentrating and being short-tempered. The symptoms can be seen quickly or slowly within the span of a few years, and their intense fear keeps them away from driving.
Causes of driving anxiety
Certain situations may involve driving anxiety, such as when you faced a road accident or have seen a dreadful road accident. However, the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) claims that driving phobias do not depend on the facing of an accident. Therefore, some most common causes of driving anxiety are bad weather conditions like storms and fog, getting lost or having a panic attack etc. sometimes people who already suffer from an anxiety disorder, for instance, face the problem of concentrating and decision-making issues can affect the driving ability.
People with anxiety disorders may feel anxious when driving. This can be due to the fear of dying in an accident, being lost, or feeling like they are not in control. Additionally, some physical causes may also involve anxiety. For example, heart palpitation or sweating can be a sign that someone is anxious while driving.
Treatment of anxiety while driving
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy is a psychological treatment that can be helpful for people who have anxiety while driving. This therapy helps the person to face the situation that causes panic or anxiety and to reduce their fears.
Exposure therapy
This therapy is often called as a desensitization therapy, which is used by mental health doctors to treat particular phobias. The treatment involves a direct exposure to the phobia in a safe and protected environment.
Binocular Vision Dysfunction (BVD)
In which a person has difficulty seeing because of an alignment problem in their eyes. If the alignment is severe, it can cause problems with driving, such as nausea, dizziness, difficulty keeping balance and equilibrium, and problems seeing the roads, signboards and nearby cars. However, treatment can be found through Neuro Visual Examination or by visiting the visual specialists.
Some people can reduce driving anxiety by walking or the use of public transport. They can talk to their friend or consult with the doctor for necessary treatment.
Driving anxiety is a type of phobia that makes people unsafe to drive and do everyday activities. There are various symptoms, causes, and treatments for this emotional distress. One can overcome this anxiety by consulting with their doctor and taking some treatment. However, if you feel that the symptoms are increasing day by day, you should talk to your health care professional for help. ..
- How can I rebuild my confidence after a bad driving experience? ..
If you want to improve your confidence after an accident, you should start by driving small nearby places and talking to someone for help. Alternatively, you can take a break for a few days and join driving classes. ..
The average time for comfortable driving is about 60 minutes.
It can take a normal person about six months to feel comfortable on long and difficult routes. However, you need the patience to get used to it. ..
