Driving anxiety, how does it typically last? Medication?

Hi, I've been experiencing anxiety while I drive from an incident that happened about 2 months ago.  I had a reaction to some medication I was taking as well as my need to get new glasses.  My eyes are healthy but one of my eyes changed which required new glasses.  I also stopped taking the medication which was for allergies & sinuses.

I recently started seeing a therapist (about a week) and have been taking valerian passion flower natural herb capsules for the last 1 1/2 months.  I know I've gotten a bit better compared to where I was originally.  There was a time where I couldn't make it between work and home because I was freaking out so much.  I was wondering how long it typically takes to get over driving anxiety?  And I don't know if I should take medication instead of the natural herb capsules?  I would drive out to my GP but honestly don't know if I could make it.  My therapist does have my doctor's contact information and was wondering if I should ask her to talk to him about prescribing maybe something more effective then the herbs I'm taking?  Any help would be appreciated.  Thanks.

[kristine9190]

I also had an fear of driving, I was so afraid I would have an anxiety attack while I was driving that I was petrified to drive. I was a regular commuter for many many years, and hour or more each way to and from work. This fear hit me all of the sudden one day, I had my first anxiety attack at work, and it was such a horrible feeling, that I was afraid I would have another one anywhere I was, in the car, at a store, at a party, anywhere......BUT with that being said, when I realized I was creating a problem for myself by becoming way TOO comfortable staying home, I decided to force myself to drive, go to store, I pushed myself each day to get in the car and drive to work. For someone that was so independent, and never had a problem driving anywhere, I was a basket case. I did seek talk therapy right away, and forced myself to drive there. I was prescribed Lexapro and Ativan as needed. Unfortunately, some of us do need meds prescribed to get us through, and there is nothing wrong with that, I set goals for myself, and I made a promise that I would stay on them for a year, I am coming up on that year, and I am not sure if I am ready to come off. I will do it when I am ready, and so will you.

All in all, it only took me a few weeks to get over the fear of driving, ONCE I started forcing myself. You will find that even after a few weeks, you wont be totally comfortable, but you will do it without panicking.

Best of Luck to You, please keep us posted!
Kristine

[cj29]

It can depend how long people go through anxiety, in my opinion.  I agree with Kristine that a good way to deal with it is by confronting it, which you are doing through talk therapy.  I always stress patience; which is not what most people want to hear, however, there are sometimes good days and sometimes bad days...just like any challenge in life.  I tend to focus on long term progression...don't beat yourself up if you take a step back once in awhile...just focus on taking two steps forward the next time around..keep us posted!

[bvwolf22]

Hi, thanks for the comments.  I was independent as well and loved going out & about with no particular place to go.  I'm driving more as well as being more comfortable then I was when the driving anxiety first hit.  I've been experiencing the weak legs or rubber legs here and there when I'm driving.  It's such a weird feeling.  I have my good days and my bad.  I talked to my therapist this morning (actually drive there) during a session and was calmer after the session.  Maybe I'll contact my GP and see if he'll prescribed something more effective to help me get over the anxiety easier.  Thanks again for the comments.