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Ocd and driving
Hello. I'm 17 and lately have been struggling with the fact that I can't drive without thinking I ran someone over. I get so worried and depressed and will check the news daily. Today as I was getting gas I happened to glance over and see a little boy with his mom at the pump connected to mine on the opposite side and obviously didn't think anything of it. I got in my car and headed on my way to the store and then my mind started with questions like where was the little boy? I didn't see him as I was leaving? Did I hit him? I know it's obsured but I can't shake the thought and it's making me so upset because I would never hurt anyone!!! Has anyone else experienced this ?:(
I can't relate to this exact fear, but I have had others. Since you are 17, you haven't had very much time behind the wheel, which would explain why you feel this way about driving. If you hit someone, you would notice and so would anyone else around you, especially the person you hit. You can feel it if you hit a small bump in the road, so hitting a person (even a small child) would be obvious. But, you have OCD and no amount of reassurance will shake these thoughts from your head. If is wasn't this fear, you would probably be obsessing about something else.
You really need to see a therapist about this. They can really help, whether its with medication, cognitive behavioral therapy, EMRT therapy or a combination of things.
If seeing a therapist is not possible, there are many good self-help books out there. Two that I like or "Worry" by Dr. Edward Hallowell and "You Are Not Your Brain" by Dr. Jeffery Schwartz.
Here's an idea that just came to me - why don't you get a dashboard camera (you could probably use your smartphone if it has enough memory). Record yourself driving. When you feel this fear, check the video and you will see that you have not hot anyone. At first, try driving for a short distance and then check the video. Then try driving a longer distance. You will be doing some self-exposure therapy and will have solid evidence that nothing bad has happened.
Hang in there!
You really need to see a therapist about this. They can really help, whether its with medication, cognitive behavioral therapy, EMRT therapy or a combination of things.
If seeing a therapist is not possible, there are many good self-help books out there. Two that I like or "Worry" by Dr. Edward Hallowell and "You Are Not Your Brain" by Dr. Jeffery Schwartz.
Here's an idea that just came to me - why don't you get a dashboard camera (you could probably use your smartphone if it has enough memory). Record yourself driving. When you feel this fear, check the video and you will see that you have not hot anyone. At first, try driving for a short distance and then check the video. Then try driving a longer distance. You will be doing some self-exposure therapy and will have solid evidence that nothing bad has happened.
Hang in there!
Hi Paanda,
Welcome! I've heard about this - though thankfully have not experienced it myself. My heart goes out to you! You're not alone - other ppl report having this same fear!
You don't have to live like this! This fear may be caused from OCD - do you have OCD as a diagnosis?
It should be helpful to consult your PCP (Primary Care Physician) and request a referral to a good therapist. Sometimes medication is needed along with good talk therapy. Whatever it is - it has to be better than dealing with this irrational fear after each and every time you drive.
Please feel free to ask more questions. This community will look forward to hearing more from you! I wish you the very best.
~Tuck
Welcome! I've heard about this - though thankfully have not experienced it myself. My heart goes out to you! You're not alone - other ppl report having this same fear!
You don't have to live like this! This fear may be caused from OCD - do you have OCD as a diagnosis?
It should be helpful to consult your PCP (Primary Care Physician) and request a referral to a good therapist. Sometimes medication is needed along with good talk therapy. Whatever it is - it has to be better than dealing with this irrational fear after each and every time you drive.
Please feel free to ask more questions. This community will look forward to hearing more from you! I wish you the very best.
~Tuck
Do you have any other obsessions of ocd ? have you ever consulted a psychologist?
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