Afraid of freeways?

[Sparkle]

Originally Posted by Bad_boi

About two years ago I was in an accident. No one was seriously hurt but it was really scary.

I am afraid to ride in a car on the freeway. (I'm a passenger, I never have driven a car) Every time I try I end up having to just take the next exit because I panic so bad. The only time I get on the freeways is when I am on a bus. I can deal with bus/walking/non freeway riding. It is really bothering me because I can't go a lot of places or meet up with alot of my friends. IDK what to do anymore.

I understand. Very well.
I was in a very bad car accident 2 years ago, as well.
My emotional recovery took much longer than my physical.

The majority of the coping skills and techniques I've acquired enable me to drive, rather than be a passenger. I'm rarely a passenger. But...when I am these are some of the things that help:

First, I let the driver know about my anxiety and the ways in which I deal with it. And that I am not a great conversationalist in the car because of my anxiety.

I find I do much better if I sit in the back seat.

I always have water with me, I consciously remind myself to keep drinking it.
I remind myself to breathe. Consciously remind myself, whenever I feel panic rising.
I find things to distract myself - I read maps or books - or listen to NPR - something that engages my mind.
And when my anxiety level decreases, I try to lay my head back and close my eyes. I can't sleep in the car, I'm never relaxed enough for that now; but I can usually get to a point where I can rest with my eyes closed, listening to music with earphones helps when I am at this point.

If you have access to health insurance and it covers behavioural health, I would strongly recommend you find a therapist who specializes in EMDR (resource link below).

I have a therapist friend who specializes in EMDR, and one session helped to bring my daily anxiety down to a level that I was able to better cope with regular highway driving. I would love to go through the complete process.

http://www.emdrnetwork.org/