How can I help my husband?

[jpalerino]

My husband is suffering from driving phobia. He is going to a therapist, but he insists the therapist is doing nothing for him. What are some different treatments for driving phobia and how can I help.

Hiyas Jpalero

I was discussing this when i was at a few meetings the other day, i used to be petrified of driving especially alone, each time i went out in the car i would panic more so the further away from home i got the more anxious then panic would trigger,but intime that turned around i felt safer in the car than walking being in the car meant i could get home if i felt panicky or anxious where as if i walked and panicked it became much worse.. When im in the car i also would have a cigarette as long as i had a cigarette in which i thought would calm me it became habit so to say but realise now after talking about it it is psychological, if i got stuck in traffic lights i would have a panic attack so i avoided everything that would make me panic i would only go out in the car if i went all the back streets to get to where i needed to go to avoid beingin traffic, its similiar to going out for a walk doing it every day little and often it does become easier, i find if i go out in the car at night when theires not much traffic about for a five minute drive helps, again its training your thoughts to tell yourself if i panic it wont or cant harm me so on but it does take time and does need to be done regular to over come the anxiety of going out in the car i now feel going in the car much easier than walking i think it becomes like a safety net i know i can get home quicker if i start to panic.. And although i was told to face my fears i know at times i cant i do find it hard but unless i do i wouldnt go out at-all it so much easier to give in than keep going.

When im in car i always have someone with me i cant go out alone yet but i have been set tasks to drive so far each day or every other day and i know now sitting thinking about it it is frightening and im thinking no chance will i do it, but also if i dont i wont ever challenge it! Just doing it little by little and often will help it get easier ;>..

Caroline

[jenanne]

Im not casred of driving as such but scard of driving in case i panic when doing so as first ever panic attack happened driving. Im like carolnie in that im taking it slowly doing a bit more each day although i struggele at first i turn up my music and sing away which helps. Ive only been driving again for a few weeks since december. Im sorry if this doesnt help its just my experience


Jenx

[jonnyjonny_uk]

Someone who suffers from driving phobia may experience a wide range of fears, including...

Fear of driving in towns and cities
Nervousness while driving in heavy traffic
Avoiding driving on dual carriageways and motorways
Anxiety while driving at night or in bad weather
The avoidance of driving at all... getting someone else to drive when they can... or else take the bus!
Fear and even expectation of losing control of the vehicle.
The last item on the list above is probably the one that says it all... someone with suffering from driving phobia will be afraid that something will happen to make them lose control.

All these things makes it a difficult fear to overcome but from what you have put your on the right track already because your facing your fear and trying to do something about it.

[Abarker]

My husband is the "normal" one I have a driving fear. What he does that helps me is ask me a question about something comming up that he sees to keep my attetion on thoes things and not on how close the guy next to me is and how they are on the phone and how they could slam into me if they looked down. the "what ifs". Maybe this will help your husband.

[Sooti]

I think your best to try out a new therapist if he feels the current one isnt working, i know myself i had seen 2 psychologists and not really found them helpful and then i tried an occupational therapist who really got it and bam i started making leaps and bounds in progress. Your just gonna have to trial stuff out and see what methods he clicks with, this can take time but i think its the only way. Keep trying :)