driving phobia

[sphil]

has anyone had any experience of this? I've been driving for 20 years, but occasionally in the past have had periods of time when I've felt quite panicky when driving (after starting a new job, for example). Since having my second son three years ago my anxiety has got much worse. It started by being scared to drive on motorways, then spread to A roads and dual carriageways.I start to feel trapped, especially if I'm in a line of traffic on a road with no hard shoulder or exits.Then about 8 months ago I had a panic attack while driving to the supermarket with both my children. I felt breathless, sick and dizzy and had to pull the car over, getting hooted at by a huge lorry in the process! It scared the hell out of me, mainly because the children were in the car. Since then, I've only driven on very familiar 'country' roads.

This coincided with a period of depression which was triggered by worries over my second son: he is being assessed for autism at the moment. I am on ads, which has helped hugely with the depression and general anxiety, but not with the fear of driving. It's getting very inconvenient because my son has to attend lots of therapy/medical appointments and I always have to wait until DH can drive us there.

Anyone got any ideas of how I can deal with this?

[Redhelen]

I have heard several mums say they have a fear of driving following child birth- you do become more aware of yours and their safety. I'd try to get more confident driving in quiet car parks etc and getting some practice building up slowly.