Michele, How about making it a goal and breaking it down into workable segments so it doesn't seem to be too much at once? Work the program? Set small reasonable action goals that are slow-and-sure and confidence-building, rather than ones that will set off panic? Like driving so many times a week, at a certain hour, etc.. Safety is important, and if you're feeling under the influence of medication, (not sure if you take any), you should exercise good judgment. But that aside, consider posting a new discussion in the foal forum and working towards moving forward. We'll help you set attainable goals. -- Anne-Marie, Site Administrator

Hi, Please execuse my typing. I did not check my grammar or spelling. I get upset even writing about driving. Michele

Hi, I do drive when I visit my family on the weekends. I live in the city and do not need a car and my family is rural. I have had a license since I was 17 and I am now 39. I stopped driving at 22 when depressing, OCD and panic kicked in and I started to shut down in the types of things I can do. Medication has helped but it is still difficult at times. This driving issue really angers me because for me it is a big deal and for almost everyone else it is just a way of life. I approach the car and fear an accident or death. I have been to a cognitive therapist whic helped a bit and have taken driving refresher lessons. You are correct in that by driving a bit further at a time and becoming familiar with the roads helps. There are days that I just do not want to drive and to make a change that I am planning to a different lifestyle requires that I drive. I have read the posting and do not feel quite alone anymore because the symptons and problems I have read in the postings are just like mine. Does it ever get easier? I know I can get hit by a car crossing a street but I see driving a car as an extremely dangerous thing to do. Michele

Hi, Michele. Those simulators are not available everywhere and virtual therapy is relatively new, so there may or may not be someone doing this kind of thing where you live. Have you been using the Panic Program? If you are driving at all in the real world then most CBT therapists would encourage you to develop exposure plans that would involve your gradually exposing yourself to less and less ideal driving conditons. First, by challenging yourself to drive further and longer under "good" conditions and then gradually repeating your exposure plan under less ideal conditions (e.g., dark, cloudy day, threat of rain, light rain, heavy rain, cold clear day, cold cloudy day, threat of flurry, light snow). The bottom line is that if you're driving at all your best bet is to drive more and get more comfortable driving under ideal and good conditions and then develop an exposure plan for exposing yourself to less ideal conditions. The real life exposure is likely to work best, especially if you are driving. Getting the exposure plan right won't be easy but you can use the support group for help. Perhaps another option is a licenced driver trainer who specializes in treating people with driving phobia. There are such specialists in some larger cities. these are sites related to your question. http://www.drivr.com/feature_closeup.html http://www.cc.gatech.edu/gvu/virtual/Phobia/phobia.html http://www.vrphobia.com/ http://phobiafreeway.com/ All the best. -- Anne-Marie, Site Administrator

Not a bad idea. If you find one, let us know. I have a daughter who is just learning to drive, and a son who just got his full G licence.

Hi, I posted before and received two responses but unfortunately I have not been able to view them. I will ask my question again: I really do not like to drive but do to a change in my life I have to. I am limited in where I can drive and really do not like to. I am looking for a program computer based or simulator at a school that will let you practice driving in the snow or ice in a safe environment. I have found airplane and race car simulators for the computer but not for driving. Thanks, Michele

Dear Director: Yes, help would be appreciated. I joined the Panic Program last night, but have not yet printed out the booklet. Will try to do that at work tonight, when the work eases up. I am off to work downtown now. I start at 4:30 and work until 11:15 p.m. I will check in later tonight or tomorrow. Thank you very much.

Hi JiteryMom. Are you using the Panic program? If so, are you focusing some goals around that problem? It could help you develop a treatment program around your fear of being evluated. Let us know and we'll help. -- Anne-Marie, Site Administrator

I did it again! I was scheduled to take my driving exam in order to qualify for my full driver's license and, despite all the good affirmations I gave myself and all the training and practice, I got "sick" (flu symptoms, although I really think it was pychosomatic) and didn't show up for the exam yesterday. Here in Ontario, they have graduated licensing and although I had obtained my licence in Québec (my province of origin) in 1997, because I had it for less than two years when I moved to Ontario, the ministry here only exchanged it for a G2 (upper of two levels) which expired yesterday. I have one more chance on March 19, 2003 to take that test -- in the meantime I have a license for one day only -- that day. I have no infractions against me, not even a s****e, and I have driven a lot with the G2 that just recently expired, but I panic on the morning of the tests and have flunked two tests in this province already; so yesterday I froze and couldn't even leave the house. I am afraid I might have had a panic attack, although my little son has been sick with the flu this week and missed two days of school. I guess I might have had the flu too?? It is just when it comes to doing that driving exam or anything really important, like a student research presentation when doing my BA, etc., I freeze. I manage to get through it, but it is never my best performance. I am reluctant to speak to an MD about this (I go to a walk-in clinic) as I don't want to have him send the Ministry of Transport any kind of notice -- would he if I were bona fide panic stricken? Am I? or is there some self-talk I could do to get over this. I tried prayer, affirmations, positive thinking, and still the light-headedness, chills & sweats and absolute fear. It is dreadful and I don't want it to happen again on the 19th of March, 2003, my last chance unless I sign up for driver training or refresher all over again and wait the separate 8 months and 12 months to get the full license again. I am 47 years old now!!!! (in otherwise great health -- no meds other than occasional antibiotics and Aspirin/Tylenol). I do notice taking Aspirin one hour before I have to go to a meeting, etc. works well. I have no problems in the law firm where I work (have been there 4 years now). What gives? Any he

I am trying to find a school or computer interative program that will let you practice conditions that would not be safe to do on the road, i.e., driving in the rain, snow and dark. I have just started to drive on local roads but I am not happy and do not want to do so. Some days are better than others but I will avoid driving when possible. I take mediciation and have seen therapists but that has not helped completely. I currently live where I do not have to drive in the city. I am planning to move and I am wondering if I should not because of this driving fear. I do not understand why a program is not availablke with all the technology available to let you experience the driving and conditions in a safe environment. For me this would ease the fear as I would feel prepared before going on the road.