Special Driving Education

Driving Fears & Phobias

You are learning a new task that can be a high risk activity when performed poorly. Experiencing some level of fear is perfectly normal. Over time however, the process of guided practice will help you gain the skill required to perform those driving task successfully. Success breeds confidence, and your fear will transform into a very healthy respect for the awesome power you hold in your hands.

Anxiety, panic disorder syndrome is a different type of fear. It is generally the kind of fear that arises quite unexpectedly, and manifest specific physiological responses that appear to take on a life of its own.

Those symptoms are:

Heart palpitations, or accelerated heart rate
A sense of surrealism (feeling vaguely detached from the present moment)
Numbness or tingling in hands and feet
Flashes of heat or clamminess
Chest pain or discomfort
Perspiration
Dizziness
Shortness of breath or a sense of feeling smothered
Choking
Nausea or abdominal distress
Shaking or trembling
A sense of losing control of rational thinking
A fear of dying

Several books have been written on the subject of anxiety disorders and various types of phobias. Refer to "recommended reading" for a list of books that may help you become more informed. If you feel that you have an anxiety disorder, you are not alone. More than 20 millions Americans are reported to experience this condition. Many people, due to embarrassment, or the fear of being perceived as being weird, will suffer quietly for years. A common approach of avoidance is to create a matrix around one’s life, which removes any exposure to the triggers (i.e., conditions that cause) of anxiety or panic.

What is the cure?

There are no known cures which can stand up to scientific scrutiny. You may however, develop an effective coping mechanism. By learning as much as you can about this condition, you can equip yourself with information related to the affects of diet, medications, habits and lifestyle. In addition techniques in yoga, psychotherapy, and hypnotherapy can prove useful. With respect to driving a motor vehicle, a gradual desensitization should be used in conjunction with other treatments. In my view , it is best to take a holistic approach, i.e., treat the problem from every possible angle that feels right for you.

Check out our classes if you are interested in The Apex Driving School’s "Fear of Driving Workshop".

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