Driving Phobia

Driving phobia is one of the most common phobias. people are surprised to hear that though as it's one of the 'hidden' phobias. This is because sufferers are too embarrassed to admit to having it and thus go to great lengths to conceal it. Like other hidden or silent phobias driving phobia is well known to phobia specialists and the avoidance patterns, symptoms and responses are very similar to other silent phobias.

Driving phobia is an irrational fear of driving or being out of control whilst driving and can cause dread, panic and avoidance. It rarely has any relation to how good a driver the sufferer is. Many of them are good competent drivers and normal, well balanced people who once drove quite happily but are now anxious or panicky when they drive or don't drive at all. A driving phobia can happen to lots of people and it can happen to anyone making driving very difficult or even impossible. The conscious, rational thinking part of the sufferer knows that they are a good driver and so it can be very frustrating. Sometimes though, when in certain driving situations or on certain roads, the irrational, unconscious part of them can push out rational thought and fear will rapidly take its place. It has been shown that it is the more creative, imaginative and artistic people that develop phobias such as driving phobia. Developing a phobia can have a lot do with misuse of the imagination so anyone can develop a phobia of driving, no matter what their level of competence.

Driving phobia can be caused by an upsetting or traumatic event, such as an accident, or something apparently insignificant like being stuck in a traffic jam, overtaking or going over a very high bridge. Things such as tiredness, stress or worry can cause the irrational mind to blow these events out of all proportion and a mild panic attack may be experienced. This can create a pattern where similar events in the future may be experienced in the same way and thus a phobia is created. Sufferers may use various strategies to control their panic and embarrassment. They may only drive at certain quiet times, avoid certain routes and places and make excuses so as to avoid giving lifts to friends and colleagues. Over time these 'solutions' can restrict and interfere with the sufferers quality of life and become a part of the problem. Eventually the sufferer must admit that they cannot change the situation themselves and seek professional help.

Like most phobias driving phobia can be treated with hypnotherapy, the NLP fast phobia cure, EFT and cognitive therapy.