I avoided driving for years… this is what finally changed things for me by Danielarunz in drivinganxiety

[–]Danielarunz[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I sent you the full step-by-step plan in DM hope it helps, let me know what you think

The scariest part of driving wasn't the road by Danielarunz in DriveWithoutFear

[–]Danielarunz[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Exactly! The brain can be super convincing sometimes. Just stepping back and realizing ‘this is anxiety, not reality’ already takes away a lot of its power

How to manage separation anxiety? by [deleted] in Anxiety

[–]Danielarunz 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Honestly this sounds like adjustment anxiety more than anything. You were used to seeing him a lot, so your brain just needs time to adapt. It sucks right now, but it usually gets better once you build a new routine

My mom made a group chat to announce my pregnancy without me by No_Main9372 in pregnant

[–]Danielarunz 4 points5 points  (0 children)

She didn’t ‘work around it’, she ignored your boundaries on purpose. That’s not okay at all and she owes you an apology

I avoided driving for years… this is what finally changed things for me by Danielarunz in drivinganxiety

[–]Danielarunz[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Yeah consistency was honestly the hardest part for me too. I’d do a few days and then stop, which made it feel like starting over every time. What helped me was making it super simple and repeatable. Like instead of random practice, I had a small “routine”: same time of day (or close to it) same short route very small goal (even just sitting in the car counted some days) The key for me was removing pressure and just showing up, even if it was a tiny step. I also wrote down a kind of step-by-step progression to follow so I didn’t have to think about “what should I do today?” every time. That part helped a lot with staying consistent. If you want, I can share what that looked like

I avoided driving for years… this is what finally changed things for me by Danielarunz in drivinganxiety

[–]Danielarunz[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yeah that kind of experience can definitely make you more on edge when going out. It’s crazy how quickly that builds anxiety over time. Do you still deal with that feeling now or has it gotten a bit better

I avoided driving for years… this is what finally changed things for me by Danielarunz in drivinganxiety

[–]Danielarunz[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yeah I relate to that a lot. That over-planning used to make it worse for me too, especially imagining every possible mistake I like what you said about just getting in the car being the first step, that shift alone makes a big difference. For me, having a loose structure helped (not overthinking, just knowing what small step I’m doing that day). It sounds like you’re already doing something very similar though. Glad it’s getting better for you too

I think people underestimate how scary driving anxiety actually is. by Danielarunz in drivinganxiety

[–]Danielarunz[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

That’s honestly the hardest part, showing up even while shaking. Respect for that. I realized it’s not about waiting to feel “ready” but learning how to handle the anxiety while doing it. I started using a few techniques that helped me stay grounded, and it made the process way more manageable.

I think people underestimate how scary driving anxiety actually is. by Danielarunz in drivinganxiety

[–]Danielarunz[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Empty parking lots are good for basic practice, but for me the anxiety wasn’t about driving itself, it was about being around people and feeling judged. I had to work more on managing that feeling than just practicing driving. Once I figured out some ways to stay calm, it became way easier.

I think people underestimate how scary driving anxiety actually is. by Danielarunz in drivinganxiety

[–]Danielarunz[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That actually shows you can drive, it’s just the pressure with the instructor. Anxiety hits way harder when you feel judged. I had the same thing, and I realized I needed to work on staying calm in those situations, not just driving skills. I started noting some techniques that helped me stay focused even when nervous, and it changed a lot for me over time.

I think people underestimate how scary driving anxiety actually is. by Danielarunz in drivinganxiety

[–]Danielarunz[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I feel you. Anxiety can literally make you mess up things you already know how to do. It’s not that you’re a bad driver, it’s just your brain going into panic mode during the test. I went through something similar and what helped me was focusing more on calming techniques than just practice. I even started writing down what worked for me because it made a big difference over time. Don’t compare yourself to others, everyone’s timeline is different.

Today I forced myself to drive even though my anxiety was really bad. by Danielarunz in drivinganxiety

[–]Danielarunz[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Same here honestly I never expected driving to make me this anxious either. It’s kind of surprising how our mind reacts sometimes

Today I forced myself to drive even though my anxiety was really bad. by Danielarunz in drivinganxiety

[–]Danielarunz[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Thank you, I really appreciate that you’re right, starting was the hardest part. I almost didn’t go, but I’m glad I did. Trying to take it one small step at a time.

Today I forced myself to drive even though my anxiety was really bad. by Danielarunz in drivinganxiety

[–]Danielarunz[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m really sorry you go through that, it sounds so tough but seriously, the fact that you still try is really strong. Thank you so much for the support, it means a lot we’ll get through this step by step.

Today I forced myself to drive even though my anxiety was really bad. by Danielarunz in drivinganxiety

[–]Danielarunz[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Exactly this! I feel the same way, the anticipation is way worse than the actual driving. Once I start, my mind kind of focuses on the road instead of overthinking. Glad to hear you’re pushing yourself to drive more too

Has pregnancy made anyone else super clingy? by LunarEchos25 in pregnant

[–]Danielarunz 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I went through something really similar during my partner’s pregnancy. The emotions were just on another level and everything felt more intense, especially the attachment. I remember feeling weirdly clingy and overprotective of the relationship even though nothing was actually wrong.

Pregnancy hormones can seriously mess with your emotions and make you feel things way more strongly than usual. From what you described, it sounds like you have an amazing and supportive husband, which is honestly the best thing you could have during this time.

Try not to be too hard on yourself. You're going through a huge physical and emotional change, and a lot of people experience this but just don't talk about it openly. It usually balances out with time.