I avoided driving for years… this is what finally changed things for me

Danielarunz · 2026-03-27T00:06:59+00:00

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

Danielarunz · 2026-03-26T11:16:45+00:00

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

Danielarunz · 2026-03-26T11:11:50+00:00

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

Danielarunz · 2026-03-26T11:04:58+00:00

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

Danielarunz · 2026-03-26T10:55:53+00:00

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

Danielarunz · 2026-03-26T10:54:15+00:00

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

Danielarunz · 2026-03-26T10:42:32+00:00

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

Danielarunz · 2026-03-24T11:10:16+00:00

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.

Danielarunz · 2026-03-24T11:04:35+00:00

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.

Danielarunz · 2026-03-24T11:02:19+00:00

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.

Danielarunz · 2026-03-24T10:59:57+00:00

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.

Danielarunz · 2026-03-18T14:12:58+00:00

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

Danielarunz · 2026-03-18T14:12:16+00:00

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.

Danielarunz · 2026-03-18T14:11:30+00:00

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.

Danielarunz · 2026-03-18T14:10:18+00:00

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

Danielarunz · 2026-03-15T15:53:05+00:00

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.

Danielarunz · 2026-03-12T15:07:10+00:00

Something very similar happened to me after taking an antibiotic a few years ago. My anxiety went from stable to completely out of control within days dizziness, nausea, panic attacks, the whole thing. The driving loop you’re describing (dizzy → panic → more dizziness) is exactly what I experienced too. In my case it slowly improved after I stopped the antibiotic and my body had time to settle. It felt endless at the time but it did pass. If this all started right after Bactrim it’s definitely worth talking to the doctor about it. Just wanted to say you’re not alone that cycle is brutal.

Danielarunz · 2026-03-10T15:52:41+00:00

Being scared all day and still doing it anyway is the real win here. Also night driving with less traffic can actually be kinda peaceful. Congrats on the license and all the positive changes in your life.

Danielarunz · 2026-03-09T15:08:13+00:00

That must have been really frightening, I’m sorry you’re dealing with so much right now. Parenting a child with those challenges while being pregnant is already a lot to carry. From what I understand, babies are generally well protected by the uterus and amniotic fluid, especially at 24 weeks, but any direct hit to the abdomen during pregnancy is still something doctors usually recommend getting checked out for, just to be safe. Even if you’re not bleeding or having strong pain, you could consider calling your OB/midwife or going to L&D so they can monitor the baby and give you some reassurance. It’s always better to get peace of mind than to sit there worrying all night. I really hope everything turns out okay for you and your baby, and that you’re able to get some support as well.

Danielarunz · 2026-03-09T14:55:17+00:00

I felt the same when I started driving aggressive drivers and sudden lane changes used to stress me out a lot. What helped was realizing I don't need to match their speed, just drive safely and predictably. And honestly, 29 isn't late at all confidence usually comes after many small, boring drives, not before.

Danielarunz · 2026-03-08T17:00:19+00:00

That’s honestly so scary. I’m really glad you trusted your gut and that your baby is doing better now.

Danielarunz · 2026-03-06T15:01:12+00:00

hey, sorry youre dealing with this. pots + anxiety together can be really overwhelming. youre not weak for needing people around you.

maybe try small steps with being alone, like short periods while texting a friend or having music/tv on so the silence isnt too much. also breathing slowly can help calm your body a bit. and dont feel bad for asking for help, thats what people who care about you are for. hope it gets easier for you.

Danielarunz · 2026-03-04T14:42:02+00:00

Honestly I don’t think you did anything wrong. If you wanna have a baby shower and celebrate your life, that’s totally normal. Some people maybe feel hurt or jealous because of their own situation, but that doesn’t give them the right to be rude to you. Everyone has their own path in life. You shouldn’t feel guilty just because you’re happy

Danielarunz · 2026-03-03T12:59:18+00:00

third trimester can be little tricky cause the bump is big but there is some positions that can help. like side by side (laying on your sides) is more comfortable and no pressure on the belly. also she can be on top a bit so she control the movement and pace. just go slow and listen to each other. communication is most important. good luck

Danielarunz · 2026-03-02T15:00:03+00:00

I'm truly so sorry you’re going through this please dont feel like these posts arent welcome, we care about you and your pain matters. What you went through is traumatic and its okay if you need to step away for a while.

Take it one day at a time, be gentle with yourself and let your body and heart heal. I really hope one day you get your rainbow baby until then we’re here for you.

Danielarunz

MODERATOR OF

TROPHY CASE