How I Faced My Driving Anxiety (And the Resource That Helped Me Feel Safe Again)
I never thought I’d be the kind of person who would dread something as ordinary as driving. But for a long time, just the thought of getting behind the wheel made my chest tighten and my heart race. Driving anxiety is something that crept up on me quietly, and before I knew it, it was affecting my confidence, my freedom, and even my relationships.
But here’s the thing: it wasn’t always that way.
Learning to Drive (Late, but Fearlessly)
I actually learned to drive later in life, at the age of 30. While many people get their license in their teens or early twenties, I waited, and when I finally learned, I surprised myself by taking to it quickly. Once I passed my test, I was full of confidence. I drove everywhere. Up and down the country, solo road trips, errands, everything. I loved the freedom.
Then something changed.
Becoming a Mother Changed Everything
After I gave birth, something shifted. My once-trusty 17-year-old car suddenly didn’t feel safe enough. But it wasn’t just the car. I started to feel like I wasn’t enough. A false belief took hold that I wasn’t a good enough driver to keep my son safe. I don’t even know where that belief came from. Logically, I knew I had plenty of experience, but emotionally, I felt frozen.
Then the pandemic hit.
Suddenly, I had the perfect excuse to avoid driving. Like many others, I stayed close to home, and the longer I avoided the road, the scarier it became. Before I knew it, I was fully allergic to the road. I avoided driving unless it was absolutely necessary, and even then, I dreaded it.
Does This Sound Familiar?
Have you ever experienced something similar?
Maybe you stopped driving after becoming a parent and just couldn’t get the confidence back. Or maybe an injury, a break, or a big life change knocked you off your routine, and when you tried to return, the anxiety crept in.
If you’ve ever felt like that, you’re not alone. And there’s no shame in it.
What Helped Me Heal
Healing my driving anxiety didn’t come from a single moment, it was a series of small, compassionate steps. Reiki played a big part. Self-healing sessions gave me a space to process the anxiety without judgment. I started practising mindful breathing before getting in the car, permitting myself to take short, manageable drives. Even just around the block.
Over time, I rebuilt trust in myself.
Some days, the anxiety still whispers, but I no longer let it take the wheel.
A Resource That Helped Me Feel Seen
While researching ways to support others with similar struggles, I came across a brilliant guide by Amanda Jaspon, shared on the Gervelis Law website. It’s called “How to Get Over Driving Anxiety”, and it hits the nail on the head when it comes to how mental health affects driving and what we can do about it.
It covers:
How anxiety, PTSD, or depression can impact focus and confidence
Practical strategies to regain comfort behind the wheel
When and how to seek help
I genuinely wish I had found this guide earlier, and I’m grateful to be able to share it now. If driving anxiety is something you’ve been quietly battling, it’s well worth a read.
You’re Not Alone
Anxiety, especially around something as everyday as driving, can feel isolating. But you’re not broken. You’re not weak. You’re just human. Whether you’re a parent like me, someone recovering from trauma or illness, or simply someone who took a break from driving and now feels unsure, your feelings are valid, and they can be worked through.
Healing is possible. Confidence can return. And you deserve to feel safe behind the wheel.
If this post resonates with you, please feel free to reach out or explore more of my blog, where I share holistic tools like Reiki, mindfulness, and real talk for real life.
