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How to deal when you freeze up

User Profile: ArtsyStarGazer
ArtsyStarGazer August 31st, 2021

I'm new here and getting a bit frustrated with the way things work on here, but here I go. I have severe driving anxiety. It is the worst when there's rain, snow, ice, or high winds, or any traffic. I also get a lot of anxiety over driving somewhere I've never been (less so if it's like out in the country or something) so pretty much unless it's a familiar drive and the weather is nice, I get anxiety.
I didn't get my license until I was 22, I turn 34 next week. I have been recommended breathing exercises, noticing my surroundings, and things like that but they don't help me when it's really bad. I also have a major phone anxiety, like making or receiving calls, especially in larger volumes, but even for my own appointments and things. These things don't work for that.
Sometimes I freeze up so badly my mind is blank and I can't do anything. If it's when I'm driving I grip the steering wheel and have to just try to get home. If it starts pouring or something, I can't even make myself go into a different lane to get over or anything. If I'm at home and it's anxiety about other things, I can't make myself do them sometimes. Sometimes that means I have to distract myself from the anxiety by doing something like playing a game on my phone or computer, or even just laying down for a while.
My husband is getting frustrated with me over this because it does affect my ability to get some jobs. I had to quit my dog grooming career because of severe back pain and I'm very limited on what I can physically do, so that already cuts out a lot of jobs. My anxiety then eliminates a lot more. I've applied to a whole lot of jobs but haven't gotten much of anything. (some online work here and there) I just don't know what to do anymore and feel lost.

2
User Profile: Meandros
Meandros September 8th, 2021

@ArtsyStarGazer

Hello Artsy,

Im really sorry that you are having so much trouble, and at the same time amazed at how can you be brave enougth to keep trying under so hard conditions. I dont understand well how anxiety works, but wanted to say hello and wish you the best.

I hope you can find something you enjoy to do, that also lets you earn some money.

Hugs.

User Profile: ivoryBeach1985
ivoryBeach1985 September 8th, 2021

I totally get the driving anxiety. I have occasions where I'm fine then others where I feel panicky out of the blue.

It feels like your isolated and you want to return to your safety bubble at home.