Driving: Does It Help Relieve Your Anxiety Or Increase It?

theoutsider

theoutsider

Well-known member
I've always found driving to be very therapeutic. Preferably, long drives thru scenic areas if possible. I'm lucky in this regard as I live on an island and there are many beautiful drives to be taken. But even short drives to the store or for errands seem to help. The only time this doesn't work is when I have an altercation of sorts with someone. Yesterday, I made a turn in front of someone who thought I should have waited for him to pass first. He laid on his horn and made an obscene gesture. Ruined the whole experience and I was glad I was almost home. I hate road ragers and always forgive people if they make an honest mistake (maybe not so much if they're being irresponsible on purpose). Nevertheless, I find driving to be very relaxing. I've had people tell me the opposite, that they are very nervous on the road. What are your experiences?
 
FountainandFairfax

FountainandFairfax

in a VAN down by the RIVER
I could've written that post, everything you said is just the way I feel.

Driving has always been a tremendous release for me, and like you, I especially love driving to the ocean. I prefer driving late at night, with the windows rolled down and the radio on low in the background.

I know people with SP who can't drive and I always feel very sad for them.
 
theslowesthand

theslowesthand

Banned
Way back when i had a car, i'd drive to isolated scenic spots, listen to hard rock or metal (on tapes & walkman), and drink. Sometimes this would be before work. Occasionally after. Beautiful! :perfect:
 
B

brightordinary

Member
theoutsider said:
I've always found driving to be very therapeutic. Preferably, long drives thru scenic areas if possible. I'm lucky in this regard as I live on an island and there are many beautiful drives to be taken. But even short drives to the store or for errands seem to help. The only time this doesn't work is when I have an altercation of sorts with someone. Yesterday, I made a turn in front of someone who thought I should have waited for him to pass first. He laid on his horn and made an obscene gesture. Ruined the whole experience and I was glad I was almost home. I hate road ragers and always forgive people if they make an honest mistake (maybe not so much if they're being irresponsible on purpose). Nevertheless, I find driving to be very relaxing. I've had people tell me the opposite, that they are very nervous on the road. What are your experiences?
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I agree! It's therapeutic for me too! I thought I'm the only one who feels it! And I'm glad to know I'm not alone! :applause:
 
MollyBeGood

MollyBeGood

Well-known member
Driving is one of the most freeing activities in the world as long as you can get away from traffic/people/cops and the roads are decent. Oh, and your car is in safe running shape :)
Awesome stereo, full tank of gas, open-road-sign me up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 
theoutsider

theoutsider

Well-known member
MollyBeGood said:
Driving is one of the most freeing activities in the world as long as you can get away from traffic/people/cops and the roads are decent. Oh, and your car is in safe running shape :)
Awesome stereo, full tank of gas, open-road-sign me up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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I do love music but lately I've found myself driving in total silence at times. It took a while to get used to but I find my thoughts are really clear once I can find a good stretch of road.
 
T

TryAgain

Active member
I've been delaying getting a driver's license for years mainly because the thought of driving a car in the city makes me feel anxious. This week I finally signed up for the lessons.
 
Pacific_Loner

Pacific_Loner

Pirate from the North Pole
MollyBeGood said:
Driving is one of the most freeing activities in the world as long as you can get away from traffic/people/cops and the roads are decent. Oh, and your car is in safe running shape :)
Awesome stereo, full tank of gas, open-road-sign me up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Yup I'm in too.... Nothing makes me more happy than a good stereo, road food, thermos full of coffee, sleeping bag in the back seat and a very long empty road ahead.
 
Sacrament

Sacrament

Well-known member
It's a very freeing sensation. I was sad when my friends were getting their licenses and I was letting my anxiety get the best of me, and so it took me a bunch of years before I actually got my license. The feeling of driving on non-busy roads (especially out of the city) while listening to your favorite tunes is awesome.
 
Kiwong

Kiwong

Well-known member
Driving for me is more about the destination. Like somewhere remote as possible from other cars, drivers and people as possible.
 
PugofCrydee

PugofCrydee

You want to know how I got these scars?
suzuki-rf-900-r-1994-1.jpg


I love driving. And riding. I used to own a Suzuki RF 900 and went touring. I rode from Adelaide to Alice springs, another time I rode from Adelaide to Melbourne, hopped on a boat and went to Tasmania then spent 10 days touring there. It was just amazing.

I don't like being stuck in traffic, thats not what I call 'driving/riding'. On the open road its like exploring. And that is one of my favourite things in the world :)
 
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theoutsider

theoutsider

Well-known member
TryAgain said:
I've been delaying getting a driver's license for years mainly because the thought of driving a car in the city makes me feel anxious. This week I finally signed up for the lessons.
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Good for you, TryAgain. Don't worry, it's not so bad once you get used to it. I hope, in the end, it does your anxiety some good instead of the other way around.
 
W

w*n*c*a*m

Well-known member
No, driving only enhances my anxiety. It took me 40 hours of driving lessons with an instructor before he let me do the final drive which I luckily passed ( there were roadworks on my final test day and the slow traffic was favorable for me).

It took 40 lessons for me because even if I have learned all the driving skills, my anxiety became a major hindrance. My instructor was so puzzled and frustrated with my pacing. There were days when he thinks I'm doing really great and some days when my anxiety kicks at my worst and I would drive like a noob again.

Basically, my problem wasn't driving itself but my anxiety and I seriously could not imagine driving safely outside my usual home to work route. It's because if I'm introduced to an unfamiliar road, I get anxious a lot (especially in busy roads with large vehicles).
 
Steiner

Steiner

Well-known member
Not really no. If anything just gives more anxiety but not nearly as bad as it used to. I just fall asleep sometimes while driving if I am on a long stretch which is more to do with drowsiness than feeling relaxed.
 
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