What is the best way to get over a phobia?
By magnet
@magnet (2087)
United States
May 6, 2007 10:43pm CST
This is an embarassing topic,but I secretly have this phobia and it is driving down the interstate. I have outgrown many phobia's in my life, so I don't know what the deal is. I've avoided it most of the times but there are times that I am in a rush and the interstate is the way to go. I don't know why I feel so nervous and tense when I'm driving down the interstate. How can I get rid of the nervous,tense feeling?
5 responses
@copperkitten (3473)
• United States
7 May 07
Honestly the only way to fix it is to do it! You have to dive on the interstate. Even if it for a few min. Do this everyday atleast once. After a couple times you should feel more comfortable and know nothing is going to happen. And hopefully after a few more times you can do it and not be scared. Good Luck!!
@copperkitten (3473)
• United States
8 May 07
Well then thats why your scared. Try it once a week to start and go from there. Good Luck!
@Loverbear (4918)
• United States
7 May 07
I used to be terrified of driving on the interstate too! I finally started forcing myself to get on at one on ramp and drive to the next off ramp. I kept doing this, adding an on ramp between off ramps so that it would be two then three then four off ramps before I got off the interstate. I also made sure that there was soothing background music, on low to sooth my nerves. Also, I took my time and drove around 55 to 60 rather than trying to drive at the high speeds they do in my state. After awhile I was moving right along with traffic! My biggest achievement that I am still very proud of to this day is that I drove in the big city, found a paralell parking space and parked in it!!! After doing that I discovered that the interstate is a piece of cake. Make sure that when you start practicing driving on the interstate that you reward yourself for doing the practice. Thinking of what kind of reward you're going to give yourself will also help steady your nerves!
1 person likes this
@hachimitsu (873)
• United States
9 May 07
I'm sure others have said it; you must confront your fears right on and go for it! Do what you're afraid of! I'd recommend having a friend accompany you in case you utterly freak out; they can be there to comfort you. You should also psychologically prepare yourself: rationalize and seriously consider why it's so scary to you, and what's the worst that can happen. I'd also recommend tea or coffee in the mix, to calm down your nerves.
