When we’re stressed, driving can be great relaxation, but for others, being behind the wheel is their worst nightmare.
Amaxophobia is when passengers or drivers persistently feel a sense of overwhelming fear while traveling in a motorcycle.
Sometimes a person’s phobia of traveling or driving can be so intense that they panic during the journey.
If a person has this phobia, they may also be afraid of traveling on buses, trains, ambulances, trams, planes, and more.
Signs that you have the phobia include dizziness, palpitations while driving, disorientation, sweaty palms, and excessive panic.
Certain types of amaxophobia are more serious than others. Some can drive but cannot be a passenger, while others cannot even look at a vehicle without feeling a wave of panic.
But how can anyone overcome their driving phobia, no matter how severe? This five-step guide is here to help.
According to Aviva research, 43% of drivers in the UK feel nervous on the road. Pictured: A stock image of a car on the highway
1. Hire a driving instructor
If driving makes you anxious – don’t worry, you’re not alone, 43% of drivers feel nervous on the road according to research from Aviva.
Daniel Cluff, an occupational therapist and former driving instructor of 13 years echoed this, saying: ‘A lot of people get anxious before they drive or when they first start.
“It’s a very strange experience, even if you’ve been a passenger for years.”
He advised that getting a driving instructor and a few lessons is a good way for those who want to overcome this fear.
Mr Cluff, 48, said: ‘If your fear of driving is more general, such as learning or relearning to drive, then I’d suggest you find a licensed driving instructor.
“They have dual controls and they can take control of the vehicle if they need to.
“As tough as it is, you have to immerse yourself and dive in and overcome your fear. otherwise you will never cross that threshold and dispel the fear or myth that holds you back.’
He also offered advice on what not to do, saying, “I would suggest avoiding scenarios that will trigger you while keeping in mind that you may be faced with them at some point.
“Build up slowly, because you don’t want to break down when the unexpected happens.”
2. Be honest about your fears
You can lie to others, but it’s always important to be honest with yourself in general, and the same goes for your fear of driving.
By releasing yourself into the universe, through a voice recording or writing it down on a piece of paper, you can get closer and closer to overcoming your fear of driving.
The Brutal Truth Method can also be a useful tactic for overcoming your fears with the help of someone else The Kentucky Counseling Center.
This method is when you express your fear to a friend and they point out how powerless it is. You could say you have an innate fear of clowns and your friend would emphasize that the clown poses no risk to you.
3. Practice meditation techniques
Meditation has a range of benefits. It reduces your stress level, it can relieve your anxiety and help you sleep better.
It can also help relieve certain burdens buried deeper in your mind, such as a phobia of driving. It can help you feel less paranoid and more focused when you’re out and about.
Likewise – it’s free. A guide to mastering the art of meditation can also be found here.
4. Use positive words of affirmation
Showing yourself some love by saying short positive phrases to yourself every day will not only lift your mood but can also help.
Jack Canfield, the world’s best-known self-help expert, revealed her 13 daily affirmations for success.
Words of affirmation are not only a great way to encourage yourself and help you on your journey to success – they can also help you overcome the fear of getting behind the wheel.
Telling yourself, “I’m afraid to drive, but I can,” can be a good way to slowly build your confidence to hit the road.
If you have amaxophobia from traveling in a car (shown in stock image), it is always important to seek professional help and guidance
5. Go to therapy
For those with a deep-seated fear of driving, Mr Cluff advised those wanting to get back behind the wheel to seek advice and guidance.
The former driving instructor said, “I’d like to ask if there was a specific or traumatic event that triggered the anxiety.
“If it was a nasty car accident, I’d recommend counseling. It may also be worth having that conversation with your GP practice.
“You can even call a CBT therapist and go over your circumstances with them and ask outright if that kind of therapy would help you.”
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of counseling that the NHS details in their information on treating phobias.
In CBT, a person is gradually exposed to their phobia over time. However, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) does not recommend that adults with a phobia use computerized CBT as a form of treatment.
However, every person and phobia is different, so if you want more advice on how to manage your phobia, you can find NHS treatment guidelines here.