Just got my license after an 8 year struggle
Just got my license after an 8 year struggle
I am 24 and I just got my license to drive exactly one week ago. At first I was elated. I didn't have to depend on family members to drive me to places I needed to get to. Finally not being completely dependent on another persons schedule, but at the same time I feel like I am not doing so great mentally. I have an anxiety disorder (which made getting the license difficult in the first place) but now I feel like anything can trigger me into feeling anxious or clingy. I think my mind is trying to adjust to the new level of independence I now have and is struggling with it. I feel like I should be happy go lucky and going anywhere and everywhere, but I just want to stay home and not drive. I have been dependent on others for so long, even though I didn't really ask for rides much, that the sudden independence is throwing me for a loop. I know things will get better, but this is something that is supposed to be a joyous occasion and I am a crying, anxious mess. Ugh. Mind what is your deal?
i exist as i am, that is enough.
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fifthsonata
- Posts: 291
- Joined: April 30th, 2012, 6:45 am
Re: Just got my license after an 8 year struggle
Congratulations on overcoming that first hurdle!
Next - just become you're not responding in the traditional way to something we consider socially positive, you don't need to beat yourself up. If you were 16, 17, or younger, you'd probably be jumping all over the place. But, you're an adult, and you have already established a more solid sense of independence than someone who's 16. So, while this is a more convenient event for you, it's not a whole new freedom.
So it's okay that you're not still elated
Maybe, instead take baby steps. Are your family members aware of your anxiety issues? Perhaps you could split up your day for driving. Explain to your family you're anxious about driving and need a little more time to adjust - you could drive yourself during low traffic hours of the day, and your family members could drive you when traffic is heavy. If you don't want to tell them, do you have public transit available? You could again, do the same thing - take public transit for heavy traffic hours.
Just some ideas.....and again, congrats!
Next - just become you're not responding in the traditional way to something we consider socially positive, you don't need to beat yourself up. If you were 16, 17, or younger, you'd probably be jumping all over the place. But, you're an adult, and you have already established a more solid sense of independence than someone who's 16. So, while this is a more convenient event for you, it's not a whole new freedom.
So it's okay that you're not still elated
Maybe, instead take baby steps. Are your family members aware of your anxiety issues? Perhaps you could split up your day for driving. Explain to your family you're anxious about driving and need a little more time to adjust - you could drive yourself during low traffic hours of the day, and your family members could drive you when traffic is heavy. If you don't want to tell them, do you have public transit available? You could again, do the same thing - take public transit for heavy traffic hours.
Just some ideas.....and again, congrats!