When I was younger I would sit in the backseat of a car and picture the worst case scenarios happening to the people I would be in the the car with and a detailed visual of our deaths. It never went passed that but has seemed to changed from visuals to thoughts.
I don't trust people in cars. I have a friend that always invites me places and the first question I ask is 'who is driving?' and if I don't like the answer I refuse to go out. I'm supposed to go to this big event in Vegas but because I don't know who the driver is I'm not going anymore. I'm also afraid of being on or near the sidewalk, intersections, or crosswalks. I feel like I know I'm gonna die in a car accident.
I've given up countless opportunities of having a good time because I wonder if the person driving has drugs on them, if someone else in the car has drugs on them or something their not supposed to. Family or friends, if they have something illegal, I freak out.
When my friend calls and asks me if I want to go somewhere with her and some friends I feel my breath come short and I feel panicked, anxious and threatened. Answering yes or no always feels like a life or death moment. Just the thought of being in car with someone with no license, under 25, or a party animal scares me.
I know it's irrational to think every person in the world is an irresponsible driver, but I can't help but feel endangered.
I think anxiety may be the cause of it but I've never been in an accident, pulled over or anything that can be a trigger. I've just developed this fear over time.
How do I make this go away? Am I having panic attacks? And should I get it checked out with a doctor?
Sorry for the length!
I don't trust people in cars. I have a friend that always invites me places and the first question I ask is 'who is driving?' and if I don't like the answer I refuse to go out. I'm supposed to go to this big event in Vegas but because I don't know who the driver is I'm not going anymore. I'm also afraid of being on or near the sidewalk, intersections, or crosswalks. I feel like I know I'm gonna die in a car accident.
I've given up countless opportunities of having a good time because I wonder if the person driving has drugs on them, if someone else in the car has drugs on them or something their not supposed to. Family or friends, if they have something illegal, I freak out.
When my friend calls and asks me if I want to go somewhere with her and some friends I feel my breath come short and I feel panicked, anxious and threatened. Answering yes or no always feels like a life or death moment. Just the thought of being in car with someone with no license, under 25, or a party animal scares me.
I know it's irrational to think every person in the world is an irresponsible driver, but I can't help but feel endangered.
I think anxiety may be the cause of it but I've never been in an accident, pulled over or anything that can be a trigger. I've just developed this fear over time.
How do I make this go away? Am I having panic attacks? And should I get it checked out with a doctor?
Sorry for the length!