Fear of driving????

Idk if it’s relative to my job or what??? Ive become self conscious and paranoid about screwing up, embarassing myself, or being unintentionally negligent?? I had an event about a month and a. Half ago Where two things back to back made my confidence absolutely tank. I was and still am being harassed at work and I felt like i was being stalked/watched( which i was) i had someone lie on me in the work place and even though i knew i didnt do anything wrong it still stressed me out because i was scolded by management. Im Constantly looking over my shoulder to where I started to believe “ what if i actually did or do something wrong??”... and again i hadnt done anything but this opened the door of what ifs because I had zero support in the situation....but now all of a sudden, it has Leaked into my personal life. I have developed This irrational fear of driving. Scared of hitting someone or something like a parked car. Even though I never come Close do doing so. But i still watch my mirrors like crazy. Ill take highways since I know theres no chance of hitting A Pedestrian or parked car. I’ve circled the block just to make sure If im on residential streets. I. Have been avoiding driving unless I absolutely need to. Ive never been this way. Id drive everywhere, anywhere, any time of the day,in familiar and unfamiliar territory. I want to be clear i have NEVER been in an accident nor. Have I ever come close. Idk exactly why I suddenly have this fear, but i suspect it is relative to the stress at work. But I am just at a loss because i dont want to become a hermit afraid of everything and never leave my home.. but suddenly things terrify me. I took time off from work and im actively looking for another job so hopefully that helps. But the issue is i need to travel to interviews... i have one tomorrow and im scared. I think ill be okay. But idk how to get my confidence back. Idk how to get back to where i was , comfortable, and anxiety free from driving. And yes, I do see a professional about my problems already..she’s convinced all my issues are about work, but how to break from these fears until im able to replace it... i just dont know...:’(

I'm sorry you've encountered all of this difficulty. Unfortunately I'm afraid the only advice (if you can call it that) I could offer would be to simply make yourself do what you fear. At least that's what I've always done. And I can't say it's necessarily been anything like a cure. But it has sometimes helped over time. Beyond that I think the "answers" (to the extent there are any) are to continue working with your therapist, perhaps adopt a meditation practice (if you don't already have one), get plenty of exercise to work off as much anxiety as possible, & other things like that. Perhaps other PC members will have better suggestions. Best wishes...

I tried researching on my own online and it does seem like “exposure therapy” is a common answer! And tbh I have been unsure if it was the work incident alone that triggered this or if it is a combination of work incident AND the virus shutting everything down. I havent had anywhere to drive to except my job which i live 10 min away. So maybe not driving for so many months now has caused this. It is just difficult to break the fear, the paranoia and anxiety in the moment..:/..

I have this fear and I don't know how to drive but it's keeping me from learning to drive and be completely independent. Wish I knew how to overcome this fear.

I couldn't drive until I was 35yrs old because of my anxiety/panic. One day I just decided enough was enough, called a driving school, finished the course, took my exam, got my license, and started driving.
My fear wasn't completely gone but slowly day by day I gained more confidence.
Now with the addition of buspirone I have very little trouble at all...I'm still a bit shaky beforehand but once I'm behind the wheel I'm fine.
I guess what I'm saying is decide, make a plan, and just throw yourself in head first.
Give it a good try and Good Luck!

Driving stresses me out so I seldom drive which is an awful block on my road of life. I hope things improve for you.

I hope things improve for you

I have a fear of my 19-year-old driving. He's old enough to just go take the test, but he lost his permit so he can't practice driving anymore. He definitely needs more practice. He doesn't have a car, so he just walks or rides the bus. Sometimes, he calls me to take him somewhere or get him from somewhere. I don't mind that, but he really needs his own car and to pass the road test. I don't know what you do about losing your permit, though.