http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/driving-1 It's Time to Act. OCD Action provides support and information for people affected by Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Mon, 21 May 2012 16:15:55 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/search.php http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/driving-1#post-38883 Mon, 01 Mar 2010 19:26:55 +0000 freddy 38883@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Hi Paris09,<br /> Welcome to the forum.<br /> I sometimes struggle with driving, One of my issues is that I'm paranoid about people on bicycles and whenever I pass one I'm always convinced I've knocked them off their bike, I constantly check in my mirror to make sure they are still behind me when I've passed them.</p> <p>I really hope you overcome your problem.<br /> With regards,<br /> Freddy </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/driving-1#post-38880 Mon, 01 Mar 2010 18:11:28 +0000 boowoopi 38880@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>I drive a car for a while right now, but i never had the problem you have, you think that you did something wrong but actually you didnt and it is really sad and scary that OCD makes you worry so much.<br /> When I drive I just get really anxious. It is hard to explain why but I will try.</p> <p>Like I drive 50km/h I and then i slow down to 40 I just must next escalate and do more then 50...but then for example I have to stop and after dirving again it has to be more and more... so I end up focusing on the the speed instead of other things. I can stop when the speed I crossed is just right(it tends to be too high sometimes).<br /> Works the same with driving back and driving forward.</p> <p>I just really hope you will overcome this and youll have a great trips in your car just singing listenign to music, and loving to drive;) it has to be like that someday!</p> <p>Best wishes guys! </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/driving-1#post-38879 Mon, 01 Mar 2010 17:26:23 +0000 Cuthbert ffoliott 38879@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Hi Paris -</p> <p>although I don't drive myself, I can empathize. It is typical of OCD to get the attacks Rena so eloquently describes. And she's right: we need to learn to see them as 'alien', as a type of demon that is not the same as our own mind and brain. If you really can make this concept all your own, the pure suffering from the demon will decrease. But it's a hard thing to do.</p> <p>It will take time. OCD is not very well known as something that can end in a single day, so to speak (I am extremely wary of all clinicians that tell you OCD is well-treatable and can be eliminated in X days with Y sessions per day - they lie). It all has to do with slow changes in brain structures, and the time required for healing also depends on the number of months or years that one suffered heavy OCD. More and more neuroscientists find that our brains are not, as once was thought, are 'static' and unable to change; they're dynamic, malleable, or, as science has it: 'plastic'. They can adapt.</p> <p>Proper medication, cognitive therapy, and physical exercise all can help a great deal in overcoming mental disorders. 's Funny: once it was thought that running worked against depression because levels of endorphines (substances we ourselves produce) worked a bit like an 'uplifting' drug. Enkephaline, Met-enkephaline, and Dynorphine are such substances. </p> <p>Well, they do have some effect. But running (swimming, etc.) works anti-depressant-like for another reason: the production of new nerve cells in a region called the <em>hippocampus</em> is enhanced. It is likely that it works by increasing the levels of <em>neurotrophins</em>, molecules that help form neuronal connections in our brain in the best possible manner, and give these cells a sense of direction, and increase their contacts with other nerve cells (more 'branches'). This way, networks of brain cells become more dense, with many more contact points, and information is better processed, including information concerning our moods. Simply put: if this mechanism is induced, one can rise above a state of 'feeling trapped' and really see new possibilities, e.g. for starting contacts with others, doing hobbies, and so on.</p> <p>Ooo... I am meandering a bit here. But it was nice writing it down anyway.</p> <p>Ciao, Cuthbert. </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/driving-1#post-38865 Mon, 01 Mar 2010 07:02:25 +0000 rena 38865@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Hi paris09, I struggle with almost the same issues as well. I always feel like I may do something wrong while driving and if someone in another car beeps their horn, it makes me feel like I must of did something wrong, all the while they were just beeping at someone else. I drive really slow most of the time, because I am really paranoid while driving and I get anxiety about driving almost every day. You are not alone, I know how you feel. I have dealt with this issue by hearing other peoples stories, like yourself. Hearing other people talk about the same issue helps to resolve the issue because we start to see it as an OCD attack, and just recognizing that can help us to not feel so anxious or nervous while driving. I hope you over come this issue, as I have improved greatly concerning this issue. Best of luck to you. </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/driving-1#post-38854 Sun, 28 Feb 2010 23:21:51 +0000 paris09 38854@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Hi</p> <p>I am new to this website so please forgive me if this topic has already been discussed. I just wondered if anyone else has problems with OCD and driving?? I have serious difficulties with it i.e. not going on roads with speed cameras/ red light cameras, even though I am a sensible driver. I am extremely reluctant to go anywhere new due to the fact that I don't know the roads/ if there are cameras. When I cannot avoid such situations, I worry about it for days, thinking that I have done something wrong. </p> <p>OCD affects a lot of areas in my life, but driving is the one that I feel I need the most help with. I don't apply for jobs that are in locations that I know I would struggle with the idea of driving to. </p> <p>Has anyone else had similar difficulties, or does anyone have any information on what help there is out there?</p> <p>Thank you </p>