Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

XanaDUer2

(13,872 posts)
Sun Mar 3, 2024, 05:33 PM Mar 2024

Anyone get nervous driving to new places?

I have a second opinion appointment tomorrow with a dentist. Its not a close practice. I've never been there before. I've looked at Google maps and its entered in the phone. But driving far distances when I'm not sure where I'm going makes me anxious. Hoping for a more positive even a little, 2nd opinion

23 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Anyone get nervous driving to new places? (Original Post) XanaDUer2 Mar 2024 OP
Yup, hate it. Good luck. a kennedy Mar 2024 #1
Thanks i knew some in here would get it nt XanaDUer2 Mar 2024 #4
Getting lost is frustrating. SarahD Mar 2024 #2
Omg parking stresses me out nt XanaDUer2 Mar 2024 #5
Yes! But do the drive on Google! Nittersing Mar 2024 #3
Good idea XanaDUer2 Mar 2024 #7
I do this too! It really helps a lot! 50 Shades Of Blue Mar 2024 #12
I'm with you on nervousness driving somewhere I'm not familiar with. I always leave early so I don't need to add MLAA Mar 2024 #6
Were leaving early nt XanaDUer2 Mar 2024 #8
Something I discovered lately Basic LA Mar 2024 #9
Good idea, thanks XanaDUer2 Mar 2024 #11
I use a navigator whenever I can. The driving around here is intense. Google Maps is pretty good as is Waze. RKP5637 Mar 2024 #10
I have lots of anxiety driving these days. I don't drive on the freeway at all anymore. skylucy Mar 2024 #13
Oh, of course DarthDem Mar 2024 #14
I wanted to drive in advance XanaDUer2 Mar 2024 #15
I understand that! DarthDem Mar 2024 #21
I'm going Monday XanaDUer2 Mar 2024 #22
That should help with the anxiety DarthDem Mar 2024 #23
Yes. Always. murielm99 Mar 2024 #16
I'm an older, very safe driver. multigraincracker Mar 2024 #17
I moved the appointment back a week XanaDUer2 Mar 2024 #18
Always! Mossfern Mar 2024 #19
You're not alone XanaDUer2 Mar 2024 #20
 

SarahD

(1,732 posts)
2. Getting lost is frustrating.
Sun Mar 3, 2024, 05:43 PM
Mar 2024

Google maps or GPS helps a great deal, but the last two or three blocks can be tense
Then there is parking...

Nittersing

(6,849 posts)
3. Yes! But do the drive on Google!
Sun Mar 3, 2024, 05:44 PM
Mar 2024

It's one thing to have a map and another thing to have some landmarks you can identify.

I always look at the street view and "drive" the entire route before I go.

(It's not always 100% accurate if the street views are old)

MLAA

(18,602 posts)
6. I'm with you on nervousness driving somewhere I'm not familiar with. I always leave early so I don't need to add
Sun Mar 3, 2024, 05:53 PM
Mar 2024

worrying about being late!

You can do it!

 

Basic LA

(2,047 posts)
9. Something I discovered lately
Sun Mar 3, 2024, 05:56 PM
Mar 2024

After studying for and passing my driving written test (renewal) recently, I find that taking a little pride in my driving now seems to reduce the anxiety I otherwise would feel in traffic & new areas. Might be something to concentrate on rather than your anxiety.

RKP5637

(67,112 posts)
10. I use a navigator whenever I can. The driving around here is intense. Google Maps is pretty good as is Waze.
Sun Mar 3, 2024, 06:04 PM
Mar 2024

skylucy

(3,854 posts)
13. I have lots of anxiety driving these days. I don't drive on the freeway at all anymore.
Sun Mar 3, 2024, 06:22 PM
Mar 2024

The dentist AND driving there (I've been to my dentist's office many times) would totally freak me out. I would have to take an Ativan.

DarthDem

(5,363 posts)
14. Oh, of course
Sun Mar 3, 2024, 07:01 PM
Mar 2024

There's the fear of being late. Driving it advance or even looking it up as many suggested should help. Good luck with the second opinion!!

multigraincracker

(34,077 posts)
17. I'm an older, very safe driver.
Sun Mar 3, 2024, 07:23 PM
Mar 2024

I try to move over and let those in a hurry pass me.
I pulled into a rest area last year and a younger guy came up to my window and asked if I knew what the speed limit is. I told him yes I do, do you know what the minimum speed limit is. He looked surprised and I told him I was driver 10 mph over that. If someone is in a hurry, my first thought is they should have left earlier.

Best of luck. I’m betting you’ll be fine. let us know how it goes.

XanaDUer2

(13,872 posts)
18. I moved the appointment back a week
Mon Mar 4, 2024, 06:10 PM
Mar 2024

I just got this feeling of dread about going today without knowing exactly where it is. We'll be taking an exploratory trip in a few days

Mossfern

(3,180 posts)
19. Always!
Thu Mar 14, 2024, 07:58 AM
Mar 2024

Thankfully, sometimes my husband will drive me the first time or I make a test run before. I leave a lot of extra time so that if I make a wrong turn I can correct and hopefully still be at my appointment on time.

I have panic /anxiety attacks.
I feel like it's the end of the world.

I've explored this with my therapist unsuccessfully.
And then again it's the anxiety that I will have anxiety.

Ugh!
I'm so glad that I found this sub forum and that I'm not alone!

Latest Discussions»Support Forums»Mental Health Support»Anyone get nervous drivin...