weird driving fear - Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Message Board

emerald7 · 05-26-2008, 08:58 AM

It's been going on for several weeks now and I don't know why or how to stop it. I've started to fear and obsess about driving--changing lanes and hitting a car, getting in accidents, etc. When I actually drive, I am fine. I don't think about it too much. But when I'm trying to sleep, the thoughts resurface and I get really nervous and can't sleep without taking something. These thoughts continue to interfere with my thinking...I don't know if it has anything to do with bipolar or if it's more OCD. Regardless, I don't know how to stop it! Anyone have ideas?

seriousperson · 05-27-2008, 08:08 AM

Sounds like OCD to me, but I'm no expert, and I'm guessing a professional would want to hear more about it before making a diagnosis.
It's great that it doesn't actually bother your driving. My mind races with those things while I am driving.
My psychiatrist would probably talk me through thoughts like yours by pointing out that thinking those thoughts is not going to prevent an accident, and if you did have an accident air bags would deploy to protect you, and etc.