Driving Anxiety
Kathy wrote: “I was shocked when labs revealed I have hyperthyroidism. I’m in my early 60s, overweight and not at all “hyperactive”. I’m on methimazole and propranolol and have good/bad days. Fatigue and anxiety are sometimes debilitating. I’ve been driving since I was 16 without a care. I’ve gradually become fearful behind the wheel. My vision is blurry even with my glasses and my depth perception seems off. I’m terrified on the highway and go out of my way to avoid driving on the inter-state. If I must take the highway, I’m terrified by the speed and traffic. it didn’t used to bother me a bit. I have to work and driving is part of it. I can’t be this way. I don’t know what to do. Have you encountered others that have developed fear of driving.”
I apologize for the length of time it has taken me to post your question. Normally I check Tumblr on my phone app and your submission didn’t register there. A fear of driving isn’t something I’ve heard of before, but it doesn’t surprise me. Hyperthyroidism can trigger anxiety so the anxiety can take any form from there.
Have you worked with a counsellor to manage your anxiety? Once my thyroid was in range and the worst of my symptoms had abated, I found that a counsellor helped me a lot. As did meditation. There is also a book called the Anxiety and Phobia workbook that provides a lot of very good exercises and techniques. The workbook tends to be general, but if a counsellor isn’t an option for you, the information in it may prove valuable. For me, there hasn’t been one thing that “cured” my anxiety. I use different things at different times and everything has contributed to reducing my anxiety levels.Â
Hopefully this information helps and, again, I’m sorry it took so long for me to respond.

















