hi! I've always had trouble paying attention while driving - I've had my license for several years, and i can operate vehicles just fine, but I'm doing it all on autopilot and I spend 90% of my trips spaced out, thinking about the nature of existential reality, or whether bees can feel pain. :P Behind the wheel, I feel powerless, unreal, and passive - depersonalization and derealization. Just recently I drove my car into a ditch, but even that didn't make me feel any more alert or careful (..)
(pt 2) So I’ve quit driving, but in order to get a job I kind of need to drive, so I wondered if you had any resources on how to learn/train myself to focus on the road while driving. (I’m already seeing a counselor and taking medication for a mood disorder, if that makes any difference) (please tag #driverhelp, thanks for all your help!)
Hey anon,
I would definitely suggest talking to your therapist about this. You might not be able to drive safely now, but it’s something to work on.
One thing that helps me when I’m dissociating while driving is to have something rough I can feel with my hand. For example, a textured piece of fabric or the rough side of velcro helps. My steering wheel has raised stitching I rub. Cold air can also help keep you alert.
But driving is something you should hold off on until you know that you aren’t going to be a danger to yourself or others when you drive. If you want to start working, learn about public transportation in your area.
Stay safe.
--roboraptor
