If, after a car accident that was not your fault, the idea of driving, or even getting in your vehicle causes you to suffer extreme anxiety, you may be experiencing Vehophobia. The Bishop Law Firm represents personal injury clients in NC and we do not get paid unless we win your case. This post is not offered as medical advice regarding Vehophobia. If you are having mental health symptoms associated with driving, please seek mental health treatment.We offer free case reviews for North Carolina victims. Call us today or start your free case review online now.
What is Vehophobia?Vehophobia is classified as a anxiety disorder. According to the American Psychiatric Association, anxiety disorders are the most common mental disorder, affecting nearly 30 percent of adults at some point in their lives. Anxiety disorders cause people to avoid situations that trigger or worsen their symptoms. Vehophobia is frequently seen with other anxiety disorders, like Agoraphobia or Panic Disorder. Vehophobia, like PTSD, can occur after being involved in or even witnessing a car crash. Unlike PTSD, Vehophobia can occur without a negative past experience. Unfortunately, extreme fear of driving can develop without reason (irrational fear). According to the ADAA , fear of something bad happening while driving in or to a location that is far from home, fear of having a panic attack while stuck in traffic, or fear of dying in a car accident can all be indicators that you are suffering from Vehophobia. Depending on the severity of your car accident and your injuries, you may understandably have intense fear about getting behind the wheel again. This is especially true if the car collision was not your fault. Your psychiatric pain and suffering can also contribute to your fear of getting behind the wheel. Vehophobia arises when you are unable to overcome this persistent excessive fear of losing control and are unwilling/unable to drive. The anxiety and stress associated with driving can lead to a panic attack before you even grab your car keys. Treatment for VehophobiaIf you are experiencing Vehophobia, treatment is available. Treatment is aimed at empowering you to overcome your driving anxiety. Behavioral therapy, relaxation techniques, virtual therapy and medications to reduce anxiety are all options (Via Wikipedia ). Exposure therapy, such as taking classes with a driving instructor or even driving short distances (like your driveway), can help drivers regain confidence and overcome Vehophobia. There are support groups as well that may help. Here are some helpful resources on anxiety from N.C. State University. Some people even try hypnotherapy for their driving fear symptoms. If you are experiencing Vehophobia after a car accident that was not your fault, you should contact a NC personal injury lawyer to discuss if a personal injury claim is the right choice for you. Medical treatment for your car-wreck related injuries (mental and physical) can be expensive and time consuming. You should not have to pay for someone else’s mistake twice.
The Bishop Law Firm represents car victims of auto accidents in Raleigh, Cary, Durham, Rocky Mount, Wilson, Fayetteville, Smithfield, Louisburg, Chapel Hill, Roanoke Rapids and more! We look forward to working with you and wish you a speedy recovery. Also read North Carolina Car Accident Lawyer
