Is it normal i'm absolutely terrified of cars?

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12 Comments

I'm 17, almost 18, and ever since I was 16 and everyone pestered me about it I've hated cars. I barely ever leave my house, and after all the horrific videos they showed us in school I honestly don't know why anyone thinks it's worth it. I had a friend with a similar fear, but then they started driving and literally every time I was around them I started to get horrible anxiety. My phobia got so bad I had to tell them that I couldn't see them anymore. I had to end a friendship because of this fear. I wish there was a safer way of traveling, because on the one hand getting to explore the world is a great thing, on the other hand my only method of doing so has caused virtually nothing but death and destruction.

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30% Normal
Based on 30 votes (9 yes)
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Comments ( 12 )
  • Ellenna
    7 years ago

    This sounds like a phobia, which by definition is not rational. Has it not occurred to you that it's the DRIVERS who can be the problem and not the cars?

    You are indulging in extreme thinking: eg, the only way you can explore the world is by car which is obviously not true.

    If you don't want to stay stuck in this irrational thought pattern, I suggest you seek therapy and in particular, Cognitive Behavior Therapy can be very useful.

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    • Hubbard
      7 years ago

      Thanks!

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  • ZaneT
    7 years ago

    You were not born with this phobia obviously, so in essence it was a learned pattern of irrational thought that can be overcome. Your fear naturally serves no positive purpose like a rational fear of lions might keep you from being eaten etc. Although your problem seems foreign to most it is no doubt real and affecting your quality of life. Think of the billions of people that get around safely in cars the world over instead of feeding your fears with the opposite or some video the showed you in school. Make cars your friend. Picture youself sitting in a stationery car, picture yourself driving a car in a quiet location without stress or anxiety. Go down to any street to the corner and just watch the cars driving past, stoping, giving way etc., Its amazing how even our busiest roads function. Catch buses around your area to get comfortable with road travel. Take small steps until your confidence grows. When ready ask a trusted friend to take you for a short drive. Celebrate the small steps you making. Think of how your life will improve when you are free of this irrational thought pattern.

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    • Hubbard
      7 years ago

      Thanks so much!

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  • xfg44
    7 years ago

    You are not irrational to have that fear at all. In fact you may be one of the more sane people. Your soft human body sitting in an explosive metal box with sharp edges, that weighs tons, hurtling down the highway at high speeds with hundreds of other metal boxes. The amount of destructive energy is enormous and you're sitting right in the middle of it. Stay home.

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    • Cedric_Diggory
      7 years ago

      And don't forget to tell him/her about all the glass that can shatter into his/her face and also about how his/her skin can burn into the seat when his/her car inevitably will catch fire and trap him/her inside

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      • xfg44
        7 years ago

        Yes, if your car doesn't explode or rip you to shreds, it'll crush you and slowly burn you to death. Getting into a car is by far the worst decision you can make on any given day.

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  • Ratmanwakes
    6 years ago

    Stepen King wrote a story called: Trucks. I suggest that you never read it.

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  • woeisme
    6 years ago

    You were born with this phobia, you will find the answers in your past lives.

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  • silkspector
    7 years ago

    Most people have phobia's I hate flying there are was to get over it I went to a hypnotists' he told me to imagine the plane was an elevator it works for me

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  • Murun
    7 years ago

    Learn to drive. Then you'll be in control.

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  • CreamPuffs
    7 years ago

    Cars can be scary if you're in front of one at the wrong time, but your fears seem excessive so I'd say not normal.

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