Confession: following a job loss a few years ago, I stayed indoors for long periods, started developing anxiety with a fear of heights, driving on elevated expressways with no chance to exit and bridges. It got progressively worse until the peak in 2016-2017 when I moved to Quebec City. I would take backroads between QC and MTL like Chemin du Roi and while the scenery was beautiful and the winding roads exciting, it took 6+ hours when it should be max 3 along hwy 20 and bridges. I once took backroads to a Toronto interview...it took 10+ hrs when it could have taken 6!...just to be insulted with a low salary offer. The second time I got an interview my parents suggested I take the train/bus but I figured nah...I have to get over this fear somehow..was freaking out about the 401 Express since it's a quick pace and hard to exit. But I just did it. No big deal!
Fast forward to now and I take busy/fast Ontario highways daily and it's better, in fact I actually find it more relaxing. Still not comfortable with bridges though. In fact yesterday I was supposed to take the 201 south to Valleyfield but got anxiety and bailed. Continued on hwy 20, east, exited before the 720/15 ramps that rise up @ Turcot, took city streets to Ile Ste Helene and finally crossed half of the JC bridge to the south shore. Lost 30 mins with that detour.
Anyone ever overcome a driving anxiety or know someone who did and how they did it?
