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Public transport anxiety

Laura

I can't drive. I thought about learning but it was too much stress and anxiety for me I know I would never cope with it. I try to walk when I can but sometimes I have to use public transport but it causes me so much anxiety and I'll usually have a meltdown and then later burnout. Sometimes I flip, and then police end up involved which is distressing for me. Am I alone with this or is there anybody else here who struggles the same?

  • I can't drive. I passed my test at 19 but was always scraping my dad's car because objects don't arrange to be where I think they are. I decided that was altogether too dangerous and gave that up before anyone got hurt.

    Public transport can make me anxious especially when its crowded and noisy and it always wears me out and I've had to spend a lot of time on it. Sounds like my problem pales into insignificance compared to yours though, bless you.

    Maybe you need to think outside the box a bit. You might want to push through the driving anxiety to see if it will work out for you, if not can you ride a bike? I can't, my balance isn't good enough, but I have considered an electric adult trike. I might manage that. Or can you claim the transport bit of Pip and pay for a few taxis. Or, it might sound a bit daft, but a mobility scooter. You might be very mobile, but for distances that are beyond what is feasible on foot or for travelling more safely at night, it might be a thought.

  • Don't dismiss the idea of driving. 

    I found it extremely challenging trying to learn to drive. I have dyspraxia, which means that trying to master the physical coordination was a nightmare. I also struggled trying to process verbal instructions quickly enough. Then the extreme anxiety during lessons and especially the driving tests. I think it took me around 8 attempts to pass, but it was worth it in the end. Once I'd passed my confidence soon started to build.

    The feeling of being in your own metal box, insulated from the crazy and noisy outside world, is so different to anything you'll experience using public transport. Every type of public transport I've ever used is a complete sensory overload. Even the so called 'quiet' coaches on trains aren't quiet.