Dear Miriam,

I’m 60 years old and have been driving for most of my adult life and I have always loved the freedom it gave me. However, over the last year I have found myself quite anxious getting into the car.

I live in a rural part of the country but my job is in the centre of town, so I have to commute to work every day.

I believe that the anxiety comes from the dangerous driving I see regularly and the amount of road accidents and deaths reported in the news on a weekly basis. As most deaths on the roads in Ireland happen in rural areas, I believe that driver behaviour has seriously changed for the worse

If it’s not the crazy overtaking or the constant tailgating while I’m at the speed limit, it’s while I’m out walking as well. I now dread getting in the car.

My husband works on the farm and he is up and away early every morning before I have to get on the road. I’m too embarrassed to tell him how I’m feeling.

I don’t want to give up driving and I’m hoping that the new speed limits will help as well. But is there anything I can do to ease my anxiety around driving?

- Galway reader

One of the most effective ways to treat driving-related panic and avoidance is cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT)

Dear reader,

I’m sorry to hear you have been experiencing this anxiety around something which has clearly been an important part of your life for a long time. Don’t give up hope though.

A person may experience driving anxiety for various reasons and there are many steps you can take to help overcome that fear and anxiety.

Believe it or not, having your car in proper working order will make it a much more comfortable space for your commute to work. You will feel much calmer and more relaxed driving if you keep it clean and free of clutter or mess. Regularly wipe down areas such as your dashboard, cockpit and car seats. Similarly, avoid distractions by keeping your phone away from you. Music can be great on a trip in the car but don’t have it too high, or it’ll take your focus away from the road.

When it comes to fears, the more you face them, the more confident you’ll feel and they may begin to dissipate. Don’t let intrusive thoughts around driving have the power to stop you from doing the things you want to do.

You might also consider sharing your worries with a trusted friend or family member who could give you a positive perspective when facing your fears.

If you are uncomfortable sharing it with someone, you could write it down in a workbook or make a voice recording.

One of the most effective ways to treat driving-related panic and avoidance is cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), which includes facing the situations that has you feeling panicked. Your GP could refer you to a counsellor that specialises in CBT in your local area.

Finally, remind yourself that as long as you’re doing everything correctly, the behaviour of others is out of your control. Take the time to find out what works for you and you should rediscover your confidence behind the wheel. I wish you the best of luck.

Do you have a problem you would like to share? If so, write in confidence to: Dear Miriam, Agony Aunt, Irish Country Living, Irish Farmers Journal, Irish Farm Centre, Bluebell, Dublin 12, or email miriam@farmersjournal.ie