It’s not uncommon for someone who’s been in a car crash to have some anxiety when they first get behind the wheel again once they’re physically well enough to drive. However, what if the thought of getting behind the wheel again leaves you shaking, unable to catch your breath and with heart palpitations? Maybe it’s all you can do to even get in the passenger seat with a trusted family member or friend without feeling like you’re going to throw up.
You could be suffering from amaxophobia. That’s a recognized condition that involves a fear of driving or being a passenger in a vehicle. Like most phobia conditions, it’s an anxiety disorder that results in an extreme fear of something that’s not typically harmful.
No two cases of amaxophobia look exactly alike. A person may be able to ride in a car but unable to drive. They may be able to ride only with a driver they know and trust but not an Uber or Lyft driver. Amaxophobia may even prevent someone from being able to get on a city bus. It can keep a person from going to work or basically getting back to a normal life after a crash.
Why some people are more prone to suffer from amaxophobia than others
If you’re wondering why you’re suffering from this and a friend who was in a far more serious crash recently isn’t? A person’s own mental health and wiring can be more relevant than the severity of the crash or their physical injuries. People who have a history or even a family history of phobias or anxiety disorders are more prone to develop new ones.
If your anxiety about getting in a vehicle (let alone behind the wheel) after a crash doesn’t subside or even worsens and is preventing you from going about your life, it’s crucial to seek help from a mental health professional. You need to get your condition – whatever it is – diagnosed and begin getting the appropriate treatment.
If another driver was responsible for your crash, you may have a personal injury claim for the injuries you have suffered. However, you have a better chance of getting the compensation you deserve when you have experienced legal guidance.
