A common question asked by patients that begin treatment at my center is “Can you pass out from a panic attack?” It’s interesting to note that in my over 20 years of doing this work as a panic attack specialist, I’ve worked with only 5 patients who say they have passed out once or twice from a panic attack.

So, anecdotally, it appears that about 99.9% of the people I’ve worked with all these years have never passed out from a panic attack. But more importantly, this demonstrates that the majority of people who question “Can you pass out from a panic attack?” have never passed out! 

What Causes One to Pass Out?

Why does this fear exist? First, to address this, it’s important to understand the cause for those who have passed out.

Fear of left turns or left turn phobia is one of the most common forms of driving anxiety and one that affects a surprisingly large number of people. No wonder, it’s an anxiety issue that I observe and treat so frequently in my individual session with patients at The April Center for Anxiety. While on the surface, anxiety over left turns may seem like a rather harmless fear, as you gain a deeper understanding of the condition, it becomes clear that it is a fear that can truly interfere with your freedom. 

Research has shown that making a left-hand turn is one of the most dangerous moves you can make while driving and is involved in approximately 61% of all intersection crashes (1). While there is danger associated with the maneuver, it is often unavoidable, so learning how to confidently turn left is crucial to lessening anxiety and embracing safe driving habits. 

Table of Contents

• Why are People Afraid of Left Turns?
• What Makes Turning Left More Dangerous Than Turning Right?
• What is Tachophobia?
• What is Vehophobia?
• What is the Difference Between Amaxophobia and Vehophobia?
• Anxiety When Making Left Turns?
• Commit to CBT for Fear of Left Turns?

For all fear of driving issues, if you're ready to break free, call Dr. April at 

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Why are People Afraid of Left Turns?

Good driving involves staying vigilant and assessing multiple scenarios simultaneously. As humans, we are hard-wired to crave control. When driving, we encounter situations that can be chaotic. This can inspire fear sometimes, for many, in general. Specifically, making a left turn can trigger this fear since there are so many variables to consider in a short period of time. Compared to a right turn, where you can largely focus on one lane of traffic, left turns require you to look in all directions with vehicles approaching at high rates of speed. The influx of information can frighten some people who tend to desire a strong experience of control. 

There's no reason to feel shame when you're but one of the millions of people who experience anxiety when turning left. This fear can be triggered by a wide range of sources, including:

·       lack of driving confidence

·       past driving trauma (as in an accident)

·       an uncomfortable experience on the road (like a “panic attack”)

·       scary thoughts when driving

·       lack of driving experience

The first step to begin conquering your fear is to pinpoint exactly what you’re afraid of and work forward. Our anxiety treatment often helps those identify their fear as a beginning step. Even the smallest amount of initial progress can often kickstart your path to more confident and less fearful driving.

What Makes Turning Left More Dangerous Than Turning Right?

As briefly mentioned, turning left is a frequent trigger for those who struggle with driving anxiety. It can even be their primary fear. Why? There are multiple reasons, starting with the placement of the car. Left turns require you to go against the flow of traffic and into the path of oncoming vehicles. This scenario can result in other drivers not seeing you. You may even misjudge their distance or speed and cut them off. 

Additionally, left turns are more likely to be at the discretion of the driver and not at the prompting of a light or signal. 

These are called “unprotected left turns” officially, but those with fear of driving tend to lock onto this label that seems to confirm their anxiety. 

While there are left turn signals, they are often short with the green light remaining after the arrow disappears. This then means that drivers must decide when to turn on their own. 

If there is no signal, drivers turning left tend to hesitate longer than those going right and decide, at the last moment, to "go for it." This hesitation can cause confusion, potentially putting all drivers involved at a higher risk of an accident.

If you’re struggling to overcome your driving fears, contact us at The April Center for Anxiety NOW at  

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What is Tachophobia?

Tachophobia (2) is an irrational fear of speed. Those who experience tachophobia become scared while moving quickly in any type of vehicle. This fear can extend beyond vehicles to bikes, airplanes, roller coasters, public transit and, in some cases, even walking too quickly. One common fear that Tachophobia is triggered by, is the fear of being out of control. The strong desire to remain in control is at the core of so many anxiety struggles. 

What is Vehophobia?

Vehophobia is the specific fear of driving. People can experience this fear as either the driver or the passenger. Vehophobia can be associated with:

●      an injury in a car accident

●      Witnessing a car crash or news items about car crashes

●      Family members who have unintentionally modeled a fear of driving

●      Choice to avoid driving following an uncomfortable driving experience.

The last bullet point is the most significant as far as creating a driving phobia. Why? Avoidance is the creator of ALL phobias! 

What is the Difference Between Amaxophobia and Vehophobia?

Unlike Amaxophobia, which is simply anxiety over riding in any vehicle for fear of getting into an accident, those with Vehophobia are afraid of driving a car. 

While the two conditions have similarities, they are very different. 

However, both can be debilitating and interfere with a person's quality of life. For example, both phobias make traveling very difficult and performing daily chores challenging. 

Depending on the severity, both require the sufferer to find alternate ways to run errands, get to and from work, and visit family and friends. Finally, both are disempowering and can lead to a dependence on others. 

In this article, we’re addressing one particular area of Vehophobia (driving anxiety) and that is the fear of making left turns. 

Anxiety When Making Left Turns

Experiencing anxiety when making left-hand turns is often an issue for those struggling with Vehophobia. As explained earlier, it can have a significant impact on a driver. 

Below are the most common triggers if you struggle with driving anxiety when encountering a left turn:

1.   When you need to make an unprotected left turn

An unprotected left turn is any turn that doesn't have a designated green arrow signal. This includes turning onto a road without a light and waiting to turn left on green in an intersection. 

These scenarios are often the scariest for those with fear of driving, since you can't rely on the protection of a signal that provides the right of way and halts oncoming traffic. 

2.   Turning left on green

Turning left on the green light is slightly easier than a completely unprotected left-hand turn, with or without a stop sign, since there are generally only two lanes of traffic moving and not four. 

When making a left turn at a green light, it’s necessary to wait until there is no immediate oncoming traffic before moving your vehicle. While it is acceptable to sit farther into the intersection, this isn't required, and you may stay at the specified red light stopping area to await a lull in the oncoming traffic. 

Just like all left turns, once the road is clear, you proceed. 

If you’re left turn phobic, this is often an anxious experience rife with “what if” thoughts about other cars. 

Additionally, many with vehophobia experience fear of feeling trapped or stuck. A desire to leave one’s car to escape is not uncommon for those with this form of driving anxiety.

3.   Anxiety when turning left at an intersection

Many with driving anxiety experience fear when turning left at an intersection. One source of anxiety tends to be pressure from other drivers, whether real or assumed, due to impatience on their part. 

Another layer of perceived pressure, though, is the need to look out for pedestrians. While they should not cross in front of you when you have the right of way, many people choose to walk at the wrong time! The need to keep an eye out for those on foot can add another level of anxiety for many with fear of left turns. 

A third aspect of discomfort for those with this struggle is the notion that other drivers’ eyes are upon them due to the center stage position of waiting in the intersection. Your thoughts might be plead… “Look away, other drivers! Look away!”. But to no avail. 

4.   When waiting to make a left turn

Often, for those with left turn fear, the most stressful part of making a left turn is the lead-up to it. They frequently begin panicking and anticipating all the negative scenarios that can happen. 

In anxiety treatment, working on managing fear-inducing thoughts can make a tremendous difference when it's time to execute a left turn. And in your life, in general, if you want more freedom. Reality-based self-talk can stop the panic spiral and give you the confidence necessary to conquer your fear. 

Commit to CBT for Fear of Left Turns

The fear of left turns doesn't have to control you. Driving fears can feel debilitating, but we’ve got you covered at The April Center for Anxiety. With practice, you can gain the confidence to turn left in any scenario, opening a world of opportunities. As with any fear or phobia, seeking support from an anxiety treatment expert can change your life and return you to freedom from driving anxiety! Don't be afraid to reach out and ask for help.

Resources:

1.     Delbert, Caroline. (2021) “We Should Abolish The Left Turn, Science Suggests” [Popular Mechanics] June 14^th, Available at: https://www.popularmechanics.com/science/a36620755/eliminate-left-turns

2.     (2022) “Tachophobia Fear of Speed” [Cleveland Clinic], Available at: 

my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22647-tachophobia-fear-of-speed

Hit and run OCD treatment is a must for those struggling with it, due to its limitations and the suffering it can cause. It’s a different type of driving anxiety, not based on the typical phobia of feeling trapped in traffic at a light or between exits.

It’s also not about a general fear of getting into an accident.  Because you may never have spoken with anybody else who struggles with a hit and run obsession, it may be hard to believe that it’s actually quite common for those with OCD.

A great depiction of hit and run OCD is on the reality TV treatment show “Obsessed”, (formerly on A&E, now streaming on Hulu!) on which I served on cast as a featured anxiety and OCD treatment specialist.

Below are a few photos from the show of myself and a young man named Paul I was treating for hit and run OCD. It’s an inspiring episode (Season 2).

We treat all OCD symptoms. Time to begin your path to freedom. Contact Dr. April at 

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Is hit-and-run OCD common, really?

As mentioned, hit and run OCD speaks to a unique form of driving anxiety, which requires driving ocd treatment. The main element that separates it from a typical driving phobia and moves into the realm of an OCD obsession is its foundation.

The foundation of hit and run OCD is in the category of harm obsessions. Harm obsessions are very common for those with OCD, although there are many different forms of obsessions that can impact people.

Harm obsessions take many shapes, though they’re often focused on a fear that others will come to harm by your choices.

Harm obsessions can be based on a fear of engaging in harmful acts towards loved ones or even strangers, fear of harm coming to loved ones, fear of harm coming to oneself or even purposefully causing harm to oneself!

When it comes to hit and run OCD, specifically, the obsession tends to be a fear of hitting pedestrians while driving on residential streets, in parking lots and near schools with the often added fear of not realizing it.

As an example, an obsession could be, “What if I run over a child near their school because I didn’t see them. They’re so little!”.

Hit and run OCD is defined by ….

Hit and run OCD is defined by obsessions focused on fear of potentially having hit a pedestrian or run someone over while driving (including animals).

Those with this obsession can’t seem to stop worrying about whether they’ve hit somebody with their car, despite a lack of evidence demonstrating otherwise.

Part of what “drives” this obsession (sorry, that pun was unavoidable!) is that those suffering with hit and run OCD want absolute certainty that there’s no chance they may have hit someone.

Difficulty dealing with uncertainty and those “what if” thoughts is one of the foundations of all OCD obsessions!

Why it’s called Hit and Run OCD

A coinciding obsession in addition to anxiety over possibly having hit someone is a fear of maybe having hit someone and not remembering it or having driven away without helping “this person” they may have hit. Hence, the moniker of hit and run OCD.

Again, this type of obsession often falls under the category of OCD harm obsessions. However, some argue it could also fall under the category of scrupulosity-based obsessions, due to those with hit-and-run OCD struggling with beliefs of hyper-responsibility and fear of negligence. 

Common obsession based fears of those with hit and run OCD include: 

•   fear of going to jail for your own negligence

•   Fear of causing your family to suffer in the event you have hit someone and go to jail

•   Fear of the guilt or shame you would experience if you ever hit or run over someone

•   Frequent thoughts of a hit and run incident ruining your life

•   Fear that you can’t count on what you see or, conversely, don’t see with your own two eyes. Meaning that you can look at an empty road and still fear you may have hit someone. This can lead to compulsive checking, including continuing to drive around the block or looking back repeatedly for certainty.

•   Fear of being ostracized by your community and losing friends, should you be charged with a crime.

Call us now at 310-429-1024 if you’re ready for hit and run OCD treatment. 

Definition of Obsessions and Compulsions in OCD, including Hit and Run OCD

The symptom list below includes both obsessions and compulsions.

Once one struggles with hit and run OCD obsessions and compulsions, they then typically try to avoid what triggers their fear. This is true for all people not properly treating an anxiety disorder.  

Remember, the two foundational symptoms of OCD are obsessions and then, more often than not, compulsions.

Obsessions are intrusive, repetitive thoughts that one can’t seem to stop thinking. And they can cause immense suffering.

Compulsions are behaviors or mental rituals designed to reduce the anxiety triggered by the obsession.

Common Hit and Run OCD symptoms can include: 

•       Fear of driving in busy parking lots were there are lots of pedestrians (Ex. Grocery store parking lot)

•       Fear of driving past school zones for fear of hitting a child

•       Time spent outside of driving, obsessing over whether you may have hit somebody either that day or recently.

•       Fearing police sirens might be an indicator that you’re about to be arrested for a hit and run incident where you caused someone harm and fled the scene.  

•       Fear of driving past cyclists or joggers on the road.

•       Avoiding certain streets for fear of hitting someone (ex. Residential areas) 

•       Compulsively getting out of your car to check if you have hit someone or returning to certain areas that you’ve just driven to check if there’s any evidence of your having injured someone.  

•       “Hit and run OCD call police?!” A compulsion to watch or read the local news for hit and run stories to rule out if there had been an accident you may have caused. And if the authorities are searching for that hit-and-run driver!

•       Avoiding nighttime driving due to a fear that you can’t see as well in the dark or obsessively fearing you might have hit someone due to lack of light. 

•       Avoiding driving around parts of your surrounding area that you deem crowded just in case there might be more pedestrians  

•       Limiting your driving to only your comfort zones or even stopping driving all together

•       Fear of driving at the speed limit and the compulsive behavior of driving very slowly. 

•       Repeatedly checking the rearview mirror to determine if you might’ve missed a pedestrian and hit them.

•       Being intensely hyper-focused on your driving to avoid any experience where a distraction increases your chances of hitting a pedestrian

•       Fear of ambulance sirens due to a concern they’re based on your having hit someone without awareness.

•       Compulsively stopping the car to check after having hit a pothole or driven over a speed bump for fear it may have been a pedestrian

•       Difficulty backing out of your driveway or a parking space

•       Anxiety is triggered when an animal runs past the car or is nearby

•       Circling back to the same route just driven and driving it repeatedly looking for a dead body or witnesses to a hit and run - with you being the driver! 

•       Parking your car, getting out and looking under cars, on lawns and all along the road for evidence of an injured person

•       Checking your car for dents for any damage that might signify you hit someone

•       Checking the car for any blood on the fender or bumper

•       Driving frustratingly slowly to the annoyance of passengers or other drivers on the road

•       Asking passengers if you hit someone while driving

•       Fear of speed bumps that encourage the obsessive fear of possibly having hit or run over someone without knowing

•       Not listening to music or podcasts while driving for fear of not hearing someone scream after being hit

•       Reducing driving based activities

•       Discontinuing to drive

•       Fear of going to jail, ruining your family’s lives, along with the life of the victim

•       Fear of the guilt and responsibility of having hit someone with your car and that it would be intolerable, signifying the end of your life

•       Fear of the judgment of others and being labeled a criminal or evil

Contact us now at 310-429-1024 for help with hit and run OCD, harm-oriented obsessions, hyper-responsibility obsessions and more!

Anxious Driving = Difficulty Dealing with Uncertainty

The element of uncertainty plays a very big role in hit-and-run OCD and all other forms of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. A key indicator of difficulty coping with ucertainty are obsessions beginning with the partial phrase “What if . . . ?”.

“What if” thoughts can be debilitating for those suffering with a hit-and-run OCD obsession. The most common “What if” thought in this context is, “What if I hit a pedestrian and didn’t see it happen?” 

With regard to all anxiety issues and OCD, difficulty dealing with uncertainty is one of the pillars that encourages and maintains an anxiety issue.

Life is filled with uncertainty. In fact, in life, nothing is ever 100% certain, though sometimes we can get to 98 or even 99%!

For example, we might be 98% sure our car will still be there in the driveway where we parked it last night.

But cars can be stolen, even when highly unlikely. And because driving can involve so many variables at once, including potential for human error, people make mistakes that account for all sorts of accidents. This leaves lots of room for “What if …?”.

Those with hit-and-run OCD generally want to be 100% certain they’ve not put anybody in harm or hurt anyone, in any way. To some degree, their desire is to engage in perfect driving to avoid the possibility of anyone coming to harm by their hand (or, specifically, their car!).

As with most obsessions, in an effort to cope with fear, people with hit-and-run OCD develop compulsive behaviors.

These compulsive behaviors can become debilitating when it comes to driving, due to the limits to freedom they can cause. They’re also incredibly time consuming, if one with hit-and-run OCD continues to drive. 

Are you constantly afraid you might have hit a pedestrian, even if there is no evidence of this? Call us at 310-429-1024 for hit and run OCD treatment now! 

Why do I have hit and run OCD?

For those with hit and run OCD, the origin of the obsession doesn’t really matter as far as having an impact on resolving or removing suffering.

However, understanding that OCD is a neurobiological condition that you’ve been born with is helpful towards acceptance of intrusive thoughts as just “thoughts”.

The difference between someone without OCD and someone with OCD isn’t the thoughts themselves. Everyone has irrational thoughts at times.

Although, those with OCD have what can be considered a neurological processing issue that encourages thoughts to become “stuck”, when wrestled with.

And you run the risk of developing an obsession like hit and run OCD when you resist or fight with “what if thoughts” focused on possibly having hit a pedestrian.

If you then choose to avoid aspects of driving or engage in compulsive behaviors of checking you then solidify the obsession.

OCD Hit and Run Beliefs

To move beyond the curiosity of why you have hit and run OCD and towards treating it, it is essential to identify what beliefs encourage your obsession.

With that in mind, there might be a few belief patterns you struggle with that could have led to your hit-and-run OCD.

For example, if you believe you’re a horrible person if you hurt anybody in any way, shape or form, it’s easy to see how you could develop a hit-and-run obsession with OCD.

Obviously, in the world of relationships, we can hurt people’s feelings without having any intent and even when we do nothing wrong!

Of course, the stakes feel far higher when it comes to hit and run OCD because your fear is of injuring or killing a pedestrian – not hurting their feelings (though I guess that would happen, too)!

Another belief that can create, reinforce and maintain a hit-and-run obsession is that you think you must be a perfect driver.

Or, at the very least, that it’s not okay to make mistakes while driving.

But take a look around. How many drivers do you see nearly hitting a pedestrian, almost sideswiping a parked car or cutting off other drivers on the freeway?

Not that I support driving recklessly or driving errors, but clearly you don’t have to be a perfect driver to live your life as a driver safely enough. 

Good enough driving is sometimes good enough.

Another possible belief that can lead to a hit-and-run OCD obsession could be that it’s beyond intolerable if people are upset or angry with you. This is a common concern or fear for those who have driving anxiety or driving OCD.

Those with OCD driving fear just don’t want other drivers angry with them. Of course, other drivers can be angry with you no matter what you do!

As long as you’re driving safely enough and not really putting other people at risk with reckless driving, then why care so much about what other people think?

Caring too much about what other people think also happens to be a symptom of social anxiety.

So, for those with hit-and-run OCD, this struggle with the belief that it’s terrible if someone’s upset with you might be another fear phobia to explore.  

When does OCD become maladaptive?

Well, OCD is never adaptive. It’s not a syndrome that adds to life. However, it can only limit you when caught up in symptoms of obsessions and compulsions.

On the adaptive side, I suppose one could argue that having OCD, like any syndrome, can encourage empathy for others who struggle. So, that’s adaptive in a way.

That said again, OCD symptoms are always maladaptive.

Unless you can resolve them with OCD treatment or ignore them to the point that you’re no longer symptomatic. Otherwise, they’ll interfere with life.

OCD obsessions can affect your work and your relationships, in addition to limiting your experiences in life and sense of freedom.

I suppose one could argue that a driver with this OCD type is far more careful than others not to hit anyone! So, you might ask, “Isn’t that positive and adaptive?”. But often times less is more!

Balanced healthy driving requires both defensive and offensive driving.

Sometimes offensive driving can keep you and others safer!

Compulsive behaviors that accompany a hit and run ocd obsession interfere with regular, healthy driving. As a result, it takes you much more time to get to where you’re going!

The suffering your fear brings, due to obsessions and OCD compulsions, interfere with life and make this obsession extremely maladaptive.

Paranoid About Hitting a Pedestrian

Many people with hit-and-run OCD live in fear of being distracted while driving, as it tends to trigger one’s paranoia over possibly having hit a pedestrian during a moment where they may have “zoned out” or weren’t paying attention.

Those without hit and run OCD understand that driving becomes primarily a rote skill once one learns it and gains driving experience.

Driving becomes based, in part, on muscle memory.

Of course, though it’s important to be present while driving in order to pay attention, it’s clearly not required to be hyper-focused in order to drive in a “good enough” and “safe enough” fashion.

A natural focus on the road and all that driving brings, including other drivers and pedestrians, is usually more than good enough.

And this also incorporates common practices that are safe, like checking your rearview mirror in a reasonable manner.

Scrupulosity, Harm OCD and Hit and Run OCD Obsessions

This form of OCD, as mentioned, typically falls under the category of scrupulosity or harm OCD. It also can fall into the category of checking OCD because it’s similar to checking locks on doors or windows to reassure your’re not putting anyone in danger.

This compulsive checking is meant to reassure that you won’t or haven’t hurt anyone.

However, the more you engage in compulsive behavior to reduce anxiety incurred by the obsession, the more it creates a feedback loop where you’re locked into performing the compulsion. Why?

Because the compulsive resistance or avoidance continues to trigger the fearful obsession by teaching your brain there is a danger to fear.

Hence, the only perceived solution when you’re unaware of proper OCD therapy is to maintain your checking rituals and the obsession itself, keeping you caught in suffering.

For expert hit and run OCD treatment call us at The April Center NOW!

310-429-1024

Mental Rituals and Hit and Run OCD

There are also mental rituals that can keep you stuck in reinforcing your hit-and-run OCD compulsive behaviors.

These include repeating certain thoughts and phrases with the desire to calm yourself or distract you. For example, one might repeat certain prayers.

Another might focus on thinking positively while repeating positive phrases, such as, “I’m a good driver. I wouldn’t hit anyone” (By the way, affirmations never work to reduce anxiety – more on that in another blog article!). 

A quick note:

Although it can be helpful to categorize your OCD into one main obsessional form, it’s not all that necessary. In fact, it tends to become a semantic discussion.

The reality is that for all forms of OCD, the treatment remains the same. Exposure therapy (the main behavior component of CBT) along with the modifying of false beliefs (our main treatment within the cognitive component of CBT).

The April Center for Anxiety offers gradual exposure therapy treatment for hit and run OCD, so you’re not absolutely terrified as you make progress!

Call us now at 310-429-1024

How do I stop intrusive thoughts when driving with hit and run OCD?

The trap of OCD is in the effort to stop intrusive thoughts. The desire is understandable because seemingly the thoughts are creating discomfort for you.

However, the reality is that it’s more about belief then about the thoughts themselves. Good people don’t want to mow pedestrians down!

So, a thought of possibly doing so can create fear for many good people with OCD.

But, in addition to engaging in exposure therapy, it’s crucial that you modify false beliefs that encourage your intrusive thoughts while driving.

You might ask, “What false beliefs commonly create hit and run intrusive thoughts?” Here is a list:

Common false beliefs associated with hit and run driving OCD:

-       Only terrible people would hit a pedestrian

-       Good drivers never make errors

-       There is a high likelihood I could have gravely injured someone and not have felt, seen or heard anything at all

-       I have to drive perfectly to avoid hitting a pedestrian

-       Being distracted at any moment at all - in any capacity - while driving, is putting all people at great risk

These are all beliefs that would encourage intrusive thoughts.

So, modifying these false beliefs to reality-based beliefs would be effective in eventually reducing intrusive thoughts as there is no fear without belief.

However, the behavioral side of treatment in CBT is required once your brain is involved in perpetuating you’re anxiety with intrusive thoughts. And once you unintentionally teach your brain through avoidance that there is something to fear, your brain learns this lesson very quickly.

And floods your system with what you experience as danger signals, when you are confronted by what you fear.

Exposure is the key behavioral strategy in cognitive behavioral therapy and focuses on exposing you gradually to your fear until your brain adapts (habituates) and becomes desensitized to the fear of running over a pedestrian.

The goal, of course, being reduction in your suffering. The byproduct is that this brings you back to the baseline inherent risk everyone takes while driving.

Part of achieving this risk acceptance is the acknowledgement that we are not infallible human beings and that accidents happen! Yes, it’s a scary thought for many, but a sad reality.

So, it’s vital to practice and accept that we do the best we can out there in the world to be careful, protect ourselves and not hurt others in the process.

Not accepting this reality described above can lead to hit-and-run OCD and a host of other anxiety issues. 

Can a car accident trigger OCD?

A car accident can trigger OCD, but most likely not in the way you think. The hallmarks of OCD are obsessions and compulsions.

Following a car accident, it’s somewhat understandable if you now fear getting on the road, worried about the possibility that another accident could occur.

However, that wouldn’t trigger driving OCD.

OCD is a neurobiological condition, meaning that the issue is housed in the brain.

At given moments throughout the OCD life cycle, there can be some biological triggers leading to more sensitivity to obsessions.

However, typically, it’s not an event that triggers OCD, but one’s response to the event.

A car accident can be a traumatic event for many, depending upon the severity.

The key in preventing one’s OCD from being triggered by a car accident would be to get back out on the road immediately, without unnecessary avoidance of driving. 

What causes hit-and-run OCD?

A traumatic car accident can lead to an OCD obsession over the possibility that you might have hit a passenger, which is defined as “hit and run OCD”. However, this isn’t an automatic process. 

Obsessions are created by resistance to thought and avoidance of experiences – potential or real.

So, in terms of irrational fear (AKA “obsessions”), it’s not what happens that creates it, but whether you resist and avoid. 

All ocd obsessions begin with the belief that what you fear is intolerable. That you can’t handle it. But that’s not the complete origin of your OCD struggle with an obsession.

The next step must be avoidance, often in the form of compulsive behavior for those with OCD.

In other words, in an effort to control the fear you might hit a pedestrian without noticing you compulsively check the rearview mirror repeatedly.

You might also frequently begin pulling over to the curb and getting out of the car to check under it.

Unfortunately, these compulsions only serve to increase your obsessional fear of having hit someone. Without hit and run OCD treatment, those who struggle sometimes give up driving.

But, either way, the suffering and limitations hit and run OCD can cause can be extremely debilitating. 

“Hit-and-run OCD ruining my life”

Many people with hit and run OCD feel that it’s ruining their life due to the time-consuming nature of their compulsions over time, suffering with obsessions over possibly having hit someone also takes a toll.

The time hit and run OCD compulsions take interferes with regular driving and the ability to complete tasks, not to mention the discomfort they continue to cause.

Hit-and-run OCD symptoms also impact your sense of confidence and ability to handle life.

They can effect your relationships too, as they become a barrier to being present and to driving with freedom from anxiety. 

No wonder those struggling with hit and run driving OCD feel like it’s ruining their life!

If you have hit and run OCD, call us for treatment now at 310-429-1024 

Here’s the good news! At The April Center For Anxiety, we help people achieve freedom so they can refocus on living the life they desire.  

Hit-and-run OCD success stories:

Because OCD symptoms are treatable with CBT, there are many hit-and-run OCD success stories.

Hit and run OCD - along with all other forms of OCD and anxiety - is what we have been treating successfully at The April Center For Anxiety Attack Management since we opened nearly 20 years ago.

All OCD success stories sound similar, as they all signify relief from the hit and run OCD obsessions that plagued those who struggled.

For an example of a great hit and run OCD success story, take a look at my work with Paul on the A&E hit TV show “Obsessed” (if you haven’t already).  

You can watch the full episode and the entire series online - currently streaming on Hulu! 

Hit and Run OCD Treatment

(also known as Driving OCD Treatment)

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the key for all anxiety disorders. It’s the only scientifically proven form of treatment.

The anxiety treatment applied to hit-and-run OCD is the same CBT administered to all forms of OCD, in addition to phobias and panic disorder.

The variation in terms of exposure therapy for anxiety is primarily focused on the content of your anxiety and differences in intensity. 

Exposure therapy, ERP, is the key strategy involved and applied under the behavioral component of CBT.

Exposure therapy is ultimately about assisting one’s brain to reach adaptation to the fear-based stimuli, so that it becomes indifferent to the stimuli or stimulus.

On the cognitive side of CBT, we address specific false beliefs you’re unintentionally maintaining that encourage anxiety.

In layperson’s terms, to overcome fear one must face fear. From this standpoint, it’s simple.

In our anxiety treatment, we help people gradually face their fear of hitting a pedestrian through many assignments.

All anxiety assignments are focused on what is tolerable now in order to make steady progress, rather than a treatment that creates a one step forward, two steps backward pattern.

Progress is made with gradually increasing challenges as you find facing your fear more achievable through desensitization.

You also build confidence as you reduce your anxiety!

No need to be absolutely terrified of exposure therapy! Once your brain starts to adapt to driving, without engaging in compulsive checking of the road or car for an injured pedestrian, you’ll begin to tolerate uncertainty better.

It’ll all get easier with just a little bit of work.

Struggling with uncertainty is one of the foundations of all anxiety issues.

An indicator that you’re having difficulty dealing with uncertainty is an obsession that typically begins with the question “what if…”.

Call us now at 310-429-1024 to begin your hit-and-run OCD therapy. We offer teletherapy online and over the phone for all driving OCD issues. 

You can overcome your hit and run OCD symptoms with the proper help!

Here at The April Center for Anxiety, in addition to my work as an anxiety expert, I am a therapist for work related stress. 

Stress and anxiety are closely and deeply intertwined. They’re not the same, but life stress and work stress can exacerbate anxiety. 

Especially for those that have any kind of ongoing anxiety issue.

We treat all anxiety and stress symptoms. Ready to increase your sense of calm?

Contact Dr. April at 

310 - 429 - 1024

What is the best therapy for work stress? 

Hands-down, the best therapy for work stress is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). 

Okay, it might be easy to say I’m biased because I’m a cognitive behavioral therapy specialist. Bias isn’t the case here, however. 

As supported by scientific research, CBT is the key in learning how to manage stress properly (and this includes work stress, of course!). For further confirmation, all you have to consider is what produces stress. 

Stress is based on a few factors:

Behavioral: this factor refers to your behavioral patterns and how you respond to conflict in stressful situations.

If you’re not consciously aware of your behavioral habits and patterns, as far as how you respond to work stress, these seemingly reflexive actions might not seem like choices at all. 

That’s part of what cognitive behavioral therapy for work related stress can help you with. It’s vital to identify, then modify unhealthy behavioral responses to conflicts in one’s work life. 

This applies to all aspects of life and not necessarily just in-office stressors. The fact is that home stress can influence how one perceives specific work stressors that are already stressful in their own right. This can make matters worse! 

Cognitive: this factor addresses your belief systems regarding circumstances in the workplace, along with how your beliefs and thoughts influence your choices and experiences. 

Considering unhealthy false beliefs and then modifying them is what CBT can help you achieve, so that you resolve the stress you experience.

Biological: this factor speaks to your genetics and your biological sensitivities. Different bodies experience stress differently. 

For 30 years, 95% of the people with anxiety disorders that I’ve treated have had sensitive biological systems. This can mean that they’re hyper aware of the biochemical changes in their system throughout the day, which includes physical discomfort (no matter how small).

It’s easy to see that for those with these kinds of systems, work related stress can start to feel overwhelming, if not managed properly.

*If your work related stress falls into any or all categories above, cognitive behavioral therapy techniques can help you manage and overcome your struggle. 

Can counselling help with work stress? 

Counseling helps with work stress in a number of ways. Though talking about stress at work is certainly required in stress counseling, it is not the main focus. If it was, then this might approach venting. Venting has been shown through research to be ineffective in making changes (though often nice with friends for validation and support). 

As humans, of course, we need to talk and be heard. This is all very supportive and, again, part of the counseling process. 

However, cognitive behavioral therapy is focused on making changes, so that one can learn to cope with work related stress. And even overcome it! And that is far more helpful than simply venting or just talking and being heard.

Who can help with work related stress? 

Ph.D. Anxiety Specialists with experience treating work related stress are the most highly recommended, due to having the highest degree of training (the “Dr.” in their title tends to indicate that they’re also a psychologist – though important to ask if they’re a licensed one). 

An anxiety treatment specialist can help you understand how anxiety over work-related issues can add insult to injury by creating, encouraging and maintaining work related stress. 

So, it’s vital to see an anxiety treatment specialist for work related stress, rather than just seeking out a standard stress management therapist to practice basic stress management techniques.

What therapy is used for coping with work? 

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy is the answer for coping with work. If you have any form of work-related stress or anxiety disorder that is impacting your ability to work calmly and successfully, then CBT is the treatment of choice.

Work anxiety therapist 

A work anxiety therapist like Dr. Craig April, can help you with the following work stressors:

· Conflict with coworkers or difficulty fitting in.

· Overly demanding bosses and critical or abusive bosses.

· Difficulty being assertive at work 

· Stress over not being recognized for your abilities, skills or achievements

· Anxiety, whether based in reality or not, over the possibility of being fired.

· Insecurity over asking for a raise or promotion.

· Lacking a passion for your work that, subsequently, creates irritability or even misery on the job.

· Difficulty accomplishing tasks that you’re responsible for at work

· Difficulty dealing with poor performance reviews or criticism at work

Ready to overcome your work stress?

Contact Dr. April at 310-429-1024 to schedule your first session!

Therapist for stress and anxiety 

As mentioned above, stress and anxiety can be intertwined, but they are not one in the same. So, when seeing a specialist, who is also a therapist for stress and anxiety, it’s best to take a look at what is triggering both. 

Below are some questions that should assist you in identifying what needs attention:

· Does one encourage the other? 

In other words, when you’re anxious, does that increase your struggle with what you find stressful? Conversely, when you’re stressed, is your anxiety triggered? 

· Are you misinterpreting your anxiety issues for stress? 

An easy strategy to identify whether you’re stressed or anxious is to ask yourself if you’re afraid or if you’re overwhelmed. 

If you’re afraid and your fear is irrational, then it’s most likely anxiety. Of course, a qualified therapist for stress and anxiety would have to do an evaluation in a first session to officially assess and diagnose. This is what we do at The April Center for Anxiety.  

· Is your family’s response to your anxiety causing you stress? 

Often times, family members don’t understand what anxiety is. Nor do they typically understand the symptoms attached to a phobia or generalized anxiety disorder.  

Anxiety struggles can be lonely because they tend to be one of these experiences in life where, unless you’ve struggled with it yourself, you probably won’t understand. 

Being in the midst of living with an anxiety disorder while your family doesn’t “get it” or is judging you for it can be a stress inducing situation. 

We are social beings and crave acceptance. Therefore, it can be stressful when it’s perceived that the people we’re closest to don’t approve or understand us. 

The more you’re judged, the more you might feel stressed, which can further exacerbate an anxiety issue.  

· Does your lack of stress management techniques contribute to more tension? 

If you don’t have stress management tools you turn to regularly, this will encourage more stress in your life. Though, it’s about more than just awareness of techniques. It’s about learning how to cultivate the habit of turning to them as a new routine. 

· If you have an anxiety disorder, do more stressful days and basic life stressors contribute to it?

It’s important to identify exactly what stress increases your anxiety symptoms.

Can therapy help with work anxiety?

Absolutely! But venting about work anxiety in traditional talk therapy is not effective. When you struggle with work anxiety, the best therapy is always cognitive behavioral therapy. CBT can help you determine any unhealthy work perspectives or any false beliefs you have that are encouraging work anxiety, so that you can then begin to modify them towards reducing stress. Also, if you’re engaged in any kind of behaviors that encourage more work anxiety, a CBT therapist will help you identify and overcome those, as well.

Of course, if you’re struggling with anxiety, be sure to see an anxiety specialist. Not a general CBT therapist. Anxiety usually accompanies some form of anxiety disorder. That’s why a specialist is usually of great benefit, so that you can make the quickest gains possible to resolve your work anxiety.

Why is my job causing me severe anxiety?

The demands of work and family life can be challenging, especially when you have responsibilities and a need to maintain your current lifestyle. This, coupled with a potentially difficult or dysfunctional workplace, only adds insult to injury, creating work related stress and anxiety.

If your job is causing you severe anxiety, then it’s time to question your work environment. Often times, the workplace and corporate culture can be toxic. This toxicity can include unhealthy and unreasonable expectations along with hard to meet demands by employers or superiors. This toxic work environment can also include difficulty with fellow coworkers and an unhealthy work setting.

Therapy for work related stress and anxiety can help you take a look at how to better cope with these work challenges. Work stress therapy also includes learning effective strategies to approach these conflicts in a healthier way to overcome debilitating effects of work stress and anxiety.

How to tell if you have high functioning anxiety?

The phrase “high functioning anxiety“ is a false belief. Anxiety is never healthy, so how can it be high functioning? That term “high functioning“ usually applies to alcoholics who have friends, might be in a romantic relationship or married, and are able to work their career. However, obviously, alcoholism is always terribly unhealthy. And so is anxiety! So, yes, someone with anxiety might be able to work their job in a good enough fashion. However, if it’s causing any degree of difficulty or struggle, then it’s not high functioning!

Should I see a therapist for work stress?

The question isn’t, “should you?“… The question is… “Why wouldn’t you?”. If you’re dealing with a lot of work stress and you’re not certain how to handle it, it’s time to see a therapist for work stress. Or if you’ve tried a lot of strategies and nothing seems to be working, this is a time to go see a therapist for work stress.

Your work stress could be due to a struggle with a coworker or a boss. This would be addressed with an eye on solutions.

Your work stress could be based on struggling with time management or an overattachment to a certain work outcome. This then would be the focus.

Any issue that is due to work related stress is appropriate to explore in proper CBT therapy for work stress. And that includes all anxiety based issues that seem to be manifesting in work related stress, as well!

What therapy is best for work stress?

CBT is best for work stress as it focuses on taking a look at dysfunctional or maladaptive behavioral patterns and correcting them.

The CBT focus is on healthiest strategies to overcome any kind of work based conflict and practice in applying them.

This differs from traditional talk therapy, which tends to focus on unresolved conflicts from one’s past interfering with the present. Traditional talk therapy tends not to focus on creating healthier strategies and resolving existing conflicts.

Finding a work stress therapist or stress management therapist 

Because stress and anxiety are so closely related, it’s best to seek out an anxiety specialist and ask if they have experience dealing with work stress. Also, ask if they can specifically teach you stress management techniques. 

If you have Generalized Anxiety Disorder (it must be properly diagnosed, to be sure), you’ll discover that this is a worry-based disorder based on reacting to certain stressors in your life in an unhealthy manner. 

For example, let’s say an individual with GAD (Generalized Anxiety Disorder) has been told current layoffs in the company will not effect their department, however, the possibility is keeping this person up at night. The worry might also be affecting this person’s relationships in general daily life. 

A therapist for work related stress would help take a look at what false beliefs are maintaining and encouraging this specific anxiety issue, along with general beliefs about work, finance, responsibility and more. In this instance, it’s most likely false beliefs are creating stress and worry.

In conclusion, if you’re struggling with work related stress, we can meet your treatment needs at The April Center for Anxiety. 

Call us now at 310-429-1024 to contact Dr. April and schedule your first session!

The fear of driving off a cliff is more common than you think. And it’s easy to assume it’s only about a fear of heights.

While that’s one element, the fear of plummeting off a mountain in your non-flying car involves so much more.

If you have a fear of driving off a cliff, the information in this article might be eye-opening. At the very least, it should take you to new heights (Warning: more dad jokes up ahead). 

Call Dr. April at The April Center for Anxiety Attack Management for treatment for fear of driving off a cliff at 310-429-1024

What is the Fear of Cliffs Called?

The fear of cliffs or the fear of precipes is called Cremnophobia (4). Though, the focus of this article is more specifically targeted to anxiety over driving off a cliff, these can be considered one in the same.

So, the answer to the question, “What is Cremnophobia the fear of?” should include driving, due to it being the more common trigger. Rather than just fear of cliffs or edges alone, that is.  

For those of you with this very specific height phobia, you can probably recall many movie scenes depicting an out of control car driving off of a cliff. These scenes are always a bit jarring.

Just thinking about it now, I can rattle off a number of frightening crash landing movie moments including Raiders of The Lost Ark, every James Bond movie and so many more.

Everyone has had the thought of this potentially happening to them. Whether it’s a thought of “What if I lose control of the car and drive off the cliff?” or, “What if I impulsively, without thinking, just drove off this cliff?” or “What if this truck nudges me off this mountain road?” and on and on. 

Cremnophobia can manifest in many different areas, such as when hiking, when sightseeing, when taking those awkwardly posed family photos in parks and even when taking Instagram photos in risky, high places just for more likes. Yikes!

Concern when around cliffs is natural and part of our survival instinct (more on this below). Heights can kill us if we make a wrong move! 

However, an extreme fear of heights that interferes with our driving freedom becomes a phobia. 

What is Acrophobia? 

Acrophobia is the fear of heights. And for some, it’s a fear that’s been part of their life since childhood. Others are stricken by a sudden fear of heights based on an uncomfortable experience or observation. 

Acrophobia anxiety triggers can include any uncomfortable experience of being in a higher place. Though, this does not include marijuana (sorry, couldn’t help it).

Specifically, for those with Acrophobia, anxiety can be triggered near cliffs and ledges, while on overpasses, on staircases, while looking out tall building windows, crossing bridges, on escalators, on a plane and as a fear of driving in high places.

For therapy for Acrophobia, call Dr. April at

310-429-1024

Acrophobia and Cremnophobia Are Linked
 

Acrophobia and Cremnophobia are clearly intertwined. One main distinction is that someone with Acrophobia might experience anxiety symptoms in a multitude of environments, like when on elevators, on escalators, in the mountains, on a ladder, and anywhere there’s some distance off the ground.

Cremnophobia is an aspect of Acrophobia, but specifically based on anxiety regarding cliffs. 

Some people define their Cremnophobia as completely different from Acrophobia in that they’re afraid of edges, not heights. These people don’t report a struggle in elevators or when on ladders. For that matter, many have even been to the top of the Empire State building and felt fine.

And yet, they’re well aware they have a fear of driving off a cliff and anxiety around ledges, in general. This is what they mean when they say they have a fear of edges not heights. 

And, sometimes those with Cremnophobia simplify further by stating they have a fear of cliffs and ledges. No more, no less.

I suppose one important question would be whether all those people with a phobia of driving off a cliff fear all driving heights, such as bridges, overpasses and more. This fear of cliff driving seems to be localized in the area of driving anxiety.

Often times people with a severe fear of driving off of a cliff often fear other aspects of driving, as well. This then can be considered more of a driving phobia or, to go with the diagnosable professional term, Vehophobia or Amaxophobia. 

      The Difference between Acrophobia and Cremnophobia

Not to belabor the point, but the difference is specific when it comes to diagnosis. Acrophobia can be thought of as an extensive fear of heights.

Meanwhile, Cremnophobia, which again is a fear of cliffs or fear of precipices, can be thought of as a more specific phobia. Acrophobia can be more complex because it can manifest in so many different areas.

This also explains why those with a fear of driving off a cliff might not experience fear on escalators or elevators or while looking out a tall building’s window.

Many people with driving anxiety while near a cliff’s edge can become exasperated when trying to explain their struggles.

Most people assume they have a fear of heights. They often feel forced, yet again, to explain they have a fear of edges, not heights!

Though it might seem minor to some, the fear of driving off a cliff is a phobia that can be very limiting, while encouraging a high degree of anxiety.

One of the main limitations for those with cremnophobia is the reduction or even curtailing of driving to avoid this fear.

And they might avoid most areas with hills, cliffs or mountains. They might avoid bridges and overpasses. And, if acrophobia is present, that compounds the problem and leads to more avoidance.

Fear of Heights and The Survival Instinct

We all have a survival instinct. A concern about heights is built into this system. It’s how we evolved.

Anything for that matter, that could bring about our certain death if it were to occur, is built into our system on an evolutionary scale as something to fear. For example, being buried alive is a built-in human fear. The very mention is enough to trigger some people!

Same with falling off a cliff. Fear of heights was protective back in the dark ages. It still is, but not in the same frequent life or death manner it once was (Unless you’re being chased by a lion on a mountain’s edge on a regular basis after hunting for dinner).

In the modern world, if you’re terrified of heights when in a safe (enough) elevator, you know that ancient protective-based fear has now gone awry into the realm of anxiety. 

Sudden Fear of Heights = Loss of Control?

A sudden fear of heights is often triggered by a fear of losing control of one’s body or mind.

And loss of control is a common foundation and fear with a phobia of driving off a cliff.

For those that struggle with panic disorder or panic attacks, this fear of losing control is very familiar to them. Mainly because their fear of panic is the equivalent of the fear that their body or mind is out of control.

And this is often intertwined with cremnophobia. For instance, when fearful of driving on a mountain road, it’s not a stretch to take one’s fear to the next level of “What if I lose control and then drive off a cliff, here, there . . . or anywhere?”  

One variable involved within a driving fear of ledges, edges and cliffs is the immediacy of it.

One wrong turn at any given moment would spell the end of your life (I guess the specific spelling would be something like, “Aaaaaaaaaaaaaah”). And this thought that with a slight turn of the wheel it could all be over, can be rather jarring! 

So, clearly it makes sense that Acrophobia can coincide, coexist and even be the foundation of a fear of driving off of a cliff.

If one has a fear of heights, then a present awareness of being up high in a vehicle under your control, while feeling a sense of great danger, could trigger anxiety.

Fear of driving off ledges or cliffs can strike you at any time. And remember that this phobia can also include a fear of mountain driving, fear of ledges, fear of precipices, fear of overpasses and a general fear of driving in high places anywhere at all.

The possibilities add to this fear’s complexity. 

Regarding a sense of control, it’s interesting to consider the fact that driving anxiety for some is not necessarily a fear of driving, but a fear of losing control when driving.

This fear often accompanies a belief that the adrenaline surge one experiences when anxiously triggered can create a lack of control.

However, if that were true, I suppose race car drivers wouldn’t have much control or precision. They’re racing at 200 miles an hour with adrenaline surging through their system. And yet, they’re in total control.

So, the adrenaline surge you might call “panic” can’t really make you lose control. The reality is that when someone’s panicking, which means fighting their adrenaline, the sensations increase.

If people are intent on escaping those sensations, which can’t be done if you’re fighting them, they might make really poor choices to avoid them. This, counterintuitively, is a choice that increases adrenaline. Which for those who misinterpret and fear these sensations, means panic with a capital “P”!

For help for fear of heights, call Dr. April at

310-429-1024

Origin of The Fear of Driving off a Cliff

Driving anxiety on mountain roads, cliffs, overpasses and bridges is very common.

Though, this is often considered a fear of heights while driving, the reality is that many people with this fear aren’t necessarily affected by fear of heights in daily life.

In other words, driving anxiety when in high places may have manifested primarily when driving specific height-oriented routes.

This is why many people describe this driving anxiety phobia as a: 

-       specific fear of driving in high places, 

-       fear of driving off a cliff, 

-       fear of ledges, 

-       fear of overpasses 

-       fear of mountain driving. 

-       Or, for some, just a fear of edges, not heights. 

Still, fear of heights is one of the most common phobias, whether it manifests in driving or not. In fact, it’s so common that I would say, anecdotally, it ranks right behind fear of public speaking.

For those with a historically mild fear of heights, it might be surprising when a sudden Cremnophobia develops. Some may not even know the origin.

Phobias can develop fast! In fact, the simple beginning of this fear could be feelings of overwhelm in other general aspects of life (work stress, relationship conflicts, financial woes, etc.), triggering an unexpected adrenaline surge while driving on a cliff road. 

Sometimes, there’s no consciously available rhyme or reason as to why you’re being triggered by a sudden fear of heights and fear of driving off a cliff. There are a myriad of potential reasons. The truth is, though of interest to most, the origin doesn’t really matter.

Overcoming your phobia of driving off a cliff is what now needs to happen if you want less limitation and more freedom. 

Still, to satisfy your natural curiosity, below are some potential explanations as to how acrophobia and fear of driving off a cliff can develop:

1. ) Age-related decline and fear of heights: 

Sometimes, our fears can develop with age-related decline.

As we age, a new or intensified fear of heights can be triggered by changes and nerve cell decreases in the vestibular system of the inner ear (often referred to as our organ of balance -1).

These neurological changes often impact balance and even encourage feelings of dizziness (2). Most seniors experience this, at some point.

The challenge then becomes working with these developmental stages of life while driving safely - without anxiety when driving near ledges or cliffs and in high places.

2.) Vestibular system issues and fear of cliffs: 

Vestibular system disorders can encourage the development of Cremnophobia and Acrophobia.

The Vestibular System is responsible for managing our sense of balance through our inner ear fluid, canals, and sensors. If something goes awry within, problems can occur.

Vestibular disorder symptoms can include: 

- vertigo 

- an unstable posture 

- feelings of dizziness

- disorientation

- falling or confusion

(2)

It’s probably no surprise to learn that vestibular disorders can develop in old age. This may be one reason why the elderly often drive slowly (and a reason for all of us to be more understanding with geriatric drivers!).

If someone has a vestibular malfunction, you can see why they might develop a fear of heights based on the above symptoms.

In fact, one could say that vestibular disorders and fear of driving off a cliff might go hand-in-hand. 

For those with a balance disorder, vestibular rehabilitation therapy can be sought.

This form of treatment provides exercises that focus on managing dizziness and imbalance with techniques that help cope with the vestibular malfunction. These may include balance retraining and vision stability techniques. (3)

If you’re afraid of driving off a cliff, it’s easy to understand how useful these corrections could be towards trusting your safety and ability to monitor real danger when driving in high places.

3.) The Call of the Void and Fear of Heights:

Yet another interesting consideration is a concept called “the call of the void“, also known as “the high place phenomenon” (It’s so common the French have a name for it, too: “L’appel du vide”). (4)

I would venture to say that every human has experienced this, but few feel comfortable sharing it.

Simply put, this is a thought or impulse to purposely drive off a cliff, mountain road, or bridge. Or perhaps, purposely swerve into oncoming traffic. Or jump onto train tracks just before a train arrives.

These are natural thoughts everyone has at one time or another. They’re anxiety provoking for many because the thought or impulse is often accompanied by the reality that it could all be over in a single moment.

Ultimately, fear of death is at the core of many anxiety issues. 

The “call of the void” can also be frightening because it can feel like an urge, which is very confusing when you don’t have a death wish! That “urge”, however, is most likely just the adrenaline surge that coincides with our body’s survival instinct and the triggering of the fight or flight mechanism.

So, take comfort in the fact that it’s not an actual urge corresponding to your desire to say your final bye-bye! 

Adding insult to injury, as we get older, most of us are aware we have fewer years in front of us than behind us.

Though daunting, with Acrophobia and fear of driving off a cliff it’s important to keep in mind these thoughts of our mortality are natural (Unless, of course, you’re experiencing a depressive episode with suicidal ideation and impulse. Then it’s time to seek treatment right away).

4.) The Modeling of Cremnophobia:

Another way people can develop cremnophobia is via modeling by family members or others.

For example, during childhood if one consistently observes adults afraid of driving near a cliff or on mountain roads, it’s natural to adopt the same phobia. Essentially, children can be taught to fear certain experiences. 

5.) An Anxious Experience while Driving:

Another way cremnophobia can develop is through an uncomfortable experience driving in high places. Depending on the location, this can also lead to developing a fear of overpasses or fear of precipices. 

But an uncomfortable experience is not required. Sometimes it just takes a frightening movie scene to encourage one’s fear. 

How many movie scenes have you seen that have involved people accidentally (or forcibly) driving off a cliff or mountain road? As mentioned earlier, I’ve seen plenty.

Depictions of cliff or bridge suicide can also trigger Cremnophobia in some people, simply based on the very thought. It’s important to be aware that anxiety is always thought-based.  Without fearful thoughts, there is no anxiety!

How Do I Get Over My Fear of Driving Heights?

As with all phobias, the proven treatment for fear of driving off of a cliff is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). And true CBT for a phobia always includes exposure therapy.

Exposure entails one being gradually exposed to their fear-based stimuli until their brain adapts. More specifically, this would include strategies to help one gradually expose themselves to their fear of cliffs.

The gradual piece is important, so facing this fear is more tolerable, rather than one being absolutely terrified while driving on mountain roads, steep highways and freeways.

The key to overcoming ANY irrational fear (anxiety) has been scientifically proven to be CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) primarily using the technique of exposure.

Again, simply put, exposure is about gradually facing each level of your fear in a structured manner with the goal of your brain adapting to the fear sensitized stimulus.

Once your brain has become desensitized to a lower level of your fear, we then move on to the next level. All the way until your brain no longer reacts to your anxiety trigger as if you’re in a current life-threatening situation. 

This, along with examining and modifying false beliefs you’re maintaining around driving in high places is the focal point of treatment. And how you too can overcome fear of driving off a cliff!

If you're limited by your fear of driving off a cliff, click this link driving anxiety treatment to take a look at The April Center for Anxiety Fear of Driving Program.

Or for help for Cremnophobia now, give Dr. April a call at 310-429-1024! 

You can also click the link to buy his book,

“The Anxiety Getaway” on Amazon. 

Time to overcome Anxiety!

References:

1.) National library of medicine, 
“how does our sense of balance work?“ ncbi.nlm.nih.gov 2010
2.) Hopkinsmedicine.org, “Vestibular Balance Disorder”.

3.) my.clevelandclinic.org, “Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy”. 

4.) livescience.com, “What is the ‘call of the void’?, 12/13/21
5.) typesofphobia.com, “how common is cremnophobia or the steep fear of cliffs?“  Pawel L.