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BowSenior Contributor
Wondering if people are able to share their experiences with dissociation and driving?
I’ve had very short episodes of dissociation for years but in recent months it has got significantly worse. I seen my GP today and shared that with her- she is very on top of my MH issues, she’s a great GP. But she has told me not to drive now. 😩
My psychologist on the other hand wasn’t concerned much at all.
In response to: Dissociation and driving
Till23Senior Contributor
Hi @Bow there is a thing called Highway hypnosis where you drive to your destination but you can’t remember getting there. It’s actually quite common. It’s called automaticity - you are able to drive without really needing to think about it.
I’m not surprised the psychologist wasn’t too worried.
I suppose it depends if you’ve experienced other dissociative symptoms and what the details of your dissociative episode were.
In response to: Re: Dissociation and driving
BowSenior Contributor
Thanks for responding @Till23
I actually read a little bit about highway hypnosis yesterday when doing a bit of a google… I also had know little about it previous to this.
My more significant dissociative episode last week consisted of me turning up to an appointment, checking in, sitting down to wait and then dissociating and ‘coming to’ about 90mins later in my car, not remembering how I got there.
I do lose track of time often. But my dissociation only ever occurs around triggers and extreme distress.
In response to: Dissociation and driving
defaultusernameSenior Contributor
Hi @Bow,
Thank you for sharing that with us.
Was it like an official order from your GP, or just a recommendation? I can only imagine how upsetting and conflicting that must be to have your GP say that, but your psychologist not be as concerned.
Due to it usually being a result of distress and/or triggers — is there anything happening right now that is causing you stress? I don't know enough about it dissociation and driving, but I believe that you know yourself best, and you will know when it is becoming too much of a safety issue.
I really hope that the situation improves for you.
Hope to hear from you soon.
In response to: Re: Dissociation and driving
BowSenior Contributor
Hi @defaultusername
It was a very strong firm recommendation I believe. Like she did not complete paper work to send to services nsw. She said if I did drive and something happened it would be on me.
Just dealing with ongoing C-PTSD. But yeah, I know myself and wouldn’t drive if I thought I was not safe.
was kinda just hoping there might be some others in the community that have similar experiences
In response to: Dissociation and driving
AinjouleSenior Contributor
Hey @Bow
My license is reviewed yearly. Initially my license was flagged for OT review for physical reasons (the return to driving OT assessment cost me over $2K after a spinal injury) but very quickly my GP also flagged to Services NSW that I have mental health issues. They now send me a review every year for a GP to complete. At one point my GP reached out to my psychiatrist and asked about my driving. My psychiatrist fortunately told her that I'm good at picking up the early warning signs of psychosis and I act responsibly - so my GP has continued to sign off on my license every year. I would be mindful of getting flagged for Services NSW, because once you get into the Service NSW merry go round with your license - it's really hard to get off. Can your psych talk with your GP by any chance? This is what reassured my GP to continue to sign off my medical review. It can make it really tough to talk with my GP about stuff because I know she is quite quick to get concerned about my license, even though I have demonstrated that I can drive safety for many a year and I don't drive when I am unwell.
In response to: Re: Dissociation and driving
PeppyPattiSenior Contributor
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Help us push aside the stigma and discrimination surrounding complex mental health and change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness.
SANE acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.
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