Dissociation and driving

[Bow]

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. 

[Till23]

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.

[Bow]

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. 

[defaultusername]

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.

[Bow]

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 

[Ainjoule]

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. 

[PeppyPatti]

• Dear @Bow @I'm really impressed that you asked this question. I was working as a cleaner and also studying and then a carer in the community doing a lot of driving in my 30s when I realised I had no memory of driving

@defaultusername @defaultusername @Ainjoule @Till23 

I remember a time on my 30s when I had a piece of paper taped on my driving wheel with 

Stop at the STOP SIGN. Because there was a stop sign down the street where I was living.

For me, I went through a period of intense dissociation, and driving was one of the times it would happen. It was a really scary feeling. I was under immense stress at the time –my son is better now but my son was battling a serious illness . On top of that, I had a difficult family situation and had been pushed out of my home. 

The stress of everything definitely contributed to the dissociation, and I remember times while driving feeling completely detached, like I was watching myself from outside my body. It was like I was on autopilot, and it was terrifying because I knew I wasn't fully present and in control.

Eventually, I was able to address this through therapy, which was incredibly helpful. It sounds like you've also had therapy, which is great.

Regarding your situation with the GP and psychologist having different views, that sounds really confusing and frustrating. 

Could you say to your Psychologist - 

 'My GP has advised me not to drive due to the increased frequency of  dissociative episodes. I was wondering what your thoughts are on this ? Do you want to comment?