Time2Talk reply What can I do?

Dear Time2Talk

I get really scared when it comes to crossing big roads. Big roads to me could be small ones to you.

When it comes to crossing them I sometimes go to stop in the middle of crossing the road as I think I’m gonna get ran over.

Sometimes I have to hold onto my friends just to help me get across. It even takes me 10 minutes to cross some roads that would take any other person 2 or 4.

I now try to stop crossing these roads and I will take the longer way round. What can I do to make me cross the roads better.

Thanks

What can I do?

Dear What can I do?

Firstly, you have acquired this belief/fear from a previous experience. Can you think when this happened? Maybe it would be a good idea to try talking about this experience with a family member or friend. Remember- it’s good to talk!

Like a lot of situations in life, there are risks. Most of us minimise these risk by following procedures or rules and in this case ‘pedestrian road safety’ rules.

You are not the first person to feel this way about crossing roads. If you don’t do it that often then you are less likely to overcome the fear.

Try visualising yourself crossing the road in the comfort of your own home. Sit somewhere comfortable and peaceful. Close your eyes and in your mind – visualise yourself walking up to the road – you follow the road safety rules and cross the road with ease. See yourself at the other side of the road feeling happy and calm. Do this over and over again until it seems a lot less fearful.

Then physically practice crossing smaller roads until you are comfortable. When you feel ready, try the big roads, it might help if you asked a family member or friend to go with you. Keep doing this until it gets easier. The more you do it the less anxiety it is going to cause you.

Take your time with this, set yourself small goals to move closer to what you want to achieve. There is no rush and bite size steps would probably be the best option with this situation.

Try not to look at this as a negative, look at it as a challenge that you will overcome in your own time.

If you feel you need more support overcoming this fear, try speaking to your GP about your anxiety and ask if you can be referred for Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT).

Best of luck and take your time.

Gemma