Phobia to drive on the Hwy? Help please.?!

Phobia to drive on the Hwy? Help please.?

Hello, I know I'm in need for some help I just don't know where to start. I've been living between USA and Canada for the past 7 years and never drove on the highway, people moving too fast, people merging, changing lanes scare the **** out of me. Living in a big city is a necesity, you can go places faster and not wasting your precious time on the back toads like I do. Some friends suggeted driving lessons, I don't think that's what I need 'cause I think I'm a good driver with no record of accidents or anything I just can't jump into the hway; I tried once and I was crying and my heart was pumping so fast like it was trying to jump out of my chest.

If somebody have an idea how can I seek help to overcome this suggestions will be very appreciated.

driving lessons won't do it..since you already drive.. however.. most fears are natural and come from merely not being exposed to the surrounding or fear in question often enough... I myself was just as scared as you getting on a highway the first time and every so often sometimes there is one crazy driver that has me remeber why i was so afraid when i first started driving... but then the more i did it the more confident a driver i became and the more that fear was in check.. so i don't have that phobia like you described but then i have to also share something else... from your description it sounds to me like you are a very good and cautious driver.. but if you are focusing on your fear and more on the other drivers don't you think if you thought about the same thing in the back roads or were distracted you would be exposed to danger as well.. sometimes back roads are more dangerous and perhaps just as many accidents happen or could happen there as well.. now i don't want to or intend to add to your fear so that you don't get into your car at all.. but what i am getting at is that when you get into your car you don't have to be speeding, on a highway, on a back street or in a parking lot or whatever for something to happen.. your fear has to get in the back seat and have to stay focused and concentrate on being a safe driver and aware and alert of the pyshcos that are on the road and could cut you off or what not anywhere... and when conquering any fear on your own you have to take baby steps if at all possible.. and if nothing else is working.. and you phobia doesn't get better.. i don't remember once in a college course there are some who specialize in hypnosis.. you should try it.. may people that have certain fears, ticks.. or weaknesses submit themselves to this treatment because whatever it is that they have or lack is really something that is interfering with there life... such as speaking in public or what not.. and well seems to me you might benefit from it.. i knew someone who has learned to do it and could also self - hypnotize herself.. if she could concentrate.. or focuse on something.. lacked motivation to keep to a specific diet/health plan and it worked for her.. so it might work for you if all else fails.. =] good luck... driving on a highway is not all that bad.. it is more direct once you get used to it you might actually like it and wonder why didn't you use it before.. =]