Community Chat

[Sue98]

Thanks so much to all of you for your responses! I've done some research on both bridges, and I honestly don't know if I will be able to cross either one. I might be able to do it if it were a quick trip across, but from what I'm reading, traffic is very congested on both bridges. If we end up getting stopped on the bridge, I would probably freak out. Oh, how I wish I didn't suffer from panic attacks!

[Krimpette]

Perhaps your doctor can prescribe something for you to take on a short-term basis, since you won't be doing the driving. Just keep in mind (obviously, I know!) that you'll need enough for a round-trip also. It would be a shame for you to not get to see Cape Cod. It's been many years since I've been to Cape Cod……back when I didn't have the phobia(s) I now have. I love Cape Cod!!! Good luck to you on your trip.

[------]

You may want to virtually cross the bridge/s using google maps and find out what you will be facing.

[Sue98]

On 8/15/2014 Krimpette said:

Perhaps your doctor can prescribe something for you to take on a short-term basis, since you won't be doing the driving. Just keep in mind (obviously, I know!) that you'll need enough for a round-trip also. It would be a shame for you to not get to see Cape Cod. It's been many years since I've been to Cape Cod……back when I didn't have the phobia(s) I now have. I love Cape Cod!!! Good luck to you on your trip.

Krimpette, given the opportunity, do you think you could now cross either of these bridges into Cape Cod, considering your phobia? Just wondering.

[Marienkaefer2]

As others have said, maybe talk to your doctor and see if he can prescribe you something. If you don't want to try meds, what about taking some meditation classes or speaking with someone who can help you practice some techniques to overcome your fear? Try planning your trip so you are crossing during a less busy time. Find out when the heaviest traffic times are and avoid those. Or, maybe just don't go to Cape Cod this time, and avoid putting that stress on yourself. It's okay. I don't have a phobia of bridges, but I do of other things, so I understand how you feel.

[KathyPet]

I have the same fear of high arcing bridges but only if I am driving myself. I am convinced I am going to,drive right over the edge. Hands get really sweaty and heart starts racing. however I only have this problem if I am driving myself. If anyone else Is driving I am fine. I only have the issue with high bridges that have a high arc. If the bridge is perfectly flat I am fine.

[lulu2]

I despise bridges. When I am in the passenger's seat I use a sleep mask I keep in the glove compartment. If I have to drive over one, I focus on what is right in front of me.

[Burnsite]

The Bourne and Sagamore Bridges are high above the water. I have a memory of finding going over it rather scary when I was a kid, because my mother was afraid of bridges. I was (and am) much more afraid of tunnels.

You may be able to get to the Cape by water from Boston: the ferries run until October. I don't know if they take cars or just passengers, though. The only stop is Provincetown, at the tip of the Cape, and it's near the lovely Cape Cod National Seashore drive.

The bridges do not have an especially long span--driving across takes only 30 seconds-one minute or so with light traffic. But the traffic can be slow at this point of bottlenecking, so it could take longer--and these are fairly tall bridges.

[Junebug54]

How do you do with ferries? You can take one from Plymouth to P'Town.

[Krimpette]

On 8/15/2014 sue98 said:

On 8/15/2014 Krimpette said:

Perhaps your doctor can prescribe something for you to take on a short-term basis, since you won't be doing the driving. Just keep in mind (obviously, I know!) that you'll need enough for a round-trip also. It would be a shame for you to not get to see Cape Cod. It's been many years since I've been to Cape Cod……back when I didn't have the phobia(s) I now have. I love Cape Cod!!! Good luck to you on your trip.

Krimpette, given the opportunity, do you think you could now cross either of these bridges into Cape Cod, considering your phobia? Just wondering.

It would definitely depend on the bridge. It's been a very long time since I went to Cape Cod. However, I probably would be more comfortable as a passenger. I seem to do OK with lower bridges and bridges that have those Jersey barriers on both sides so I can't see down. For me, it's a fear of losing control and falling/driving off the edge. I have a similar issue in walking over foot bridges. Phobias can be very debilitating, as you are aware. (Having said all that, I really hope you can get to Cape Cod.)