Ever since I started driving, I’ve carried one lingering fear with me: crossing bridges over water. For years, I went out of my way to avoid roads with bridges, not fully understanding where this phobia came from. Recently, though, I’ve had to face it head-on—and it hasn’t been easy.

Growing up in Nigeria, I used to cross a small bridge on my way to school. Whenever it rained, the river beneath would rise and overflow onto the bridge. There were no railings or guards—just a narrow, slippery crossing with rushing water underneath. I remember the pounding of my heart each time I walked across, afraid of what might happen. Looking back now, I believe that’s where this fear first took root.

Fast forward to today: I recently started a new job that requires me to drive across a long bridge every morning. At first, I managed just fine, branching off before a tunnel and continuing my commute without much trouble. But in the past few days, my anxiety has spiked. Each time I approach the bridge, my chest tightens, my palms sweat, and I feel frozen with fear.

I know I’m not alone—many people struggle with driving anxiety or specific phobias. Still, it’s overwhelming to navigate in the moment. I’m reaching out to ask: Has anyone dealt with this kind of fear before? How did you overcome it?

Why I’m Sharing This

Writing about this experience is both personal and therapeutic. Anxiety thrives in silence, but talking about it can make the burden lighter. If you’ve faced similar fears—whether about driving, bridges, or something entirely different—I’d love to hear how you managed.

Fears don’t disappear overnight, but facing them little by little (and with support) is part of the journey. If you’ve been here before, your advice might help not just me, but others too.