Dealing with my emotions

• Having to stop driving is a major life change for many people.
• It is understandable that you may be experiencing grief and feeling a variety of emotions.
• Give yourself the space and time to feel all of them.
  
  

Sometimes it is hard to know how you are feeling. Try to identify your emotions by answering these questions:

• Do you feel sad because you think giving up driving means giving up your independence?
• Do you feel angry because you don’t think you should have to give up driving?
• Do you feel confused because you don’t understand why you have to give up driving?
• Do you feel a loss in terms of pride of ownership because giving up driving means giving up the car you love?
  
• Do you feel worried because you don’t know how you will get around without driving?
• Do you feel embarrassed by the idea of having to tell others that you are no longer able to drive?
  
• Do you feel guilty because if you give up driving, you will need to ask others to help you get around?
• Do you feel relieved and you are okay with giving up driving?

All these feelings are common. Next, try these ideas:

• Talk to someone you trust like your family, friends, neighbours or faith leaders.
• Talk to your doctor or other healthcare professionals.
• Join an in-person or online support group.
• Contact your local Alzheimer Society (click here) for support and resources.      
  
  

Here's what a person with dementia has to say:

• Take a deep breath. Let it out. Everything will be fine. It's really scary at first. It seems like you're giving up your freedom, but actually, there's a freedom also in not having your licence.