There are many feelings associated with losing your driver’s license, such as anger, depression or denial. Moving past denial, accepting the grieving process and finding a supportive network are some coping mechanisms that can help.
“It’s like having your arm cut off,” is how 94-year-old Peggy Ellison described losing her driver’s license. The Tottenham, Ontario-based woman spoke with cbcnews, detailing the impact of losing her license. Ellison was pulled over for driving too slowly, at which point the officer asked for her age. She felt lucky when he told her he wouldn’t give her a ticket, but her bubble burst when soon thereafter she received a letter in the mail stating that her license was being revoked.
No one wants to give up the freedom to drive and so it’s easy to see why people resist it so much, denying the need to have their license revoked, and even expressing anger and depression.
You may have noticed some of these behaviors with your loved one as they struggle to accept the fact they can no longer legally drive. Eventually though they will reach a point of acceptance and discover life still exists even if you can’t drive anymore.
7 Coping Mechanisms For Losing Your License
#1. Getting Through The Denial
Denial is very common before and after losing your license. Even if you are in an accident or lose your license by your own fault, it’s very difficult to accept you are no longer fit to drive. Denial is a natural way we react to pain or loss in order to protect ourselves.
When you’re ready, it’s important to step back and take a look at the situation for what it is. Facing the fact you are moving into a new chapter of life with its own sets of possibilities will help make the situation more bearable.
#2. Let The Grief Come & Go As It May
It’s natural to grieve big life changes, and the loss of your license is certainly one of those. Let the feelings come and grieve it out. There’s truly no other way to fully move on and find a new way to assert your independence. No amount of distraction is going to take away the feelings that need to be felt.
Eventually, the sadness will lift and you’ll be ready to move on. Even after you completely get over the loss of your license, there’s still the chance that “grief bubbles” will hit you now and again where you miss your more independent lifestyle. It’s perfectly normal and something so many other people are going through too. In fact, it’s something everyone with the blessing of living into their old age will face.
#3. Maintain A Close Support Network
A close support network is fundamental to get through life hurdles like losing your license. Starting up a group of same-aged community members in the same position can help you work through your feelings as a group.
Make a list of the places and events you’d like rides to and hand it off to your most trusted family member. By divvying up different tasks between friends and family, everyone can play a small part in providing you with the help you need.
#4. Stay Involved In Regular Activities
According to StatsCan, 73% of seniors that had a car to travel in had participated in a social activity within the last week. On the other hand, far fewer seniors without access to a car were involved in social activities. It’s easy to see how the loss of your license can lead to isolation and loneliness.
You don’t have to accept a fate of isolation. No matter what it takes, remain involved in regular activities. You might feel like you are burdening your family members by asking them for rides, but it’s worth your overall health and wellbeing to do so. If there’s no one to take you, we can!
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#5. Find A Creative Outlet
Start journaling, scrapbooking, writing poetry, or taking photos around the neighborhood. What is a passion you once had but the whirlwind of life took away the time to act on it? Now is your chance to bring your untapped talents to fruition. A creative outlet can help fill your time and give you a new outlet of joy.
#6. Consider Investing In A Golf Cart
Even though she was well over 90-years-old, Peggy Ellison was devastated by the loss of her license. That’s what prompted her to invest in a golf cart. Sure, it’s not a car but it’s the next best thing that doesn’t require a driver’s license.
Depending on where you live, a golf cart may provide additional freedom, such as going down to the corner store. Of course, a golf cart crashing into an automobile sounds messy and dangerous, so it’s important that your area is safe for golf carting around.
#7. Put Stellar Transportation On Speed Dial
We are here to take care of all of your non-emergency medical transportation needs! We offer the safest, most comfortable and reliable ride in town. We cater to patients of all ages and mobility, including wheelchair, stretcher and bariatric patients. Contact us today for a free quote.