Fast Panic Attacks Help For Apprehensive Drivers

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Fast Panic Attacks Help For Apprehensive Drivers

Thursday, January 14th, 2010 Subscribe To Our Feed

Thousands of drivers who have had an anxiety attack while driving fail to seek Panic attacks help. There are those who are terrified of driving and find it hard to get into a car even as a passenger. Each person may have their reason for fearing to drive. Being involved in a car crash or hearing about one can cause emotional trauma and feelings of anxiety and dread.

When a person perceives a threat or danger the body responds to this, which in some people can be interpreted as an anxiety attack. This stress response can be set off with mere thoughts and feelings of danger. During man’s early years, where fending off prey was necessary, the adrenaline fueled fight or flight response was key to man’s survival. However, in the modern world this response has become more redundant. Our biggest enemy today is stress, and this alone can trigger the response unnecessarily.

This is a common problem, and in people with phobias and anxiety disorders it is much more frequent. Persons with a phobia or anxiety disorder generally possess a more sympathetic nervous system. Driving fears may sometimes be linked to a distressing experience but usually they develop over time. Normally a full blown attack occurs from having experienced several smaller episodes of anxiety and fear.

People who fear driving may have specific reasons that cause them anxiety such as; being held up in traffic, driving through bad weather, driving down a hill and getting lost. A panic attack can come on extremely quickly. A driver might feel their chest hurt, temperature increase and muscles shake uncontrollably. It is a terrifying experience that can put both the driver and others around them at risk.

People who have suffered attacks may refuse to drive or get back into a car. Getting Panic attacks treatment is not essential since it’s the choice of the driver whether they can live without driving again, but it is a good idea to overcome one’s fears. Having a car is sometimes a necessity.

Common panic attacks help comes in the form of therapy or medication. Anxiety medication may help reduce symptoms of anxiety and the occurrence of panic attacks, but advice from a doctor must be sought before taking medication. There are possible side effects with prescription medication such as drowsiness that could make driving more dangerous. Non-medicated ways of treatment such as CBT and exposure therapy are much more suited.

Less known methods of Panic Attacks help such as hypnotherapy and Emotional Freedom Technique can also be effective at talking this fear. Being prepared can help you get through your anxieties of driving. Avoid driving if you feel extremely anxious. Before driving get yourself in a relaxed state through breathing exercises. Ensure that you take a cell phone in case of an emergency and some music to listen.

If you don’t have satellite navigation, make sure to plan your journey. Don’t drive when the roads are really busy. Turn on the radio to help soothe your nerves. As you drive, keep a relaxed and steady breath, and relax you body. Remind yourself that you will arrive safe and sound, and use positive affirmations.

When symptoms of anxiety start it can be frightening, but stay composed, breathe and remember that what you’re feeling is merely the overproduction of adrenaline and the sensations will subside. If a panic attack is inevitable pull over to a safe area as soon as possible. You may find breathing into a paper bag helpful for controlling your breath. Make sure to give yourself time to calm before driving again and if you can’t drive, call for help.