Anxiety On The Road? Panic Attacks Help

Thursday, June 17th, 2010 at 11:35 pm

Driving can be a scary experience and some people may need Panic Attacks Help to get back in the driving seat. There are those who are terrified of driving and find it hard to get into a car even as a passenger. Causes of such dread depends on each individual. A traumatic experience such as being involved in a car accident or witnessing one, can ingrain terrifying thoughts and images into the subconscious.

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. Way back when man hunted for food, the stress response gave man the strength, focus and energy to fight off dangerous animals. With no fear of being eaten in modern society, the fight or flight response has lost some of its usefulness. Stress itself is the main cause of unnecessary activation of the fight or flight response.

We have all experienced stress and the symptoms of stress at some point in our lives and especially those with anxiety or depressive disorders. 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.

Driving in an unfamiliar area, stuck in a traffic jam, being honked at, driving at high speeds on the highway and getting lost; these experiences can all instill fear of driving. A panic attack can come on extremely quickly. All of a sudden your heartbeat is racing, you begin to sweat profusely and you feel like your losing control. This kind of event can be very damaging and traumatic to the human psyche.

People who have suffered attacks may refuse to drive or get back into a car. While some people simply stop driving, Panic attacks treatment can help those who want to conquer their anxiety and start driving again. Driving is a necessity for some people.

Common panic attacks help comes in the form of therapy or medication. While medication can reduce the risk of attacks and symptoms, it is essential to seek advice from a doctor. Because medication sometimes cause side effects, they shouldn’t be taken when driving. Therapies that require no use of medication are perhaps better suited to this phobia.

Other means of Panic attacks help include therapies such as EFT and hypnotherapy as well as visualization and meditation. If you’re a nervous driver it’s important to be prepared before driving. Don’t get into a car in an emotional state. Spend a few minutes breathing deeply to relax you before you travel. Some helpful things to take are; a cell phone, a CD and a paper bag in case you hyperventilate.

Ensure that you plan your route carefully and you know exactly where you’re going. If possible avoid peak driving times. When driving, play some music to help you relax and be aware of your body. As you drive, keep a relaxed and steady breath, and relax you body. Use reassuring and positive statements and imagine getting to your destination safely and calmly.

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 you think that you’re about to have a panic attack, get safely to an area you can stop and recover. Some people find breathing into a paper bag helps them to calm down. If you don’t feel fit to drive don’t, try to call for assistance instead.

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