Driving can be a scary experience and some people may need panic attacks help to get back in the driving seat. It’s not uncommon to feel a little nervous driving but some of us may find it extremely difficult or impossible to get in a car, without fear of having a panic attack. Each person may have their reason for fearing to drive. Having been in an accident or knowing someone close who’s been in one can trigger fear and anxiety about driving.
Having an anxiety attack is just the body’s way of responding to a threat or fear. Emotional fear is enough to activate the fight or flight response. In prehistoric times the stress response enabled man to fight with more speed, strength and alertness. Come the 21st century and the stress response is no longer being faced by a hungry beast with big teeth. Today we find that the biggest cause of the stress response is stress itself.
We have all experienced stress and the symptoms of stress at some point in our lives and especially those with anxiety or depressive disorders. Anxious or depressed people have a higher sensitivity to stress and find that they become easily nervous and stressed. Fear of driving can develop gradually and is not always linked to a traumatic experience. Several small incidences of panic can build up and cause an attack.
Getting caught in a traffic jam, missing your exit on the freeway, driving at night and driving over bridges; these are common situations that nervous drivers dread. A panic attack can come on extremely quickly. The heart starts to pound, the body tightens up and the driver fears of losing control over the vehicle. This kind of event can be very damaging and traumatic to the human psyche.
It’s understandable some drivers get anxious about driving again. Some people may be happy to not drive again while others may seek panic attacks treatment to cure their fear. For some people it may be impractical to not drive.
Anti-anxiety medication or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy are two forms of panic attacks help you might expect from your physician. It’s essential to speak to a physician before taking any medication before driving. Because medication sometimes cause side effects, they shouldn’t be taken when driving. Non-medicated ways of treatment such as CBT and exposure therapy are much more suited.
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. If you’re very anxious or stressed, avoid getting in the car. Before driving get yourself in a relaxed state through breathing exercises. 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. Don’t drive when the roads are really busy. When driving, play some music to help you relax and be aware of your body. Take nice and slow easy breaths and let your shoulders drop. Reassure yourself with positive self talk like I am a confident driver and I will get to my destination safe and sound.’
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.