Panic Attacks Treatment On The Road
Thousands of drivers who have had an anxiety attack while driving fail to seek Panic attacks help. 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. 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.
Having an anxiety attack is just the body’s way of responding to a threat or fear. 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. 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.
This is a common problem, and in people with phobias and anxiety disorders it is much more frequent. 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. 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. 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. While some people simply stop driving, Panic Attacks Treatment can help those who want to conquer their anxiety and start driving again. For some people it may be impractical to not drive.
Common panic attacks help comes in the form of therapy or medication. It’s essential to speak to a physician before taking any medication before driving. Some medications may cause drowsiness and impair driving. Therapies that require no use of medication are perhaps better suited to this phobia.
Less known methods of Panic Attacks help such as hypnotherapy and Emotional Freedom Technique can also be effective at talking this fear. Preparation is a great help for those who are anxious about driving. Avoid driving if you feel extremely anxious. Before driving get yourself in a relaxed state through breathing exercises. Take a mobile phone, a snack, a CD and a paper bag with you.
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. Keep your shoulders relaxed and breathe steadily. Remind yourself that you will arrive safe and sound, and use positive affirmations.
At the beginning of an attack you might feel a little panicky but keep breathing steadily and recognize these sensations as no more than excess adrenaline. As soon as you think that you’re going to have a panic attack, find a safe place to pull over. Use a paper bag to help you breathe if you begin to hyperventilate. Wait until you calm down before getting back on the road, or if it’s possible, call somebody to pick you up.

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