Panic attacks Driving - How to Handle a Panic Attack on the Road
Panic attacks in and of themselves are terrible experiences. Panic attacks driving can be a whole new level of scary though. The racing heartbeat, the cold sweats, chest pains and blurred vision all while you need to stay in control of your vehicle and be aware of your surroundings. It is far from a pleasant feeling, but there are precautions you can take to make the ordeal easier, should you run into it.
Point one is that you should always be aware of your thoughts and how your body is responding. Also take note of things or thoughts that often raise your anxiety level or lead to panic attacks driving. This can give you the critical heads up you need to get off the road and calm down before the brunt of the attack hits.
Next, obviously, is getting off the road or stopping. If the situation is bad enough don't be afraid to use your emergency blinkers to help. Keep in mind that you aren't going to die from a panic attack or from embarassment, but you may from a car crash if you lose control.
After getting out of traffic and stopping, there's no difference from a regular panic attack. It's not pleasant, but the danger is over. Try to break the cycle in your head if possible. Generally you end up going over the same frightening thought or idea over and over, faster and faster, revving up. If you break the thought loop while it's gaining momentum, you'll find yourself surprised at the amount of control you have compared to what you expected.
Some recommend using soothing music as an aid. The world seems to tune out in the course of the actual panic attack, so it may or may not help then, but afterwords it can do wonders to help you fall back into your regular rhythm.
Another thing that helps with panic attacks driving is keeping a cell phone with you. Knowing you can have someone to talk to to calm you down, let know what has happened, or even rescue you helps tremendously. Whether or not you actually do it, it will make a world of difference just knowing you have that option.
Point one is that you should always be aware of your thoughts and how your body is responding. Also take note of things or thoughts that often raise your anxiety level or lead to panic attacks driving. This can give you the critical heads up you need to get off the road and calm down before the brunt of the attack hits.
Next, obviously, is getting off the road or stopping. If the situation is bad enough don't be afraid to use your emergency blinkers to help. Keep in mind that you aren't going to die from a panic attack or from embarassment, but you may from a car crash if you lose control.
After getting out of traffic and stopping, there's no difference from a regular panic attack. It's not pleasant, but the danger is over. Try to break the cycle in your head if possible. Generally you end up going over the same frightening thought or idea over and over, faster and faster, revving up. If you break the thought loop while it's gaining momentum, you'll find yourself surprised at the amount of control you have compared to what you expected.
Some recommend using soothing music as an aid. The world seems to tune out in the course of the actual panic attack, so it may or may not help then, but afterwords it can do wonders to help you fall back into your regular rhythm.
Another thing that helps with panic attacks driving is keeping a cell phone with you. Knowing you can have someone to talk to to calm you down, let know what has happened, or even rescue you helps tremendously. Whether or not you actually do it, it will make a world of difference just knowing you have that option.
Discover How you Can Be Rid of Panic Attacks on the Road or Off for Good
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