A Guide On Panic Attacks Help For Nervous Drivers
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. During man’s early years, where fending off prey was necessary, the adrenaline fueled fight or flight response was key to man’s survival. 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.
Stress affects everyone and particularly people with stress related illnesses. Tests reveal that people with anxiety disorders have a far more sensitive response to stress and anxiety than the average person. It’s not always a single traumatic event that causes one to fear driving. In most cases a number of smaller frightening experiences lead up to a panic attack.
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. In just a few seconds a little fear can turn into a panic attack. 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.
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. While medication can reduce the risk of attacks and symptoms, it is essential to seek advice from a doctor. 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. Being prepared can help you get through your anxieties of driving. If you’re very anxious or stressed, avoid getting in the car. 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. If possible avoid peak driving times. 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. Use reassuring and positive statements and imagine getting to your destination safely and calmly.
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. If a panic attack is inevitable pull over to a safe area as soon as possible. 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.