Dealing With Panic Attacks While Driving
People of all ages experience panic attacks for a variety of reasons, but since these attacks can happen out-of-the-blue, some people can be at risk for accidents and injury. If you suffer from panic attacks and drive regularly, you could be putting yourself and your passengers at risk each time you hit the road. Common symptoms of an oncoming panic attack include rapid heartbeat, sweaty palms and dizziness, so becoming self-aware is an important step towards avoiding an accident. If you are at risk for having a panic attack, here are some important tips for handling panic attacks while driving:
1. Pull over. If it’s possible, pull off to the side of the road or take the next exit so you can get your bearings. Having a panic attack while driving can make you feel overwhelmed and disoriented, so you may need to take a break, stretch your legs and regain perspective. Don’t force yourself to push on through because you could be putting yourself at risk for an accident.
2. Listen to calming tunes. Some calming music can naturally decrease your anxiety and can help in delaying the attack until its possible to pull over. Soothing music can calm your nerves and can relieve your anxiety.
3. Open your car’s windows. Breathing in some oxygen will help you feel more comfortable and the feeling of being enclosed can disappear if you open your windows. Oxygen and deep breathing is critical for mental focus and lowering stress levels.
4. Pull over and call someone. If you need someone to talk to, don’t make the mistake of trying to call while maneuvering the car. Pull over, take a few deep breathes, and call someone you can trust to let them know what you are experiencing. Sometimes telling someone what is going on can help you work through it and may even lower your risk of a panic attack.
5. Saying Affirmations. Saying affirmations such as “everything is under control” can help relieve your nerves. You can either say these affirmations out loud or write them on post-its and place them on your dashboard. It would take some time to develop this habit, but you can be sure to benefit greatly from it.
6. Have someone accompany you when you drive. If you already know that there’s a high percentage of you having a panic attack while driving, then it would be wise to have someone drive with you. You can always ask your trusted companion to take the wheel if ever you feel you can’t drive anymore.
7. Bring some healthy snacks. Driving for long periods can cause dehydration and hunger which further aggravates panic attacks. Always bring some healthy snacks to provide your body with the energy it needs to stay focus.
Millions of people suffer from panic disorders that can occur when in public or just travelling away from home. Now there is a non-pharmaceutical anxiety treatment that can help you to free yourself from the unsettling thoughts that may lead to panic attacks.
Use the Highlighter