Panic Attacks Driving - What to Do If You Have a Panic Attack on the Road
Panic attacks are bad enough experiences on their own, panic attacks driving can take them to a whole new level of terror 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.
First, you should be aware of your general thoughts patterns and anxiety levels.
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.
Panic attacks won't kill you and neither will embarrassment, but automobile accidents kill millions.
Once you're off the road, it's no different from a regular anxiety 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 can stop it mid-cycle you'll find a modicum of control and it will go easier.
Some recommend using soothing music as an aid.
This may or may not help you during the actual panic attack, but it will do wonders in the aftermath, helping you to calm down, get a grip, and move on.
If you have panic attacks driving, you may also want to keep a cell phone available as a sort of "safety blanket.
" It helps knowing you can have someone talk you down, let them know what's going on, or get them to come rescue you if absolutely necessary.
Whether or not you actually do it, it will make a world of difference just knowing you have that option.
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.
First, you should be aware of your general thoughts patterns and anxiety levels.
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.
Panic attacks won't kill you and neither will embarrassment, but automobile accidents kill millions.
Once you're off the road, it's no different from a regular anxiety 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 can stop it mid-cycle you'll find a modicum of control and it will go easier.
Some recommend using soothing music as an aid.
This may or may not help you during the actual panic attack, but it will do wonders in the aftermath, helping you to calm down, get a grip, and move on.
If you have panic attacks driving, you may also want to keep a cell phone available as a sort of "safety blanket.
" It helps knowing you can have someone talk you down, let them know what's going on, or get them to come rescue you if absolutely necessary.
Whether or not you actually do it, it will make a world of difference just knowing you have that option.
