Fear On The Road; Panic Attacks Help
Panic attacks help is essential for those that have had attacks on the road and continue to drive in fear. There are those who are terrified of driving and find it hard to get into a car even as a passenger. Causes of such dread depends on each individual. Having been in an accident or knowing someone close who's been in one can trigger fear and anxiety about driving.
When a person perceives a threat or danger the body responds to this, which in some people can be interpreted as an anxiety attack. This stress response can be set off with mere thoughts and feelings of danger. In prehistoric times the stress response enabled man to fight with more speed, strength and alertness. 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.
We have all experienced stress and the symptoms of stress at some point in our lives and especially those with anxiety or depressive disorders. Persons with a phobia or anxiety disorder generally possess a more sympathetic nervous system. Driving fears may sometimes be linked to a distressing experience but usually they develop over time. Several small incidences of panic can build up and cause an attack.
People who fear driving may have specific reasons that cause them anxiety such as; being held up in traffic, driving through bad weather, driving down a hill and getting lost. In just a few seconds a little fear can turn into a panic attack. A driver might feel their chest hurt, temperature increase and muscles shake uncontrollably. This kind of event can be very damaging and traumatic to the human psyche.
It's understandable some drivers get anxious about driving again. Some people may be happy to not drive again while others may seek panic attacks treatment to cure their fear. For some people it may be impractical to not drive.
Common panic attacks help comes in the form of therapy or medication. Anxiety medication may help reduce symptoms of anxiety and the occurrence of panic attacks, but advice from a doctor must be sought before taking medication. Because medication sometimes cause side effects, they shouldn't be taken when driving. Therapies that require no use of medication are perhaps better suited to this phobia.
Breathing exercises, EFT and positive affirmations are also useful for those looking for alternative panic attacks help. Preparation is a great help for those who are anxious about driving. If you're very anxious or stressed, avoid getting in the car. Go through a breathing exercise to calm you before you drive. Ensure that you take a cell phone in case of an emergency and some music to listen.
Ensure that you plan your route carefully and you know exactly where you're going. If possible avoid peak driving times. When driving, play some music to help you relax and be aware of your body. As you drive, keep a relaxed and steady breath, and relax you body. 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. If you don't feel fit to drive don't, try to call for assistance instead.
When a person perceives a threat or danger the body responds to this, which in some people can be interpreted as an anxiety attack. This stress response can be set off with mere thoughts and feelings of danger. In prehistoric times the stress response enabled man to fight with more speed, strength and alertness. 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.
We have all experienced stress and the symptoms of stress at some point in our lives and especially those with anxiety or depressive disorders. Persons with a phobia or anxiety disorder generally possess a more sympathetic nervous system. Driving fears may sometimes be linked to a distressing experience but usually they develop over time. Several small incidences of panic can build up and cause an attack.
People who fear driving may have specific reasons that cause them anxiety such as; being held up in traffic, driving through bad weather, driving down a hill and getting lost. In just a few seconds a little fear can turn into a panic attack. A driver might feel their chest hurt, temperature increase and muscles shake uncontrollably. This kind of event can be very damaging and traumatic to the human psyche.
It's understandable some drivers get anxious about driving again. Some people may be happy to not drive again while others may seek panic attacks treatment to cure their fear. For some people it may be impractical to not drive.
Common panic attacks help comes in the form of therapy or medication. Anxiety medication may help reduce symptoms of anxiety and the occurrence of panic attacks, but advice from a doctor must be sought before taking medication. Because medication sometimes cause side effects, they shouldn't be taken when driving. Therapies that require no use of medication are perhaps better suited to this phobia.
Breathing exercises, EFT and positive affirmations are also useful for those looking for alternative panic attacks help. Preparation is a great help for those who are anxious about driving. If you're very anxious or stressed, avoid getting in the car. Go through a breathing exercise to calm you before you drive. Ensure that you take a cell phone in case of an emergency and some music to listen.
Ensure that you plan your route carefully and you know exactly where you're going. If possible avoid peak driving times. When driving, play some music to help you relax and be aware of your body. As you drive, keep a relaxed and steady breath, and relax you body. 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. If you don't feel fit to drive don't, try to call for assistance instead.
