Panic Attacks Treatment For Anxious Drivers
Driving can be a scary experience and some people may need Panic attacks help to get back in the driving seat. Getting nervous about driving is common, however fear of driving may prevent some people from driving at all. Causes of such dread depends on each individual. Being involved in a car crash or hearing about one can cause emotional trauma and feelings of anxiety and dread.
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. 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.
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. Fear of driving can develop gradually and is not always linked to a traumatic experience. Several small incidences of panic can build up and cause an attack.
Getting caught in a traffic jam, missing your exit on the freeway, driving at night and driving over bridges; these are common situations that nervous drivers dread. 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. It is a terrifying experience that can put both the driver and others around them at risk.
It’s not surprising that some people refuse of dread getting back into a vehicle. 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.
Anti-anxiety medication or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy are two forms of panic attacks help you might expect from your physician. 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. There are possible side effects with prescription medication such as drowsiness that could make driving more dangerous. Non-medicated ways of treatment such as CBT and exposure therapy are much more suited.
Other means of Panic attacks help include therapies such as EFT and hypnotherapy as well as visualization and meditation. If you’re a nervous driver it’s important to be prepared before driving. Avoid driving if you feel extremely anxious. Spend a few minutes breathing deeply to relax you before you travel. 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. Don’t drive when the roads are really busy. Turn on the radio to help soothe your nerves. 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.
If you start to feel anxious, don’t worry, continue to breathe deeply and reassure yourself that it’s just adrenaline in your body. As soon as you think that you’re going to have a panic attack, find a safe place to pull over. You may find breathing into a paper bag helpful for controlling your breath. Wait until you calm down before getting back on the road, or if it’s possible, call somebody to pick you up.
Get The Answers Your Looking For: Panic Attacks from Nathan Tyler on Vimeo.