Panic Attacks While Driving – Here’s What To Do When Panic Strikes
Panics attacks while driving are not only a danger to you, but a danger to others. Although a panic attack is harmless to the wellbeing of your mind and body, having one while driving can result in an accident, so it’s very important to know how to deal with panic attacks if you’re a driver. The point of this article is to provide you with the right information for knowing what to do if you suffer from panic attacks while driving. Knowing this information can also be helpful if you’re in a car being driven by someone who suffers from panic attacks, as you can help them to relax and instruct them on what to do.
Actual driving itself can be a stressful task for many people. There are fast and furious drivers everywhere, and it can be difficult not to succumb to road rage. Driving can result in stressful and pressuring situations, any of which can lead to panic attacks. Some people actually only get panic attacks while driving, and this is known simply as driving anxiety. We’re going to look at some simple ways to avoid driving anxiety, as well as how to deal with panic attacks when they happen.
1. A great tip is to listen to music that you enjoy while driving. Whether it is a car radio or an MP3 player, enjoyable music can help you to relax. It helps to take your mind away from the stress of driving, and it’s providing you with something comforting and familiar.
2. Don’t just focus on the action of driving alone. Take in your surroundings. Look at the scenery. If the action of driving is the only thing on your mind, you’re more likely to end up getting anxious and having a panic attacks. It’s mostly just about distracting yourself in order to avoid panic attacks while driving.
3. When a panic attack does take place, pull over as soon as you safely can. Learn to recognize the symptoms of a panic attack. Therefore, you can pull over safely before the symptoms deteriorate into a full-blown attack. When pulled over, get out of your car and try walking around a little. Take deep breaths and hold them in for about 10-15 seconds at a time. After this, try only breathing through your nose while walking around briskly.
4. Although I prefer natural methods of subsiding panic attacks, panic attacks while driving are particularly dangerous, so be sure to have some anti-anxiety medication on hand. Take some when an attack takes place. It’s also helpful to have water at hand so you can take your medication. It’s important to get your heart rate down if it’s racing.
5. Keep a paper bag in your car, as breathing in and out of it during an attack is good for preventing hyperventilation, which is one of the most common symptoms suffered during panic attacks while driving.
I hope that these tips will help you drive calmly and reach your destination safely!
Learn more about panic attacks while driving and discover quick solutions to deal with driving anxiety.