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. Stop on the shoulder. Pull over immediately to the side if you feel a panic attack is inevitable. If you’re on the highway, you can stop at the nearest exit instead. It is better to stop for a few minutes and let the condition pass. Do the sensible thing and stop to avoid any untoward incidents.
2. Turn on some soothing music. When you can’t pull over right away, you can lower your stress levels naturally by turning on some soothing music and giving your mind a break. Focus less on what is happening to you, and just hone in on the music. This is a safe distraction that will help you stay on course and lower your risk of having a full-blown panic attack.
3. Open the windows. If you don’t have the opportunity to pull over, get some fresh oxygen into the car by opening all of the windows and taking a few deep breaths. Breathing deeply is important for maintaining mental clarity when you start to feel anxious, and some fresh air can help to clear your head as well.
4. Pull over and call someone you trust. Using your phone will decrease your focus on the road so it would be wise to stop first before dialing. Stop on the side of the road, breath in deeply and call someone that you can trust. Telling others how you feel can feel reassuring thus lowering your anxiety.
5. Practice affirmations. Telling yourself that you are going to be just fine and that you are a good driver can help to make you feel more empowered and in control of the situation. Say affirmations out loud if you need to, or just write them down and post them somewhere on your dashboard as a constant reminder. Getting into the habit of saying positive affirmations can help you take control over your mental state at the most critical moments.
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. Pack some healthy snacks. If you’ve been driving for a long period of time, dehydration and hunger can make you feel dizzy and may even trigger the panicky feelings. Pack some light, healthy foods that you can snack on when your body seems to be pumping out the adrenaline.
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