Panic Attacks While Driving: Here's What To Do If You Have One.
Articles - Lifestyle
If you have ever experienced panic attacks then you can be sure it has been one of the most frightening experiences you have ever had. But have you ever had panic attacks while driving? Perhaps out of all the places you can have a panic attack this is the one that can scare you the most.
by GregNejedly


If you have ever experienced panic attacks then you can be sure it has been one of the most frightening experiences you have ever had. But have you ever had panic attacks while driving? Perhaps out of all the places you can have a panic attack this is the one that can scare you the most.

Amongst many others, one of the most common symptoms that are reported is the fear of dying. Clearly not something that is helpful when you are driving. This may not help you at the time, but take some comfort knowing that panic attacks are not dangerous and will never kill you.

Perhaps the one area where a panic attack can impact your life the most, is when you begin having panic attacks while driving. After all how many of us depend on our cars to get us around? We use the car for pretty much everything we need to do including getting to work or doing the shopping etc. If this is you, then I'm sure you're incredibly frustrated because it's not something you can do without.

Just because you had a panic attack in the car once, it does not mean you will have one every time you drive. You will be aware of the potential and perhaps feel the onslaught of the same bodily sensations but it does not necessarily mean it will turn into a full-blown panic attack.

If you start to notice yourself beginning to have a panic attack while you're behind the steering wheel, here are some very effective techniques you can use immediately:

1) Pay attention to the radio, switch through the channels and see what else is on. Think about whether you like what you hear and what the disc jockey or presenters are wearing.

2) Slow your breathing down by breathing in and out through your nose making sure you breathe from your stomach and not high up in the chest.

3) Rub your hands across the steering wheel and focus on the texture. Ask yourself what does it feel like, describe the feeling in as much detail as you can. Is it soft, rough, bumpy?

4) Any negative thoughts you counteract with positive self-talk. Eg. "I'm going to die", is replaced with "This is just anxiety-I'll let it pass quickly".

Completely destroy panic attacks while driving

DISCLAIMER: This article is provided as information only and is not to be taken as financial advice.