How to Manage Panic Attacks When 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. Pullover to the side of the road. Drive to the road’s shoulder or take the next exit whenever you feel you’ll be having an attack. It is best to stop and regain composure after a panic attack since driving demands the driver’s full attention and concentration. Pull over so as not to put your life and the life other motorists in danger.
2. Listen to calming tunes. Some calming music can naturally decrease your anxiety and can help in delaying the attack until its possible to pull over. Soothing music can calm your nerves and can relieve your anxiety.
3. Open your car’s windows. Breathing in some oxygen will help you feel more comfortable and the feeling of being enclosed can disappear if you open your windows. Oxygen and deep breathing is critical for mental focus and lowering stress levels.
4. Pull over and call someone. If you need someone to talk to, don’t make the mistake of trying to call while maneuvering the car. Pull over, take a few deep breathes, and call someone you can trust to let them know what you are experiencing. Sometimes telling someone what is going on can help you work through it and may even lower your risk of a panic attack.
5. Stating positive statements. Positive statements such as “I am a good driver” and “everything is going well” can influence your mood for the better. Say these statements to yourselves while driving or just place a reminder of the affirmation somewhere in your car. Affirmations won’t necessarily yield dramatic results the first time you use them. Practice using affirmations everyday to get the most out of the benefits they provide.
6. Take someone with you when you drive. If the act of driving is what is causing the anxiety that might trigger a panic attack, always plan to take someone with you. If the stress of driving from Point A to Point B becomes too much, you can always ask this other person to do the driving for you.
7. Bring some healthy snacks. Driving for long periods can cause dehydration and hunger which further aggravates panic attacks. Always bring some healthy snacks to provide your body with the energy it needs to stay focus.
If you have ever suffered from anxiety when interacting with people, or have fear of leaving your home, there is good news. A non-pharmaceutical anxiety treatment that can help you to free yourself from the unsettling thoughts that may lead to panic attacks.
