Panic Attacks Treatment For Those Who Fear Driving
Panic Attacks Help is essential for those that have had attacks on the road and continue to drive in fear. Getting nervous about driving is common, however fear of driving may prevent some people from driving at all. Each person may have their reason for fearing to drive. A traumatic experience such as being involved in a car accident or witnessing one, can ingrain terrifying thoughts and images into the subconscious.
A panic attack although frightening is nothing more than a natural nervous response to counteract a danger. Simply having feelings, thoughts and images of fear can trigger the ‘fight or flight’ response. In prehistoric times the stress response enabled man to fight with more speed, strength and alertness. However, in the modern world this response has become more redundant. Our biggest enemy today is stress, and this alone can trigger the response unnecessarily.
We have all experienced stress and the symptoms of stress at some point in our lives and especially those with anxiety or depressive disorders. Persons with a phobia or anxiety disorder generally possess a more sympathetic nervous system. Fear of driving can develop gradually and is not always linked to a traumatic experience. In most cases a number of smaller frightening experiences lead up to a panic 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. All of a sudden your heartbeat is racing, you begin to sweat profusely and you feel like your losing control. It is a terrifying experience that can put both the driver and others around them at risk.
It’s understandable some drivers get anxious about driving again. 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. For some people it may be impractical to not drive.
Common panic attacks help comes in the form of therapy or medication. While medication can reduce the risk of attacks and symptoms, it is essential to seek advice from a doctor. There are possible side effects with prescription medication such as drowsiness that could make driving more dangerous. Therapies that require no use of medication are perhaps better suited to this phobia.
Other means of Panic attacks help include therapies such as EFT and hypnotherapy as well as visualization and meditation. Being prepared can help you get through your anxieties of driving. Avoid driving if you feel extremely anxious. Before driving get yourself in a relaxed state through breathing exercises. Take a mobile phone, a snack, a CD and a paper bag with you.
Ensure that you plan your route carefully and you know exactly where you’re going. Don’t drive when the roads are really busy. When driving, play some music to help you relax and be aware of your body. As you drive, keep a relaxed and steady breath, and relax you body. Reassure yourself with positive self talk like ‘I am a confident driver and I will get to my destination safe and sound.’
When symptoms of anxiety start it can be frightening, but stay composed, breathe and remember that what you’re feeling is merely the overproduction of adrenaline and the sensations will subside. If you think that you’re about to have a panic attack, get safely to an area you can stop and recover. Some people find breathing into a paper bag helps them to calm down. Make sure to give yourself time to calm before driving again and if you can’t drive, call for help.
Posted: February 6th, 2010 under Healing Foods.
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