Panic Attacks
While Driving
How To Stop Panic Attacks In A
Car
Certain situations exist where a panic attack can lead to
catastrophic events, one of which is while driving a car. Under
any circumstances, you need to be alert while driving a car and
panic attacks while driving could possibly end up in
a serious accident. If you feel as if an attack is about to
occur and you are behind the wheel, it is advisable to park the
car as soon as possible and wait until you calm down before
setting off again.
If you suffer from panic attacks when driving, you need to
think about the origins of this. It is likely that a traumatic
event like a crash has caused you to associate driving with a
sense of fear. Learning how to stop panic attacks in a car is
very similar to learning how to stop attacks in general. The
difference is that you are not able to face your fears in the
same way because it is too dangerous. It is not sensible to
drive around waiting for attacks to come on and then practicing
control and calming techniques, while behind the wheel. This
makes the steps to learn how to stop panic attacks in a car a
bit more difficult.
The Root Cause
To learn how to stop panic attacks in a car, you need to think
back on the origins of them. Most people with this problem find
that there was a time when they were able to drive a car
without any problems. There was a distinct point when this
changed. An significant occurrence like an accident in the car,
which caused injury, had a permanent after-effect. Some people
are unable to even go in a car without getting a bit nervous.
They find it impossible to concentrate properly when driving or
to relax.
Relaxation Exercises
It will take some time to get over the fear of panic attacks
while driving. Without going near a car, sit comfortably and
close your eyes. Breathe deep breaths and concentrate on your
breathing. Continue until you reach a state of relaxation and
your mind is clear, thinking only about your breathing. Relax
all of your muscles. Next, picture the car and imagine yourself
getting behind the wheel and driving off, doing the things that
tend to make you nervous in reality. It is very important that
you imagine yourself as confident and in control as you are
doing this. After repeating this exercise enough times that you
are completely relaxed all the way through it, you are ready
for the next step. It may take some time to get to this as
thinking about driving will make you tense at
first.
Don't actually drive off anywhere at first. Just get into the
car behind the wheel and think about what it will be like to
drive the car. Picture yourself being completely in control and
at ease with driving. Make sure you know everything about your
car, every function of every button and lever. The car is your
possession and know that you control what it does. After some
time, you will be able to go for a drive. Start out slow and go
for a drive in the country or round the block. Work up to more
difficult situations. Soon, the risk of panic attacks while
driving will be very small.
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