Kathy Stielsa

Posts Tagged ‘panic attack’

You may have been driving for decades and never had a problem and then it happens without any advance warning. You begin feeling dizzy, find it difficult to breathe and you’re filled with dread which becomes even worse once you think of the possibility of losing control of the vehicle. You may be having a panic attack and after having this happen to you, you might fear driving again.

You might receive the advice to drive more often to confront your fears. In your case, the panic attack is brought on by the thought of driving and no amount on confronting your fears can help you. But the panic attacks can be triggered anywhere and at unexpected moments. But what should you do if you have a panic attack while driving? Knowing what to do can ease your anxieties in case it does happen while you at the wheel.

If you have not experienced a panic attack you might not recognize the clammy hands, shakes, and mounting terror as a panic. Your anxiety may be brought on by worrying over your safety on the road, a car breakdown in the middle of nowhere, or getting trapped in traffic.

At the onset of a panic attack while you are driving your car, pull over. During a panic attack, it seems that all cars are racing towards you. That is just your imagination or ugly intrusive thoughts going haywire. Sit up straight, take a deep breath, and regulate your breathing until you are relaxed. Breathing in through your noise and exhaling through your mouth can lessen the attack.

A panic attack may last for anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes, so take all the time you need to calm down. If you have some water handy, have a drink. Dehydration can cause or exacerbate panic attacks. If you’ve been prescribed medication for your condition, take one of these pills and relax as you wait for the attack to end. It’s a good idea to keep a bottle of water in your car and a brown paper bag to breathe in. You’ll get over an attack quicker if you ride it out instead of trying to fight it.

With panic attacks as with any other condition, prevention is always better than a cure. You can help to prevent panic attacks by taking daily vitamin B complex supplements; ask your doctor what they recommend as a daily dosage.

Follow doctor’s orders. If you are signing up for therapeutic counselling, be consistent with your attendance. During those sessions, you can get help and be inspired by the stories of others trying to beat panic attacks.

A word of caution - don’t drive alone. Always have somebody with you or let somebody drive for you if your panic attacks are frequent and severe. Having someone with you may allay those fears that bring on those panic attacks.