Driving can be a scary experience and some people may need Panic Attacks Help to get back in the driving seat. 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. Being involved in a car crash or hearing about one can cause emotional trauma and feelings of anxiety and dread.

When a person perceives a threat or danger the body responds to this, which in some people can be interpreted as an anxiety attack. 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. With no fear of being eaten in modern society, the fight or flight response has lost some of its usefulness. Our biggest enemy today is stress, and this alone can trigger the response unnecessarily.

Stress affects everyone and particularly people with stress related illnesses. 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. A driver might feel their chest hurt, temperature increase and muscles shake uncontrollably. The added fear of crashing makes it an even more horrifying and dangerous experience.

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.

Anti-anxiety medication or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy are two forms of panic attacks help you might expect from your physician. Anxiety medication may help reduce symptoms of anxiety and the occurrence of panic attacks, but advice from a doctor must be sought before taking medication. Some medications may cause drowsiness and impair driving. Non-medicated ways of treatment such as CBT and exposure therapy are much more suited.

Less known methods of Panic attacks help such as hypnotherapy and Emotional Freedom Technique can also be effective at talking this fear. If you’re a nervous driver it’s important to be prepared before driving. Avoid driving if you feel extremely anxious. Spend a few minutes breathing deeply to relax you before you travel. Ensure that you take a cell phone in case of an emergency and some music to listen.

Ensure that you plan your route carefully and you know exactly where you’re going. If possible avoid peak driving times. Turn on the radio to help soothe your nerves. Keep your shoulders relaxed and breathe steadily. Remind yourself that you will arrive safe and sound, and use positive affirmations.

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. As soon as you think that you’re going to have a panic attack, find a safe place to pull over. Use a paper bag to help you breathe if you begin to hyperventilate. Wait until you calm down before getting back on the road, or if it’s possible, call somebody to pick you up.

Get The Answers Your Looking For: Panic Attacks from Nathan Tyler on Vimeo.