What to Do If You Get a Panic Attack While Driving
A Panic Attack While Driving Can Be Very Dangerous If you suffer from panic attacks, then probably one of your greatest fears is having one while driving.
Or maybe you've had one before and you worry about having one again.
Although there may not be anything you can do to 100% avoid a panic attack once you get into your car, there are steps you can take if you feel an attack coming on.
It's best to be prepared so that you don't have to stop driving completely due to the fear of having an attack in the car.
Pull Over Immediately If you feel an attack coming on, pull over immediately.
If you can't pull over then come to a stop as soon as you can and park your car.
Remember that an actual panic attack will usually last about 15 to 20 minutes so just sit on the side of the road or in a parking area until it has passed.
If you can, take the streets instead of the freeway, so it will be easier to pull over if you need to.
Breathe and Count Numbers If you hold your breathe, carbon dioxide will build up in your blood, which will make you light headed and possibly lead to another panic attack.
It is important to take deep and slow breaths.
It may sound silly, but another easy technique you can do is to count numbers in your head.
Count backwards from 100 by 3's or pick a topic like "fruit" and think of as many fruits as you can.
Listen to Some Soothing Music Keep a relaxing CD handy.
Close your eyes and focus on the music.
If possible, recline your seat and relax your entire body.
Continue to breathe deeply and slowly.
Call A Friend or Spouse It can sometimes help if you have someone to talk to.
Keep your cell phone with you at all times and phone a friend or family member during a panic attack.
This can give you some sense of security or safety.
Hopefully it is someone you are close to who knows about your panic disorder.
Let them know what is going on so they can talk you through it.
Try a Natural Remedy for Relaxation Many medications should not be taken while driving so keep a natural anxiety relief treatment on hand.
You can take it daily and during a panic attack.
Or maybe you've had one before and you worry about having one again.
Although there may not be anything you can do to 100% avoid a panic attack once you get into your car, there are steps you can take if you feel an attack coming on.
It's best to be prepared so that you don't have to stop driving completely due to the fear of having an attack in the car.
Pull Over Immediately If you feel an attack coming on, pull over immediately.
If you can't pull over then come to a stop as soon as you can and park your car.
Remember that an actual panic attack will usually last about 15 to 20 minutes so just sit on the side of the road or in a parking area until it has passed.
If you can, take the streets instead of the freeway, so it will be easier to pull over if you need to.
Breathe and Count Numbers If you hold your breathe, carbon dioxide will build up in your blood, which will make you light headed and possibly lead to another panic attack.
It is important to take deep and slow breaths.
It may sound silly, but another easy technique you can do is to count numbers in your head.
Count backwards from 100 by 3's or pick a topic like "fruit" and think of as many fruits as you can.
Listen to Some Soothing Music Keep a relaxing CD handy.
Close your eyes and focus on the music.
If possible, recline your seat and relax your entire body.
Continue to breathe deeply and slowly.
Call A Friend or Spouse It can sometimes help if you have someone to talk to.
Keep your cell phone with you at all times and phone a friend or family member during a panic attack.
This can give you some sense of security or safety.
Hopefully it is someone you are close to who knows about your panic disorder.
Let them know what is going on so they can talk you through it.
Try a Natural Remedy for Relaxation Many medications should not be taken while driving so keep a natural anxiety relief treatment on hand.
You can take it daily and during a panic attack.
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