For the last twenty years you have been driving your car without trouble but one day and without a warning while you are driving, you feel dizzy, have difficulty breathing, and a feeling of dread takes over you. The terror increases when you feel you are going to lose control at the wheel. You could be having a panic attack, not a heart attack. But after this episode, you might not want to drive your car again for fear of another panic attack.
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.
The first time you have a panic attack while driving, you might not recognize the symptoms - increasing dread and fear, shakes and sweating. You may start to worry about hazardous road conditions, having a breakdown or getting stuck in traffic.
If you feel a panic attack coming on, pull over and stop driving - you won't drive safely in this state. Pull over, take deep breaths and wait until you relax.
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.
An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure - something which is certainly true of panic attacks. Daily B complex vitamin supplements can help to reduce your attacks, but ask your doctor about what dosage they suggest for daily intake.
Always follow the recommendations of your physician and make sure to attend any one on one or group therapy sessions consistently. The support that being around others who suffer from panic attacks provides can be invaluable.
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.
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.
The first time you have a panic attack while driving, you might not recognize the symptoms - increasing dread and fear, shakes and sweating. You may start to worry about hazardous road conditions, having a breakdown or getting stuck in traffic.
If you feel a panic attack coming on, pull over and stop driving - you won't drive safely in this state. Pull over, take deep breaths and wait until you relax.
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.
An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure - something which is certainly true of panic attacks. Daily B complex vitamin supplements can help to reduce your attacks, but ask your doctor about what dosage they suggest for daily intake.
Always follow the recommendations of your physician and make sure to attend any one on one or group therapy sessions consistently. The support that being around others who suffer from panic attacks provides can be invaluable.
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.
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