Panic Attacks Support Group
A panic attack is a period of intense fear or discomfort, typically with an abrupt onset and usually lasting no more than thirty minutes. Symptoms include trembling, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, sweating, nausea, dizziness, hyperventilation, and sensations of choking or smothering. Panic attacks can be very sudden, appear to be unprovoked, and are often...
cars are important for sufferers and can be their mobile castle or place of safety. some can only stay in a shop if they can see their car thru the shop window outside. some cant be a passenger but are OK as the driver as they feel in control
anxiety or panic when driving should be accepted and worked thru, park the car if possible, get out and walk around
valium etc helps but the sedation has to be watched and it may not be legal in some places
self medication with alcahol is common with some panic disorder sufferers being only able to drive if legally drunk......
remember to do the deep slow breathing, to accept the anxiety and to not tense up or fight back against it
it helps to take some favourite music to listen to or sing along with the car radio, some give lectures out loud, tense and relax your grip on the wheel
back roads are OK to avoid freeways. a long journey can be broken into 15 minute sections with stops to get out walk around, etc
it must be stressed that panic attacks dont cause crashes, we are all safe drivers.Its important to stay in practise by continuing to drive
any suggestions or comments?
anxiety or panic when driving should be accepted and worked thru, park the car if possible, get out and walk around
valium etc helps but the sedation has to be watched and it may not be legal in some places
self medication with alcahol is common with some panic disorder sufferers being only able to drive if legally drunk......
remember to do the deep slow breathing, to accept the anxiety and to not tense up or fight back against it
it helps to take some favourite music to listen to or sing along with the car radio, some give lectures out loud, tense and relax your grip on the wheel
back roads are OK to avoid freeways. a long journey can be broken into 15 minute sections with stops to get out walk around, etc
it must be stressed that panic attacks dont cause crashes, we are all safe drivers.Its important to stay in practise by continuing to drive
any suggestions or comments?
Also simple things like always having water with you also mint gum or candy helps during anxiety so keep it in your car at all times.
I feel these same fears when driving alone or in traffic.
one of the keys is to give up the control and not avoid.
Practicing being a passenger will go along way towards conquering the panic, remain calm and acknowledge your victories