How to Deal with Panic Attacks While Driving

Panic attacks while driving can be a frightening and dangerous experience. Once a panic attack has been triggered it reaches it peak of intensity in approximately 10 minutes. The panic attack can than last up 60 minutes before it fully subsides.   

Having panic attacks while driving can be extremely scary especially if it not handled in proper fashion. Panic attacks in general are not life threatening, but the shock of having one while driving can impair your judgment and that can lead to extreme effects.

CLICK HERE TO STOP PANIC ATTACKS WHILE DRIVING

What triggers panic or anxiety attacks is somewhat of a mystery, they have been linked to major traumatic or transitional events in ones life such as a death of a loved one, a new marriage, or the birth of a new child. They have also been known to be passed through a family. Panic attacks also sometimes occur with no known trigger. 

As a former panic attack sufferer I remember driving to the gym one day when all of a sudden I felt like I couldn't breathe and felt like I was going to die. Those first panic attacks while driving where very scary, but after I knew what was happening I was able to cope much better and neutralize the effect of the panic attacks since I knew what was happening to my body.  

Educating yourself about what the symptoms of panic attacks are and to make a plan to deal with them can greatly reduce your risk on the road.  

Panic attack symptoms can arise in two forms, emotionally and physically.  

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms and think you are experiencing panic attacks while driving, than you should get of the road immediately and stop in a safe area where you can collect yourself. 

PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS OF PANIC ATTACKS 

Rapid heart beat 

Difficulty breathing 

Muscle tension 

Twitching 

Your body starts trembling and shaking 

Feelings of being dizzy 

Extreme perspiration 

EMOTIONAL SYMPTOMS OF PANIC ATTACKS 

Feelings of extreme fear 

Difficulty concentrating 

Feelings that death or something bad is going to happen 

Feeling of danger when it is not called for 

A combination of those symptoms can mean that you may be experiencing a panic attack. It is best to have a plan in place before a panic attack occurs. 

For panic attacks while driving you should have a plan to safely get off the road into an area. If you can spot those symptoms it will lessen the negative result of the panic attack since you know what is happening with your body. 

You should also set up plans for other situations when panic attacks occur. For example some people like do things like work in their garden or take a jog to take the off the edge. Others like to go to a room in their house where they can calm themselves down. Find out what will calm you down and help you cope the best. Everyone is different, so you can make the best plan for yourself.  

Also make sure you have a cell phone with you at all times if you are prone to panic attacks. So if you do have panic attacks while driving you can call for help once you have moved your vehicle somewhere safe.