How To Stop Panic Attacks When Driving

Panic attacks aren't fatal, but having one while you're driving can be. There are lots of things to stress you when you're behind the wheel. A panic attack is the last thing you need. Therefore, it is essential to know how to stop panic attacks when driving.

The First Step Is Getting Off The Road

Before you let it get out of control, get your car stopped in a safe place where you won't be a danger to yourself and others. Hold those nagging, negative thoughts at bay just long enough for you to pull over somewhere. Safely parked out of the way of traffic, now it's time to focus on how to stop panic attacks when driving.

Click here to learn how to overcome panic attacks in the car

Relax And Let The Panic Pass

The next step is to relax. Anybody who has ever suffered a panic attack knows that this is easier said than done, but there are techniques you can use to get your mind into a calm, still state.

Deep Breathing - One of the easiest, most effective and most recommended strategies for relaxing. Simply take slow, long breaths and let each one carry away your fear and negativity.

Creative Visualization - Imagine: You're no longer on the crowded highway; you're on a beach, in a forest, at your grandmother's house... whatever works for you. Find a place where you can't help but relax, and close your eyes and go there when things get heavy.

Positive Affirmations - When you get hit with an attack, your mind is telling you, "You're crazy, you can't handle it, you're going to die!" and many more nasty things. Positive affirmations are the direct opposite. Tell yourself instead, "This will pass. I can deal with it. Everything's fine. I'm alright."

Other Tips For Stopping Panic Attacks

Here are a few more ideas for how to stop panic attacks when driving:

- Water and Snacks. Carry in your car a variety of snacks and some bottled water. A good drink of water is sometimes enough to help bring you back to reality. Once you've pulled over the car and settled down a little, a snack can help nourish your brain and get you thinking normally again.

- Music. You may find that music helps you relax and gain control. Bring along a tape or CD of soothing music that you enjoy, or turn on the radio when things start to get hectic. Some light jazz, classical or soft rock can help.

- Focus on Driving. Sometimes it helps to focus on something outside of yourself. If you focus on the action of driving, it can help you get control of the situation. It helps you to see that you're perfectly able to operate a motor vehicle, and it can also keep your mind busy.

- Laughter. It's true that "laughter is the best medicine." Think of something funny that's happened recently, or keep with you a funny picture or memory. Make it something you can't resist laughing at.

If these techniques don't work and problems persist, see a therapist about the problem. Even if you know how to stop panic attacks when driving, continued anxiety on the road can be an indicator of a deeper problem. It's not worth taking the risk. Talk to a doctor and see what other tips they can recommend.

Click here for more great methods to eliminate your panic attacks