Panic Attacks While Driving - 5 Top Tips on How to Deal With Extreme Anxiety While Behind the Wheel

You're driving down the highway and suddenly your heart starts beating as though it's about to jump out of your chest. You begin to sweat excessively and you can feel your whole body trembling and shaking with fear. Oh no, you're about to have the deadliest of panic attacks and while driving!

In this article I would like to introduce you to some tips to deal with panic attacks while driving.

1) Pull over - You are a danger to yourself, your passengers and other motorists if you continue driving. Pull over at a safe place and get out of the car. Walk around a bit and take slow, deep breaths and try and calm yourself down. If you are not in a position to get out of your car, recline the seat, lie back and close your eyes. Once again concentrate of slow, deep breaths.

2) Use music to calm yourself down - If you have suffered from panic attacks while driving before, you will be aware that you just need to focus on something positive. Having some soothing and calming music to hand will allow you to concentrate on the beats and the rhythm.

3) Use a brown paper bag in case of emergencies - If you really start to struggle and are hyperventilating, it's a good idea to breath into a brown paper bag to try and slow down and control your breathing once again.

4) Drink water - It's a good idea to keep a bottle of water close if you have previously suffered panic attacks while driving. You may be on prescribed medication, therefore the last thing you want is to agitate your situation by choking on a pill with a dry mouth! Slowly taking a few sips of water will also help to calm your heart rate down.

5) Speak to yourself - OK I know it's considered the first sign of madness, however talking to yourself can be a lifesaver when suffering from panic attacks while driving. Tell yourself you are not going to die, no matter how bad it gets. No-one has ever died from having a panic attack! Tell yourself you're a good driver and that you are more than capable of continuing your journey. Allow yourself to realize that you calm and always fully in control when behind the wheel.