Creating a Safe Place
- "What makes me feel a lot better and secure is carrying a cell phone with me. I really hate driving alone. I have been listening to self-help tapes, too, while I am driving now, which helps me a good deal." -- SmileyRox21
Distracting Yourself
- "I take water with me and a little snack, but sometimes I use that water to wet my face so I can snap out of it. Even if it is below zero, I will still put my air on, so I can breathe better and it helps me to calm down." -- SmileyRox21
- "One thing that helps is to focus on little things like 'the radio is set to 96.9,' etc. I also used to wear a rubber band around my wrist and pop in when I began to panic, and it would sometimes help me to regain control." -- SamC73
- "I take a bottle of ice water with me, and ice breaker mints... 2 of those when the feelings start and then a sip of water and wow! Instant reality." -- DreamDancer7
Getting Professional Help
- "It got so that just thinking about getting into a car would start a panic attack. At that point I finally called my family doctor. I was put on meds and also got into therapy with a psychologist. Best thing I ever did! It took a long time, but I eventually got over my fears." -- Crikster
- "Driving was just one of my MANY fears. Meds have made me a whole person again. Driving is no big deal... actually I LOVE it! The driving thing is just another symptom of the anxiety/panic. It takes a little time to 'relearn' that things like driving are *safe* but once the meds kicked in I was driving within 2 months." -- FaerieGrrl
Practicing
- "For me it is necessary to 'practic' -- and it is working! I've taken my kids on trips 30 miles away -- something I haven't done in 10 years. The feelings will pass -- they won't kill you, make you a worse driver (in fact they make you more conscious of driving safely), or harm you in any way. The feelings are just that -- feelings. Keeping this in mind has been amazing for my confidence. Not practicing just how we feel in the middle of an attack makes it all the more scary. Believe me, it is uncomfortable, but so worth it." -- Heidi
- "Enroll yourself in a drivers education. A good instructor should be able to take your through the obstacles that trouble you and are the key (to me) of the panic incidents. Tell your instructer just where in physical location your driving ability fails you." -- Gail40510