driving

terryc · Post by **terryc** » Wed Jul 23, 2008 6:43 am

OK, it makes total sense to me about doing something to distract myself during a panic attack. Mine only happen when I drive - how do I distract myself then?

JW74 · Post by **JW74** » Wed Jul 23, 2008 7:06 am

I would love to help you,but I am in the same predicament and when someone has the answer, I would love to see it. Mine happen driving over bridges and they have started happening at red lights and in turn lanes when I feel trapped. The only thing that has helped me is to turn the A/C on high, turn up the radio and sing. I might look stupid but it does help distract me. Then I realize that eventually the light will turn green and it is nor different than driving at any other time. I can do it, you can do it.

Kumiko · Post by **Kumiko** » Wed Jul 23, 2008 8:26 pm

I'm also in the same predicament but what helps me besides turning on the A/C on high is taking sips of water. Just the act of taking a sip can get my mind off the thoughts that cause anxiety. Sometimes I have to get the bottle out of my purse or the side pocket on the door but it is enough of a distraction for me. When I am stuck in traffic I call someone and if no one is available I listen to talk radio or play a number or license plate game but something to keep my mind distracted. I also keep snacks in my car and the act of getting them can distract a negative thought brewing in my mind. I leave them in different parts of my truck so I can focus on finding what I need and driving safely.

FrancesL · Post by **FrancesL** » Thu Jul 24, 2008 4:55 pm

Distracting yourself is good, but I personally believe that if you keep telling yourself not to think about the white elephant, your going to think about the white elephant. If distracting doesn't work, then another approach would be to welcome it. Allow it to wash over you. Keep your relaxation CD in the car and practice while at the red light. Or, while at home, write a list of all the scary thoughts you have at the red light/stop sign etc. and the positive thoughts you could use to counteract them. Then PURPOSELY pull this list out and start reading it outload each time you have to stop. Instead of waiting on the thoughts and nervousness to come...like sitting there thinking, oh no, is it going to happen...be proactive about it. Do it even when you don't feel like you have to. If you can't read, or if you have it while actually driving and not stopped....record yourself saying these things on a CD with space in between each affirmation so you can repeat it outload. This is very helpful.

AllMixedUP · Post by **AllMixedUP** » Thu Jul 24, 2008 5:58 pm

I would have those cards you get with the kit and read those over and over. If that does not work, I would pull over and get out and just walk around the car. I like the idea of listening to one of the relaxation cd's, just do not relax to much, lol. Or put your radio on a talk station and concentrate on what they are saying.

Elaine C · Post by **Elaine C** » Sun Jul 27, 2008 10:00 am

Driving on highways has been especially hard for me. I actually listen to one of the self-help tapes particulary # 3 the self-help talk.
The more you drive the better it gets. Don't set yourself up for failure. Just say there are other people that feel this way, too and it's ok to be a little apprehensive. I do know how you feel. Just knowing you are not alone and others feel this way too is a help. Trust me, keep at it, YOU will get better at it. Poke fun at yourself but don't beat yourself up over it! Let me know how it's going. Remember, I share the same anxious feelings that you do and we're in this together!
Elaine C

krtasch · Post by **krtasch** » Tue Aug 05, 2008 5:16 pm

Driving in cars has been a real challenge for me as well. Once I feel panicky in a car I like to let myself sit with the feelings for 15 minutes before I try and go to any of my old "back up" routines. One thing that helps is telling myself, I can do this, I've done it before, and no matter how I feel I can get through the next 15 minutes, I can do 15 minutes of anything! By the time I keep repeating that and focus on my slow breathing the panic is gone. I also like to sing to show tunes or songs from movies and visualize the acting. I find that it helps to take my mind off it feelings. Also I carry the program cd's in my car which help to relax me and give me something else to focus on. I hope this helps!!! Also remember to congratulate yourself for getting in the car and going!! YOU CAN DO THIS!!