Sunday 20 March 2016

Learning To Overcome Driving Phobia

By Richard Thomas


There's nothing like having a panic attack at the most inopportune time. These attacks can come and go at various times. One type of anxiety that is more common than one might think, is that of a driving phobia. It may start off as a hesitation to get behind the wheel, but turns into a full phobia when one simply refuses to operate a vehicle. Phobias are usually brought about by fears that are irrational and that can become paralyzing.

Agoraphobia is often associated with driving with fear, and simply means fearing any type of open space. The fear is not brought upon by the open space itself, but the fear of losing control. Oftentimes individuals think about whether or not they will be stuck in a traffic jam without any way of escape. Even being next to a large truck and having to merge into another lane can bring about the same uneasiness. The mind begins to create situations that have not even manifested as a protective measure.

Anxieties symptoms that come from operating a car are very similar to other anxiety forms. They may consist of confusion, heart palpitations, sweating profusely, and shortness of breath among other things. Individuals may feel like they are going to die or completely lose it. Functioning in society can become quite a task; especially when driving is considered a necessity. Public transportation may not always be a viable option.

Car anxieties can develop in many different ways. Individuals may find themselves in a near car accident. Even though nothing officially transpired, subconsciously, their mind tries to protect them from the same situation. These anxieties may be sporadic. However, those that have developed symptoms associated with anxiety, may find themselves in a situation where a manifestation occurs while driving.

Sometimes low blood sugar can bring about anxiety. If an individual is operating a vehicle when their blood sugar level drops, it can create a phobia of driving. Low blood sugar occurs when an individual does not eat or eats too many simple carbs or sugar. Those with diabetes generally fall into this category.

Anxieties can occur when an individual tries to avoid operating a car, and in the process, completely stops driving at all. Constant avoidance makes it difficult for a person to return to normal functioning. Operating a car in fear is a learned behavior that can be modified. Here are some keys that will help an individual get back to a state of comfort.

Never drive on an empty stomach, especially if the person has diabetes as a diagnosis. One should learn which foods cause unwanted reactions after consuming. Caffeine is also something that needs to be avoided. It has been known to be an anxiety trigger. Carpooling is a good option when dealing with anxieties. Usually, people are more distracted and not focused on the situation at hand whereby prohibiting anxieties from taking over.

Anxieties may feel uncomfortable, but they do not kill. Depending upon the individual, they can be managed. It all depends upon how a person reacts when they begin to surface. Phobias that evolve when an individual drives, do not have to become a way of life. They can be conquered.




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