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You finally worked yourself up to the point where you can visualize yourself taking that road trip or visit to a friend in a nearby town and the worst thing happens. As you are driving along, all of a sudden the familiar feelings begin. You start to perspire so you open your windows and hope all you need is a little fresh air. Unfortunately, fresh air isn't going to do it. You begin to feel a tightness in your throat as if you are slowly being deprived of oxygen. You may get angry because you really wanted to achieve this goal and now panic is taking over.

The first thing to do is to try and remain focused on your driving but distract yourself from the rising panic that you are feeling. Turn on the radio. Hopefully a song comes on that you can sing along to. If all else fails smoke a cigarette. Sometimes the distraction is enough to get you through the anxiety and get you to your destination.

If distraction is not going to work and remaining behind the wheel is hazardous, you need to pull over. Sometimes just taking a break and getting a cool drink or a cup of coffee can relax your nerves. If you are somewhere where you cannot pull over, talk out loud to yourself until you can find a safe place to stop your car. Reassure yourself out loud by repeating that you are almost there and you are doing well. Breathe! Make sure to take slow, deep breaths to keep yourself from going into a complete state of panic. Just keep reminding yourself that you can do this and as soon as you can pull over.

Once you are safely off the road, call someone to reassure you if you need to. If you can get out of your car and stretch your legs do so. Remind yourself that you got this far and it is not much farther to where you are going. Give yourself a pep talk and do not allow the panic to overcome you. If you have already gotten to the point where you have lost control and you are totally fearful let it all out. You are no longer driving so allow yourself to cry, scream or do whatever you need to do. Do not worry about being late or anything like that. You will get to your destination when you are able to. Do not add more stress to the situation. Allow the panic attack to run its course and then when you feel up to it get back into your car.

Never use your hand-held cell phone while you are upset behind the wheel. If you do not have a hands-free device, resist the urge to call someone to help you through the panic attack while you are driving. The process of placing a call while you are upset behind the wheel could cause an accident. Wait until you can pull over to call someone.

For some people who get anxiety attacks, taking something to calm your nerves before you get on the road is a good idea. You can visualize yourself getting to your destination panic attack-free but sometimes even the best preparation gets lost and panic attacks get the best of you. You can get through a panic attack while driving and be able to continue on to where you are going. Do not pressure yourself when a panic attack happens and follow the above advice and you can work through this annoying and frustrating anxiety.

Learn more about this author, Priscilla Benfield.
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