The Anxiety/Panic Attack Journal

A client told me about his recent experience crossing a very narrow and high bridge near Washington DC (and I’m pretty sure I know which bridge he meant!). He described a terrifying fear that caused his heart to pound, his hands to shake, and covered him in sweat in just a few short minutes.

 Anxiety while driving is, unfortunately, becoming more and more common. Faster-paced traffic (80+ MPH), and seemingly endless construction on many major roads have left many people afraid of even their daily commute to work. And driving anxiety is not only the feeling of “impending doom” that so many people describe, it can also cause real and even painful physical symptoms.

I too have personal experience with this problem. The first “real” panic attack I ever had was on I285 around Atlanta. I actually pulled over on the roadside and got out of the car (not advisable beside a major freeway!) The only way I could describe the feeling was “like being trapped.” 

I’ve learned to deal with these anxious moments quite well these days, and one thing I’ve learned for sure: anxiety while driving is mostly about what else is going on in your life–not just when you’re in a car.

Anxiety while driving is a “textbook” example of anxiety and panic attacks being caused by “control issues.” That’s why programs like the EasyCalm Anxiety Coaching Videos spend so much time on this subject and include specific exercises to help you ”let go” of this obsessive reaching for control that causes most anxiety problems.

If you’re feeling fearful or anxious on the road, take heart; you’re not alone, and there is help available.

 Step one: talk to someone about the issue.

Step two, ease up on yourself–resist the temptation to “connect the dots” and assume your problem is worse than it actually is.

Step three: get help from someone who has been there. Obviously I recommend EasyCalm for this step, but if you can find a good counselor or therapist with anxiety/panic attack experience, that can be very helpful too.

Driving anxiety doesn’t have to become a “permanent fixture” in your life. You can overcome this just as you would any other anxiety issue–by learning to deal with your “control issues.”  And as always, the most important action is the one you take right now.

Take care,

Jon Mercer, MA
www.easycalm.com

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