When panic overtakes you there is no way that you can think clearly. This means that you could lose your focus while behind the wheel of a vehicle that is barreling down the interstate at 70mph. This would clearly be a horrible scenario and you could end up in a hospital bed, or a coffin.

The good news is that learning how to stop panic attacks in a car is very similar to controlling these attacks in any other type of setting. The biggest difference is that many people learn to control these episodes by confronting their fears in the very setting that causes them to panic. This might work in a shopping mall, or a park, but you are asking for trouble if the setting involves an automobile. With a little ingenuity you can manage this without actually driving down the road.

ID the Reasons for the Panic Attacks

The first thing that you need to know is why these attacks are occurring.  This will require some soul searching on your part. Think about when the panic attacks in a car first started and identify the reason. Most people get these types of feelings after they have been involved in some type of major motor vehicle accident.

Usually there was some type of physical injury involved as well. Before the accident they had no problems being in a car but after the accident it was a different story.

They suddenly find that even thinking about being in a car can create feelings of panic and anxiety. They might even notice their heart pounding and the shortness of breath starting when they edge closer to a car in preparation for a trip. Many times these individuals have already convinced themselves that they are headed for another accident and they begin to panic. This means that they cannot think clearly and concentrate on driving.

Relax and Meditate

One way that is often used to show people how to stop panic attacks in a car is by relaxing and meditation. This lets you recreate scenes in your mind about being in the car but provides a safety net because you do not have to physically set foot in the car, or get behind the wheel.

Just sit quietly in a comfortable room in your house, close your eyes, and begin to breathe in and out slowly and deeply. Concentrate on using your diaphragm to help you breathe slow and steady for a few minutes.  Only focus on this regular, relaxing respiratory rhythm.

• Now clear your mind of everything else but the breathing and allow your muscles to relax from the tips of your toes to the top of your head.
• Picture the car in your mind once you are relaxed.
• Then picture yourself getting into the car.
• You need to clearly picture the exact events that trigger the panic attacks. It might be locking the car doors, fastening your seat belt or putting the car into gear.
• Face your fears, and picture yourself moving past the fear and actually driving.

This will take some practice and effort, as well as courage, but it can be done. You will soon discover that this is one of the best ways to move past panic attacks and learn to control them. It will not be long before you are actually able to do the uneventful driving that you are picturing in your mind.

Slow Steps are Best

As you begin to work on the steps that show you how to stop panic attacks in a car it is best to take matters slow at first. Relax; there is plenty of time for you to get behind the wheel once again. Right now you do not need to tempt fate by driving out in public.

Click Here for Your Anxiety and Panic Attack Cure

Soon you will be back in control of your mind and emotions and you will be able to drive anywhere without living in fear of another terrifying panic attack.