Sunday, March 20, 2016

Learning To Combat 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.

This type of phobia is most often associated with agoraphobia. This is a fear of open spaces. However, it is not the open space that causes the fear, but it is fearing the loss of control. Those that suffer with this type of anxiety often fear that they will be stuck in a traffic jam and unable to get away if they have a panic attack. Even having to merge into another lane or being next to a big truck can bring about fear.

Fears when operating a vehicle can be very similar to other anxiety forms. This can include heart palpitations, dizziness, confusion, increased sweating, shortness of breath and the list goes on. They can help initiate the feelings of doom or even death. One may find it hard to function in a society that is heavily driven on transportation; especially when the individual has nobody else to rely on except themselves.

The way that phobias come about is different for every individual. For example, a person who has had a near death experience when involved in a car accident, may subconsciously want to prevent similar situations from occurring by not driving. The evidence of the anxiety can be random. It can show up at odd times, and may do so when an individual is operating a motor vehicle.

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.

Phobias can develop into something that is severe, when the situation that is trying to be avoided is completely stopped. For example, a person who stops driving may find it hard to get back to the place where driving is comfortable. Driving fears are learned but are not impossible to overcome.

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.

It is true that anxiety doesn't feel good, but it definitely does not kill. It's manageability depends on how a person manages it, as well as react towards it. The fear of driving is not something a person has to live with, but something they can definitely triumph over.




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