Anyone else experience intense panic while being a passenger in a car?
Hi, I’m reaching out because I have a really intense fear when I have to sit in a car for longer trips – especially as a passenger. I’ve had full-blown panic attacks in the car before, where I feel like I can’t breathe, I want to escape, and everything feels unsafe – even when I logically know it’s fine.
Tomorrow I have to be in the car for about 2.5 hours, and I’m terrified. I’m taking a medication (Truxal) beforehand to help calm my body, and I’ve prepared tools like calming music, cold water, essential oils, etc. But I’m still really scared.
Has anyone else gone through something similar?
Did anything help you feel safer or more in control?
I’d love to hear your experience – I feel so alone in this right now.
Thank you 💛
@scarletSummer7026
Do you have that only as a passenger ? Some people need to be in control and drive. Is it about the person driving? Is there any way you feel better listening to music or something?
I do have not exactly panic but I am very very agitated with someone I know driving ... ( partner) I do not care for their driving skills and longer then a couple hours I want to crawl out of the window to get away. I realize it is a few things... local driving they seem to take the weirdest route and I get frustrated that my route would have worked better/ faster and less traffic.. ON long drives they do not communicate have stopped assuming I need the restroom or just drive on even if I told them I did need one. That type friction makes it unbearable I jump out of car before they even park.
Thank you for your reply!
It all started with having trouble driving the car myself. I got overstimulated and panicked.
Then It got worse and worse over time. Now I have problems taking the train, bus or being a passenger when someone else is driving. I haven’t touched my own car in 4 months.
I have no «tools» for calming myself down when I freak out in a panic attack. So I’m worried I’m going to ruin the entire trip.
Thank you for sharing!
@scarletSummer7026
Did you have a close call or accidents ? it is easy to be scared if something got to you.
I was lost once and fear going to places I am unfamiliar with. I took a wrong exit as well... it is something i felt panicked about but I stopped got out walked around and settled myself. everyone has had those moments.
Yes. A few years ago I’m afraid.
How smart!
Hi ScarletSummer:
I have frequently experience anxiety and that includes holding my breath and racing thoughts.
Things that I have learned to do include:
taking slow deep breaths and noticing my belly expanding and contracting.
Meditation has helped me to relax my body and that relaxed my mind and my racing thoughts diminish.
Reminding myself that this too will pass. It is distressing but it is not dangerous. I am safe.
Focusing on something in the environment to distract myself. One technique is to notice: five things you see, four things you hear, three things you feel, two things you taste and one thing you smell, if you smell something.
Wearing a headphone and playing music you like could also help distract you.
Hope that helps,
Bob
PS if you have a AI based app like Perplexity you might find good suggestions if you search for:
What techniques can I employ when I have a panic attack
