subject: How Do You Develop Driving Anxiety? [print this page] How Do You Develop Driving Anxiety? How Do You Develop Driving Anxiety?
There is no exact explanation as to why some people develop driving anxiety and others do not. While the most common reason most people think of involves previous trauma from a past car accident, when it comes to anxiety attacks, the root cause can be more complex.
Anxiety itself is a feeling that can manifest itself in different ways, including physical and emotional. Many people tend to psyche themselves out while driving by filling their heads with negative thoughts. Worry, nervousness and fear all contribute to anxiety attacks and mixing those emotions while operating a vehicle can be very dangerous for both yourself and the other drivers on the road. In the case of driving anxiety, it is the act of driving and being behind the wheel of a car that brings up these emotions and triggers other related symptoms, which can make driving a huge issue for some.
Driving anxiety sufferers typically begin to feel their palms sweat, a pain or tightness in their chest and rapid heartbeat, among other signs. These feelings are triggered by the negative thoughts such as fear of getting into a car accident, being overwhelmed by the number of cars on the road (especially in the case of freeways) or worrying about the actions of the other drivers around them. The more they think about the issues that are worrying them, the more agitated they get as long as they remain behind the wheel.
If you are prone to developing anxiety, especially when it comes to being in your car, you should start looking for ways to relax yourself and calm your thoughts while driving.
