Reply to "call of the void" phenomenon/sudden fear of driving over bridges

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Reply to ""call of the void" phenomenon/sudden fear of driving over bridges - how do you talk yourself down?"

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[quote=Anonymous]I have panic attacks that seem to be tied to agoraphobia - the fear of not being able to escape a situation (driving over a bridge is one of them) and that I will either do something to embarrass myself or injure myself (i.e like driving off the bridge).  Coping strategies are key.

I have heard it said to sing the ABC’s and then recite them backwards.  Another is to out loud, name something around you for each of your senses:  I can SEE other cars, I can HEAR the song on the radio (name the song), I can FEEL the hum of the car, I can SMELL the stinky truck up ahead, or my Channel No. 5 perfume, etc.  You get the idea.  The thought behind these strategies is that they force your brain to think about them instead of the panic which trips up the horrible thoughts you are having because you can’t think about both at the same time and speaking out loud can calm your breathing.  Whatever you choose, make it a game that interests your brain so that it is more likely to engage.

Also, I’ve had to pull over before and breathe into a paper bag to calm the vertigo which stems from irregular breathing.  In our current times you can just pop a face mask on and not look weird at all while settling down your breathing!

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