Are there any long-drive stress-relief techniques that you know of?

Question

I am claustrophobic, and on looooooong drives (like up to Michigan and back) I get very moody and sick. At one point I felt suicidal.

Answer 1

Alcoholism worked for me, until that almost killed me.

Answer 2

I, too, am claustrophobic in the car, but, unlike you, I LOVE insanely long drives. Here are some things that help me and might help you too:

1. I insist upon doing the driving. For some reason, being in complete control of the vehicle keeps me from being carsick. If I am stuck riding, I get nauseous, so I drive until I just can't keep going. By that time, I can pass out in the backseat and let someone else drive, or, if I am alone, pull into a well-lighted parking lot, lock my doors, recline, and crash for an hour or so.

2. I keep my window rolled down, no matter how cold it is out there--that is what the "high" setting on the heater is for. With my window down, I don't feel boxed in. If I am traveling with others, they complain, but I say, "Hey, it is either this, or I throw up on you, which do you want?" Complaining stops.

3. I always keep a full, cold diet pepsi with me--the fountain kind. I don't even like soda that much, but whenever I start to feel queezy, it seems to help. I guess the carbonation is the key.

4. Most of my drives are alone (people are lining up to ride with me, right? LOL!). Being on the road is a way that I free myself--go anywhere, with full control over my destination. I usually go from Wisconsin to Texas to see my friends down there. I know that if I drive too long, I will forget to focus on the road, my reaction time will fall, and I will be in a daze. For this reason, I stop right before every major city. That means every 2-3 hours I am stopping, walking around convenience stores, getting a new soda, etc.

5. I don't eat and drive--not big meals anyway. Don't fill up when you know you are getting into the car. Eating a big meal and trying to ride or drive sucks. You feel bloated and miserable. I eat little snacks along the way. I like salty, so some nuts or chips suffice. I used to eat sugar-coated garbage, thinking caffiene and sugar would make me more alert, but that isn't true. Sugar gave me a headache, and I got REALLY tired when the high left. At that point, I, too, would feel a little down. So, very, very small portions of crunchy, salty foods and NO sugar might help you.

6. Keep the music blaring! Play your favorite music--the more upbeat and loud, the better. Yes, I am the one with the window down in December rocking out to the 80's---and I am not ashamed. If i focus on the music, I don't have time to think about myself or my problems. If others are driving, wear headphones. If you are driving, well, you are captain of the car, so do what you need to do to be comfy.

7. If you are not driving, whatever you do, don't read. Reading makes you get motion-sickness. Try to create as much uncluttered, free space around you as possible, and live by that window. You need space and air. As for the suicidal part, well, that is another problem completely, and you probably need meds for that. So, when you get those meds, also ask for some motion-sickness meds--I think they also sell those over the counter--( ? )

I hope some of these things work for you. It took me a few years to figure out what would work for me. Stay positive and do what you have to do to stay comfy. Good luck!

Answer 3

Fresh air is the first and easiest thing that comes to mind. Also there are some homeopathic remedies that you could take, off the top of my head a product called Rescue Remedy it now comes in a spray so it is easy to just spray a few times in the mouth it calms down many types of anxiety. I bought some when my brother passed and it helped me to get through the wake and funeral, and I also use it because I hate to drive but I do not think that I am claustrophobic it just stresses me out.

Answer 4

Yeah, I can't stand long car trips either. Altough plane rides are fine(as long as there are no screaming babies on the flight or really annoying, rather large people who take up their whole seat plus half of yours, who snore and smell bad sitting next to you)I get really claustrophobic in a lot of places, not just cars and airplanes though(about 9/10 times thought, i'll get upgraded to first class which is a lot roomier)if you must go, try taking a tylonol(if you get headaches like I do) and going to sleep- dont try to read or watch a movie

Answer 5

wow, well, I wouldn't take long drives if they made me suicidal.
I do have a sleeping problem in driving--more than 25 minutes and I'm nodding off--no matter conditions, music, etc.

the only thing that works for me is conversation or slowly eating something, like trail mix. chewing keeps me awake.

I'd say in your case... be the one to drive. keep the window open, look up, look out, and take breaks at rest stops.

Answer 6

PLAN THE TRIP SO THAT YOU HAVE PLENTY OF TIME TO STOP AT REST AREAS OR EVEN PARKING LOTS TO WALK OR EVEN JOG. DO PUSHUPS, GET PHYSICALLY TIRED IN THE LEAST AMOUNT OF TIME POSSIBLE. YOU'LL ENJOY THE DRIVE AND GETTING TO YOUR DESTINATION.


GOD BLESS

Answer 7

See your DR.

Answer 8

talk to your doctor they have medicen or go to a pharmacy!