i am having panic attacks on public transport, have not been on a bus for years... any ideas..?

Answer 1

You need to be de-sensitised to conquer your anxiety.

The more buses you use, the easier it will get, and this also applies to catching trains and aeroplanes.

You eventually realise that worrying only makes you feel ill and does nothing to influence the punctuality of the transport!

Answer 2

You did not say whether you are having these panic attacks in any other areas or whether it appears to be something about the bus system that sets off an attack. Have you experienced something unpleasant on the bus lines you take? Are you currently in treatment for some issue that appears non-related (or are you avoiding treatment while secretly knowing that you need it)? Having said that, I would suggest that you look on line to locate a psychotherapist. There you can explore the reasons behind these attacks. Hypnotherapy is one possibility to assist you with this process also, depending on what other issues you may have.

Answer 3

I had panic attacks in public places as well. It apparently has to do with the overload of visual and audio stimuli.

One, try a sedative first---xanax or ativan--just to help bring you down a notch.
Two, read up on panic attacks and what they mean. It's counter-intuitive, but when you get nervous, you tend to breathe more, which only worsens the panic attacks. A therapist taught me to breathe, exhale, and count to 15. Do three sets of three. Over time (months) you can build this up to 20-30 seconds, etc.

Answer 4

Try and keep yourself occupied. I personally don't think a book would be a good idea, when you read whilst moving you're more likely to get travel sickness as your senses get mixed up (even works when walking).

Look out of the window, go on the top deck of a double decker...all these things should help.

Another thing you can do is start taking the night buses, which aren't as busy, and you can build up to a busy bus.

Answer 5

your normal, in fact most normal people wold never ride a bus by choice, have you seen the nut jobs on the public transportation. people talking to themselves, people in pajamas with shopping bags, crack heads and drunks who couldn't find there car the night before, your fine, don't sweat the little things, don't tangle your life up over such matters, last time I rode a public bus a guy urinated from the window, and the bus driver was just laughing. so I guess I got some "problem", i,m sure I can pay someone to talk with me about it, but I think I'll just do fine on my own, and pass on the public transportation. I can live with that just fine.

Answer 6

I have read some litterature about panic attacks. But they allways seem to have a more scientific approach and that is nothing I need in my struggle to survive those horrible panic attacks. This is a "hand on" and very practical book. I felt it was written to me. I am sure that you are going to feel the same.

Joe Barry writes exactly how I think. The examples are perfectly described. And the method is genius. I recommend this book and thanks Joe Barry for writing it. It changes your life

Answer 7

Bring an iPod or portable DVD player. I take a bus everyday and I had this problem. Nothing like a good TV Show, movie, or music to pass the time and relax.

Answer 8

i'm not sure i can contribute to ideas --- but to get on a suburban train for me was a nightmare --- agoraphobic ; clautriphobic , call it what you will --- the anxiety i went through was ' hell '
i used to get off at the next station and walk becauase it was the only way i could cope
i'm still not over that feeling ( although i don't live in a city anymore ) but sopmetimes when ihave to drive my car for lots of miles -- i find it difficult to sit still etc .
my heart rate also goes through the roof when i have to overtake another vechile --- for what reason i do not comprehend .
good luck toyou .--- but i cannot come up with any sicere solution .--- or idea !! (lol)
but something is troubling 'us ' easy to reject --- damn difficult to resolve!

Answer 9

I use to be like that to , except i was even scared of going for a walk by myself , or even going to the letter box...

It helped me a lot to have an ipod with me , because its very distracting , and you don't notice others around you as much .

And after a few months of using the ipod, i was able to do it alone and feel comfortable without the music .

Answer 10

Hi Dudette,

You are not alone in this...
The best way to get over a fear is face it...

Having said that , it is easy to preach then to follow,
but have the confidence in you and start travelling by bus, read something , speak to somebody over the phone , or if possible ask one of your best friends to accompany you who is somewhat confident by nature..

If all these dont work then Please GET A TAXI

Cheers and Chillax