Why do I get panic attacks on bus?

You might be uncomfortable mixing with other people in an enclosed space, or worried about how other passengers might behave. Many people who get anxious on public transport have a similar underlying concern, which is that they won't be able to get off when they need to, for instance if they feel panicky or sick.



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By taking the steps below, you can work your way toward overcoming your fears and enjoying the many benefits that public transportation has to offer!
  1. Prepare yourself before you ride. ...
  2. Ease your way into using public transit. ...
  3. Try writing down your fears beforehand. ...
  4. Practice mindfulness techniques. ...
  5. Or try distraction.


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Everyone loves to hate riding the bus — passengers complain about cleanliness, overcrowding, timeliness and inefficiency. In a piece for Salon.com, writer Will Doig argues that disliking the bus is practically an American pastime, but buses are key to improving mass transit.

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Because of the nature of the profession, work stress is a major factor for bus drivers. A bus driver's life is enriched by being exposed to daily stress behind the wheel.

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One reason why your fear of public transit might be especially strong is due to agoraphobia. This is a mental health condition characterized by intense fear of being in a public or crowded place where you can't readily escape or access help, according to StatPearls.

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Travel anxiety is not an officially diagnosed mental health issue, but can be severe enough to interfere with people's daily lives. People with travel anxiety may be unable to see family and friends, go on vacation, or travel for work.

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Try and find a seat or a bench and take five minutes to get some air, away from others if possible. Take deep breaths and use some breathing techniques to regulate your breathing. Grounding techniques such as the 54321 method can also help, repeating as many times as needed.

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It may seem like bus drivers have easy jobs, but in fact, they are just as physically demanding as many others. While it is true that drivers sit for most of the day, it doesn't mean they don't experience wear and tear on their bodies.

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One of the biggest challenges for school bus drivers is the responsibility of transporting dozens of students to and from school each day. This responsibility can be stressful, as school bus drivers are responsible for the safety and well-being of their passengers.

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According to several studies, the rate of death is lower for travel on public transport than that in cars. For example, in the USA, fatality rate for car occupants were found to be 23 times higher than those for bus occupants, per 100 million person-trips [3].

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Disadvantages of Public Transport
  • The commute by public transport can be slower than by personal vehicles. ...
  • As public transport vehicles don't stop at specific destinations, you must take care of your travel from the stand or station to reach your desired stop.
  • Privacy is a big issue in public transport.


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If you're on public transit and have to take an important call that can't wait, keep it short and as quiet as you can. Don't get overly personal in your conversation either—no one needs to hear you describe symptoms to your doctor or tear your significant other a new one on their morning commute.

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