Traffic jams can make you angry and restless; this strange disease could be the cause.

 

Traffic Stress Syndrome: Have you ever noticed that when you're stuck in traffic, you feel angry, your heart races, and you feel restless? If this happens, it's not normal. It could be a sign of a serious illness.
Traffic Stress Syndrome: Traffic jams are common these days. Be it office goers or school children, or long journeys, everyone faces this hassle at some point or the other. But, have you ever noticed that when you are stuck in traffic, you start getting angry, your heart starts pounding, you feel restless and sometimes even feel heavy headed. You honk loudly, get angry on the road and drive at high speed. This can affect not only you but also other passengers and its biggest consequence is stress.

When we're late for a trip, it can lead to symptoms like anxiety, lack of self-control, frustration, and panic. These symptoms aren't just normal. They could be the cause of a strange but serious medical condition known as traffic stress syndrome or environmental trigger disorder. This syndrome, which has both mental and physical effects, is caused by constant traffic-related stress.
Why do you get angry in traffic?
When we're stuck in a traffic jam, our brain interprets it as a threatening situation. This increases stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline in the body. These hormones cause anger, irritability, and restlessness.
Why does the heartbeat increase?
When we're stressed, our bodies go into fight-or-flight mode. This causes a rapid heartbeat, increased blood pressure, and shortness of breath. This can lead to heart disease if it persists for a long time.
Is this traffic stress syndrome?
It's a mental condition in which a person feels stressed by anything related to traffic. It can include headaches, anxiety, sweating, anger, and sometimes even panic attacks. It's more common in people who travel long distances daily or spend a lot of time in traffic.
Pollution is also a major reason
When we're stuck in traffic, we're exposed to smoke, dust, and noise. These things affect our nervous system and increase mental fatigue. This can lead to mood swings and difficulty concentrating.

How to prevent this?
Adopt deep breathing and mindfulness techniques.
When stuck in traffic, listen to music or take help of podcasts.
If possible, travel during off-peak times.
Do yoga and meditation regularly to maintain mental balance.
Traffic jams aren't just a waste of time; they also impact our mental and physical health. If you frequently experience feelings of anger, anxiety, or a rapid heartbeat, don't ignore them. This could be a sign that your body and mind are suffering from traffic stress syndrome