Anxiety disorder worries

[alwaysadisneykid]

Hey everyone, it's my first time on this board.

I'm 19 and going on my second solo trip soon.

I have severe social anxiety disorder, but I can manage it fairly well. However, last time, it was a real problem in queue lines. I had a really bad panic attack in the line for Space Mountain and a CM escorted me out and took me to the first aid center where I was given a drink of water and a chance to calm down. I was then told about the (old) GACs. I went to guest services and got given one, which helped greatly. I still had anxiety on the Disney transport and when the parks were busy (parades, fireworks etc) but it wasn't too bad.

Now, I know that they've changed to a Disability Access Card, and I'm not sure if I'll be able to get one. If I'm not, that's okay, but I know March can be busy, so I'm starting to get a bit anxious. I'll try to use fastpass+ as much as possible to avoid panic attacks, but if anyone has any tips on how to manage anxiety at the parks, I'd appreciate it a lot!

I also have a lot of problems with my back at the moment and walking/standing for too long is super painful. I hope this won't be too much of a problem

 

[lanejudy]

If you haven't found it yet, there is a sticky pinned near the top of this forum about WDW - Disability Access Service Card and the first post in that has the details of the DAS.

Similar to GAC, the DAS only works at attractions with FP+ -- it has no use for transportation, dining, etc. So you'll need your coping mechanisms. If you have trouble walking/standing, the suggestion is to rent a wheelchair or ECV -- since your traveling alone, the wheelchair likely would not work as you need a lot of upper body strength to self-propel a wheelchair all day. Another option might be a rollator - which is like a walker with a seat. Otherwise, there is no other way to guarantee a place to sit if you need a break.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[1girln3boys]

I also have panic attacks in very large crowds especially in line when people have no respect for personal space. I just explained that to the CM at AK and was given one to use. It helped out to use along with FP+

 

[alwaysadisneykid]

If you haven't found it yet, there is a sticky pinned near the top of this forum about WDW - Disability Access Service Card and the first post in that has the details of the DAS.

Similar to GAC, the DAS only works at attractions with FP+ -- it has no use for transportation, dining, etc. So you'll need your coping mechanisms. If you have trouble walking/standing, the suggestion is to rent a wheelchair or ECV -- since your traveling alone, the wheelchair likely would not work as you need a lot of upper body strength to self-propel a wheelchair all day. Another option might be a rollator - which is like a walker with a seat. Otherwise, there is no other way to guarantee a place to sit if you need a break.

Enjoy your vacation!

Thank you so much, that was really helpful!

I also have panic attacks in very large crowds especially in line when people have no respect for personal space. I just explained that to the CM at AK and was given one to use. It helped out to use along with FP+

Okay, I'll be sure to ask a CM about it when I arrive at MK. Thank you for the help and I'm sorry about your panic attacks, they're crappy things!

 

[bocaj1431]

i agree with what the previous posts shared about the DAS and FP+.

I also have suffered panic attacks and they are horrible. I was able to finally learn how to manage them through DBT therapy. One of the tricks I learned was to put an ice pack on the back of your neck. There is a scientific reason for this, which I am not good at explaining, but it definitely works.

You might want to bring a couple of glad bags with you and when you feel a panic attack coming go to the nearest food stand and ask for ice and use as ice pack. They also have dry ice packs that you can buy and when you need it you snap it and it instantly becomes cold. You can get these at Walmart or a pharmacy. Or you can freeze a bottle of water and keep it in your back pack and use that on your neck if needed.

Make sure you stay hydrated.

When You first go into the parks, you might want to find some designated spots which are not crowded and you can sit down at. That way,if you begin to have a panic attack you already know of a spot to go to in order to relax.

You also might want to look at the park maps and find the first aid locations before going to the park. Just in case you have a bad panic attack.

I hope you have a nice trip.

 

[alwaysadisneykid]

i agree with what the previous posts shared about the DAS and FP+.

I also have suffered panic attacks and they are horrible. I was able to finally learn how to manage them through DBT therapy. One of the tricks I learned was to put an ice pack on the back of your neck. There is a scientific reason for this, which I am not good at explaining, but it definitely works.

You might want to bring a couple of glad bags with you and when you feel a panic attack coming go to the nearest food stand and ask for ice and use as ice pack. They also have dry ice packs that you can buy and when you need it you snap it and it instantly becomes cold. You can get these at Walmart or a pharmacy. Or you can freeze a bottle of water and keep it in your back pack and use that on your neck if needed.

Make sure you stay hydrated.

When You first go into the parks, you might want to find some designated spots which are not crowded and you can sit down at. That way,if you begin to have a panic attack you already know of a spot to go to in order to relax.

You also might want to look at the park maps and find the first aid locations before going to the park. Just in case you have a bad panic attack.

I hope you have a nice trip.

I also had DBT for my BPD and found lots of cool tricks, I'd forgotten about ice! Thank you!! I use to place an ice cube on my inner wrist and it'd work very well, and I can't believe I forgot about that. Thank you so so much, I'm really grateful!

The dry ice packs are a fab idea, I'm definitely going to look into that. I'm sorry about your anxiety, it's horrible. I'm so glad you found DBT helpful!

Love your avatar and signature. Stitch is my favourite character!

 

[bocaj1431]

I also had DBT for my BPD and found lots of cool tricks, I'd forgotten about ice! Thank you!! I use to place an ice cube on my inner wrist and it'd work very well, and I can't believe I forgot about that. Thank you so so much, I'm really grateful!

The dry ice packs are a fab idea, I'm definitely going to look into that. I'm sorry about your anxiety, it's horrible. I'm so glad you found DBT helpful!

Love your avatar and signature. Stitch is my favourite character!

I am glad you have already learned DBT. It will be very helpful. That along with the DAS pass and using FP+ and you will be fine.

I found the avatar on line and thought it was so cute. Now I just have to track him down in the parks so My son and I can get a picture with him.

I just noticed you only have two weeks till Disney. Soooo jelous. Wishing you some pixie dust for your stay.

 

[SueM in MN]

This resource from Disney is titled as being for guests with Cognitive Disabilities, but has a lot of helpful information for anyone. There is a list of dome suggested 'quieter places' on page 35.
https://wdpromedia.disney.go.com/me...bilities-services/wdw_cognitive_guide_rev.pdf

 

[SueM in MN]

This is a link to page 2 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread, which is located near the top of this board.
http://www.disboards.com/threads/di...ed-1st-trip-next-trip-wish-trip.595713/page-2

Post 22 has a list of attractions where all guests must stand for a period of time. DAS doesn't help for those - there is no place to sit unless you have a mobility device with you.

Post 27 has a list of attractions where people have indicated they have problems with claustrophobia or feeling trapped. That might not be the case with your anxiety attacks, but is an issue for many people.

 

[SueM in MN]

This is a good resource about dealing with panic attacks
http://psychcentral.com/lib/how-to-halt-and-minimize-panic-attacks/0005992

 

[Poohlove]

Hats off to you for taking a solo trip - that is very brave in itself!!! I too am bothered by the lack of respect of my "personal bubble" so I know what you mean. I find that taking a moment in an out of the way place with a cold drink to do some people watching tends to relax my mind. I know that wasn't your question but wanted to tell you I think it's awesome that you don't let you GAD hold you back!!!

 

[alwaysadisneykid]

This is a good resource about dealing with panic attacks
http://psychcentral.com/lib/how-to-halt-and-minimize-panic-attacks/0005992

I can't put into words how grateful I am to the things you linked. It's so, so kind of you and it brought me to tears. Thank you so much, that's so helpful. I really do appreciate it. Sending you so much pixie dust.

 

[alwaysadisneykid]

Hats off to you for taking a solo trip - that is very brave in itself!!! I too am bothered by the lack of respect of my "personal bubble" so I know what you mean. I find that taking a moment in an out of the way place with a cold drink to do some people watching tends to relax my mind. I know that wasn't your question but wanted to tell you I think it's awesome that you don't let you GAD hold you back!!!

Thank you!

 

[FeralCatRogue]

I keep an ipod on me, if i need to relax i can pop in my headphones and drown out the people around me. I've also used a worry stone at times to stay grounded. If you have something that works for you well it can help to stave off a panic attack before it happens, I have GAD though and not panic attacks.

 

[Vilmaris]

I was about to write a similar question when I came accross this thread. Thanks to the replies I had an a-ha moment... Dry ice packs! Thank you, thank you, thank you! I am preparing a DBT kit to take with me, including flash cards, my 'wise mind stone', scents, chewing gum, affirmations, etc. I will try to find some ice packs too. Great idea!

 

[bocaj1431]

I was about to write a similar question when I cam accross this thread. Thanks to the replies I had an a-ha moment... Dry ice packs! Thank you, thank you, thank you! I am preparing a DBT kit to take with me, including flash cards, my 'wise mind stone', scents, chewing gum, affirmations, etc. I will try to find some ice packs too. Great idea!

Your DBT kit sounds a lot like mine. I didn't even think to mention a DBT kit. That's a great idea too. Thanks for sharing.

 

[FeralCatRogue]

If your unable to find the dry ice packs they during the hotter months sell them in the gift shop/vendors in the parks.

 

[Vilmaris]

If your unable to find the dry ice packs they during the hotter months sell them in the gift shop/vendors in the parks.

Good to know, thanks! I live in Holland (read: no Target, no Walmart, nothing) but I already found some alternatives online.

 

[cobright]

Here is the advice I give to anyone concerned about vacationing with an anxiety disorder.

I know what that panic feels like. I know the slow burn general anxiety as well, constant scanning, maybe counting the people getting too close. I've felt that confrontational anxiety in social interaction. It had gotten so bad at one point I was honestly trapped in my own home, sometimes even hiding in my closet like a child.

And with a lot of effort and a lot of outside intervention and for a while a lot of medicine, these days I'm a lot better. These days I get along pretty good and I don't need the RX anymore, and that's a point of pride for me. I often see that people who are managing their anxiety without meds take a great deal of pride in it. Anyone who has gotten back from being on seroquel or effexxor will tell you the pride is well earned.

But...

And this is just my advice... But if there is some medicine that will help with your anxiety symptoms, bring it with you. A WDW vacation is not like normal life. For one thing, it costs a lot more than normal life. you're paying a mint for a few days of magic, do what you must to enjoy them. I never go the WDW without a pocketful of benzos. Most days I don't even take them, it's enough to know they are there.

Good luck.