Anxiety over flying..any tips?

[DaniDownUnder]

I'm leaving next Thursday to fly from Australia to the US to get ready for my wedding at home (North Carolina) on July 4th. I used to LOVE the excitement of travelling, especially long distance flying...but last year on a flight to New Zealand, I felt like a gorilla was sitting on my chest the whole time and I couldn't draw a full breath.

I went to the doctor yesterday and he checked my breathing and it is fine, so he thinks it is probably just anxiety. I don't think it is..I know it!! I just think about planes weighing tons and the fact that they just don't seem like they should stay up in the air and I panic. The doctor prescribed ventolin for the breathing and melatonin to help me relax and sleep. He also gave me a small scrip for Xanax, but I'm afraid to take it, because the side effects involve increased blood pressure, pulse rate, rapid heartbeat etc...things I have normally...and I'm afraid the Xanax would make them worse.

SO... do any of you have some tips for 'relaxing' on a flight (that don't involve drinking oneself into stupor)??

thanks in advance.

 

[poohandwendy]

Try the Xanax at home first and see how it affects you. Most people I know do really well with it, I have never heard any complain of side effects.

Good luck to you!