Dealing with Anxiety and being a Disney fan.

[RUDisney]

Of course he didn’t. People read what they want to on here and make assumptions. It’s ridiculous.

Please see quote, below. I wasn’t making assumptions. I was offering anecdotal information that I had just learned. I found it interesting. I thought others might, too.

The pp came back and explained himself. And to be honest, after considering it, he has a point. A LOT of people with anxiety have tried using pot to help and it does help a lot of people. But there are those that it can have a reverse effect and anyone trying it needs to know.

No reason for you to get snarky about a post that wasn't really about you.

Thank you for your defense of me. You get what I was trying to impart.

I also wasn’t trying to judge anyone who was trying any means to make themselves feel better. To me, the information I provided seems counterintuitive to what I’d think of if I was in the same situation.

 

[scrump]

You are not alone. I can't personally relate to the panic attacks, but I attend group therapy and know people who go through them. You mentioned that you "have taken" counseling, maybe continue with that if you have stopped? Not intending to be simplistic about a very complex situation, especially when a lot of posters have offered some really good advice - I really just wanted to lend support. You've been through a lot in three years, but you'll get through it.

 

[5kidsmommy]

I have an anxiety disorder. It's actually gotten better over the years but it's taken a lot. There is no quick fix unfortunately. My youngest son also deals with extreme anxiety. For me medication wasn't the answer, I have tried so many different combinations. I've also used edibles and CBD. The best thing for me was cognitive behavioral therapy. I went through several therapists before finding a good fit. My son though responded great to medication and actually felt therapy made it worse. Funny how different two people can be with similar genetics.

We used to drive down to Disney but we've started flying. Driving adds four days onto our trips (Ohio) and it's too stressful on me. Flying scares the heck out of me but I've worked through it but I'm still a mess in the airport.

My advice is continue to look for solutions. Maybe try a different therapist, hopefully you can find a good fit. I wish you success.

 

[ronandannette]

I totally get the flying fear. I have it too. I have never set foot on a plane but my fear of going into a full on panic attack as soon as the doors close is very real to me. There are places I want to go and I know I will have to fly to get there so I have already talked to my doctor. He assures me that he will give me something to get me on the plane (and back on at the end of the trip).

I know a lot of people do not like to take meds and feel that one should be able to distract themselves from whatever it is they are afraid of buy with phobias it just doesn't work that way or at least not for everyone. My mom could just read while she was on a plane and it kept her from thinking about it. I can't do that.

I have a friend that went to Hawaii a year or so ago. Her first time on a plane. Not sure what her dr. gave her, but she got on the plane, sat down, and immediately went to sleep. They had to wake her when they go there. She did have to check in the hotel and sleep off whatever it was for a few hours and then get on with her vacation but she said it was the only way she was going to get there.

So, don't feel bad that you may need to take something to get on the plane. If it helps you to get to a place that you love, it will be worth it. Talk to your doctor and see what they suggest.

If it was me and the choice was taking something to get me to fly or take a chance on a panic attack while driving, I would choose the flying. But of course, you have to make your own choice.

I have no anxiety about flying - just a deep dread and loathing of the discomfort and boredom of a long flight. I don't want to be "relaxed" - I want to be unconscious. For a trip to Paris two years ago my doctor prescribed a small quantity of Ativan.

I zonked withing 15 minutes and slept most of the way. It was especially sedating because I'm not accustomed to taking any meds of that kind. I didn't have any trouble rousing near the end of the 8 hour flight though. I plan to do exactly the same thing when we take off for London in May. This might not be an ideal solution for the OP if the flight isn't long, but it is a possible option that's better than never being able to go at all.

 

[Melissa55]

I have dealt with anxiety for as long as I can remember. This may sound silly, but one of the most helpful things when I’m having a panic attack is having a home finger pulse oximeter. Seeing my heart rate and oxygen level is oddly calming.

 

[wgeo]

My husband suffers from anxiety and it has affected his traveling but he still does it. He does finally have a prescription for xanax but he prefers not to take it (we're working on that). Not sure why - and I imagine it is all incredibly personal - but what has worked best for him is to "embrace the suck" we call it.

It's like the idea that you can do anything for 10 seconds, and yes it will suck but then it will be done. We used to try to be super rational and work through ideas on why everything was going to be ok. And in the middle of panic attack we'd be saying things like "it's fine, take a deep breath, the elevator won't fall, or the plane will takeoff fine" and for whatever reason that didn't calm him down because he just kept "arguing" with the calming suggestions. So instead we now say - yep you're right this sucks, it makes you feel uncomfortable, but it is going to be very short term and end soon - how long can you live with the feeling? And he takes a deep breath and starts doing the thing and once he starts the next step is always easier.

So with your driving for example, instead of trying to convince yourself that it will be perfect and wonderful, say - you know what sometimes its gonna be hard and I'm gonna hate it, but I'm gonna live with that crappy feeling for 2 miles or 10 miles or whatever and then let myself take a break, and perhaps you'll get to a point where you can go for longer and longer as you get used to it.

 

[luvsJack]

I have no anxiety about flying - just a deep dread and loathing of the discomfort and boredom of a long flight. I don't want to be "relaxed" - I want to be unconscious. For a trip to Paris two years ago my doctor prescribed a small quantity of Ativan.

I zonked withing 15 minutes and slept most of the way. It was especially sedating because I'm not accustomed to taking any meds of that kind. I didn't have any trouble rousing near the end of the 8 hour flight though. I plan to do exactly the same thing when we take off for London in May. This might not be an ideal solution for the OP if the flight isn't long, but it is a possible option that's better than never being able to go at all.

See that’s me. I would not want to calmly think about flying. I want to be be out.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I used to fly regularly by myself beginning when I was around ten years old, and I loved it. Somewhere down the road I began to hate it. I cannot sleep on a plane but I can usually relax and read a bit if things are smooth. I don't do benzos as they don't work for me. I don't want to up the dose enough to be passed out, either. I will get a glass of wine. But here's what has helped me most:

One night I met a lady at a small party and mentioned that I was nervous about flying in the next day or two. She told me she was a fight attendant and this is what she used to tell people who were nervous on her flights. "I'm here, my husband is flying the plane, and we have two children to get home tonight!". It made me realize that they have jobs just like I do, but they happen to work in the air. I thought they probably wouldn't choose it as a career if it were really that dangerous, right? So I watch the flight attendants go about their work and I figure if they're not nervous, then I don't need to be, either. I take my cues from them.

I would also book a non-stop flight and do what you have to to be able to fly to your happy place. We have a 21 hr drive but the flight is only three hours, so yours must be even less at 18. You can do it for two and a half hours! Medicate if you want, or order a glass of wine or stiff drink, bring an iPad and pretend you're in your living room! Think of how relieved and happy you'll be when you get to MCO!

 

[holden]

I have a close friend who also suffers from anxiety and panic attacks. Finding the right therapist is key. This person also sees a psychiatrist who prescribes medication. It's been a year and they are still adjusting the meds. It takes a long time to find the right meds because everyone is different.

This person does take a med that is only for when she flies. It's kind of like a more sedating Benedryl, so not addictive in any way. It absolutely helps with the anxiety about flying.

Don't give up on yourself. The help you need is out there somewhere.

 

[DisneyHardin]

I would also book a non-stop flight and do what you have to to be able to fly to your happy place. We have a 21 hr drive but the flight is only three hours, so yours must be even less at 18. You can do it for two and a half hours! Medicate if you want, or order a glass of wine or stiff drink, bring an iPad and pretend you're in your living room! Think of how relieved and happy you'll be when you get to MCO

This is exactly what I was going to suggest. If you do chose to fly, definitely book a non-stop flight so you only have one take off and landing.

 

[Sabeking]

Check out Mentour pilot on YouTube. He is an airline pilot that explains so much about what the aircraft is doing, turbulence, etc.... he is great and reassuring. After seeing him and hearing explanations of sounds, feelings I feel much better when I fly!

 

[shh]

Please see quote, below. I wasn’t making assumptions. I was offering anecdotal information that I had just learned. I found it interesting. I thought others might, too.

Thank you for your defense of me. You get what I was trying to impart.

I also wasn’t trying to judge anyone who was trying any means to make themselves feel better. To me, the information I provided seems counterintuitive to what I’d think of if I was in the same situation.

totally get why you mentioned it - someone asks for help and may not mention every little thing that could be contributing to the concern or making it worse. You suggested something you heard that many people may not realize. I thought it was helpful and realized your reason for posting immediately.....ignore the negativity.

 

[tinkerhon]

Definitely ignore the negativity ! I can totally relate. I am disabled due to OCD, panic attacks and anxiety - I see both a therapist and a psychiatrist monthly , as.well as my GP- it is extremely hard to me to travel, but I am also a single dad, and I want my kids to be able to enjoy themselves - the OCD is the hardest - when you have this condition, and are removed from your regular surroundings, it's very difficult - I am on medication for the OCD and also the panic attacks ( Xanax 1 mg) - a few.people had mentioned that they don't like ( or their spouses don't like) taking medication - I can totally understand that - habit forming, controlled substances, or SSRIS are very difficult to stop taking -the withdrawal is horrible - I've been on xanax since 2001 ( worked right near the WTC on 9/11) and that's where the trouble started.in my case -

as far as air travel - I like to fly - it's the entire airport process that is hard for me - luckily, I have a very strong DD13 that is not only like my nurse and travelling therapist, but also like a mom to my DS8 -

I take me Xanax every morning, and when I have to fly, I take a half a pill, a half-hour before boarding begins -
There are other medications that a physician might be able to prescribe for you that are not habit-forming - hydroxyzine comes to mind -

If you have any other questions, many on these boards are great, and I'm here too !