Flying/traveling with anxiety

[StaciaRae]

Hi! I am 40 years old and have flown five times in the last 10 years. The first 4 flights were great, but the last one (2 yrs ago), I had a mild panic attack on the plane. I was able to get through the flight by focusing on videos I had downloaded on to my ipad. For our next flight, we will have my 2 small children with me and it will be their first time flying. I am really nervous about this flight. Our trip is in January.

In the last few years I have developed some mild, seasonal anxiety. I am a teacher and off during the summer. Mid-July to early-August I start getting really anxious and feeling claustrophic. I attibute it to the heat and being out of a routine. Usually after just a few weeks back at work and I'm fine for the year until I'm off for a few months again.

I did talk to my doctor about it, but she tried to prescribe me Paxil and I really don't want to take that. At this point it is very managable and I don't feel I need to be on medication every day for it.

When I booked our flights I was feeling fine and had been about 9 months with no real anxiety. But, the last few weeks its been back and now I'm worried about another panic attack on the plane but with my 3 yr old and 5 yr old with me. Hubby says we can just drive, but our tickets are nonrefundable and it would be a 24 hour drive (not including stops).

I'm hoping that there are others here with anxiety who will share their stories and copying methods with me. Thanks!

 

[jennwdw]

I get very anxious about flying. It got really bad about 15 years ago on a particularly bumpy flight. Now whenever I fly I get a prescription for a very low dose of ativan. I only take it to fly - 2 about an hour before the flight. It seems to really help me. I don't take meds otherwise and only just before the flight.

 

[kar915]

You've already experienced flying before so it is not a completely new experience. So that's a good thing.
Do research on what you can expect during a flight, i.e. Understand noises and plane movements and when to expect them.

Don't drink alcohol or very little, breathing techniques, distract yourself with movies, music, books, sleeping, helping your children pass the time as well.

 

[maxiesmom]

I get anxious/claustrophobic too. My Dr gave me xanax to use when I fly. It doesn't make me feel drugged or sleepy, I just don't feel anxious. I agree with kar915, anything you can do to distract yourself is good.

 

[minnie mum]

I've had a true fear of flying for many years. The origins stemmed from being in a plane involved in a near miss. Focused relaxation techniques and self hypnosis have helped to stave off full blown panic attacks, but the awful anxiety remained. My FP began prescribing Ativan, which I only take for flying. One the night before a flight, so I can get some sleep, and one just before boarding. They are fast acting tablets that dissolve under the tongue. Ativan is an anxiolytic and ( for me) has only a mild sedative effect, but a MAJOR calming effect.

I wouldn't recommend medication if you were the only adult with the children, but since your DH will be with you, perhaps you could discuss this with your doctor.

 

[kandb]

I suffer from anxiety on and off, yes I agree the heat and crowds can make it worse. I, too have never gone on medication for it. I don't want to be dependent on medication, so I work through it. I always sit towards the front of the plane, this makes me feel less claustrophobic. I also take valium with me but never take it, just knowing I have it, keeps my anxiety in check. I also have a few games on my Samsung droid which is a great distraction. The only time I take any medication for my anxiety is when I go to the doctor/dentist, I usually take less then 5 mg an hour before I go, because it helps take the edge off and I do need it for the appointments. I am not thrilled about flying but when I think of it logically (thousands of flights everyday and very rarely a mishap and is much safer then driving), I don't let it bother me, plus it is so quick. I recommend flying as opposed to a very long drive and not letting the anxiety rule you, you have to just go forward and deal with any feelings that may come up. If you do have anxiety, you will get thru it and it's not going to hurt you.

 

[momto2inKC]

Like a previous poster, I have a prescription for Ativan to use when needed. I take 1/4 of a pill if needed. It's a very low dose but just enough to ward off a full fledged panic attack.

 

[Ladygoldenhair]

I second the xanax. It was the answer to getting through the flight and not a stressed out thought. I don't normally relay on it, but for our first trips to Disney the flying and adventurous rides, I was happy. I would just take half on a park day at MK. I didn't do any HS terror rides, but I had to do Space Mountain.

 

[Mollymum]

I agree: talk to your Dr about meds. I had a spell of occasional panic attacks after a serious medical issue, and Valium was a life saver. I didn't have to use it often, but when I did it was amazing. A low dose just takes the edge off. Try it at home first, to see how you react to it.

 

[MillauFr]

In Seattle, Alaska Airlines helps sponsor a fear of flying clinic than can help overcome the anxiety people have about flying. Maybe they have something similar near you.

http://blog.alaskaair.com/travel-ti...le-area-clinic-helps-clients-who-fear-flying/

 

[xlxo]

Vancouver has a similar opportunity...
http://www.flyingwithoutfear.ca/