If you get panic attacks, you should stay away from:

[Binxymarie]

I have a horrible anxiety disorder I deal with day to day! Nice to see so many others that share my issues ♡ We are preparing for our trip and I find myself beyond excited but also anxious. So this was a nice thread to read though..

 

[SplashMo]

I would avoid Mission Space Orange and also Green as you are in a small space. I would also skip the Dinosaur ride.

 

[niffer5150]

just know what sets you off and avoid too much of whatever that is. the last thing i have left to really get under control is an irrational fear of driving strange places... so i arrange transport before i arrive. just in case, bring any meds you may need and just practice your calming techniques. that way you're covered even if things get to be too much and make a plan B for if you need a moment. disney is FULL of helpful cast members who, if alerted to an issue, are usually more than happy to help. disney is a safe place to be and disney is a kind place as well.

 

[mshanson3121]

Going with the theme here, I'd like to know about this. How do you control anxiety at the parks?

There's no simple answer for this. It would depend on what your triggers are. If it's being confined, then avoid those type of rides. If it's darkness, avoid those. If it's crowds - well, probably I'd say don't go to Disney! But obviously you'd have to choose the slowest time possible.

 

[cyb]

The OP asked the question back in 2008. But I'll keep it open because it may be helpful to someone planning their trip.
.

Thank you for keeping the thread open

 

[larryz]

Going with the theme here, I'd like to know about this. How do you control anxiety at the parks?

I use the time-honored method recommended for new speakers -- I imagine everyone else in the park is unclothed.

 

[Tigerlulu]

XANAX!

I dont miss a thing.

Ditto!

 

[MAGICFOR2]

As far as insensitivity goes, anyone who has ever had a real panic attack they are the most painful thing in the world to ever deal with. Just imagine your worse fear and that is the amount of fear that comes over you. It can set you up for all kinds of avoidance behaviors as the fear of having one itself becomes a real problem. As someone who has worked for doctors, panic attacks and anxiety are extremely common issue. Many people do not talk about them out of embarrassment, etc., I know I didn't. Luckily for me as time went on they got less and less.

I understand because DH has described this. He has learned some techniques to "talk himself down." Because there were times he was sitting in high powered meetings and something would trigger. Even though you know logically everything is okay, you have this physical response that overtakes your ability to think logically. He has been able to travel better with Xanax while traveling and at the parks, but it makes him sleepy. I work for a doctor, too and I see that alot of patients are dealing with this. I think maybe more now than in the past.

I'm the OP and I'm so glad you all have chimed in recently!! I haven't been on the disboards as much lately and I didn't even realize the thread became "active" again!
I don't have panic attacks as much as I used to (maybe 1-3 a year now). Surprisingly, the latest one I had was last year when we went to Disney's Hilton Head Resort. Me and my daughter were riding bicycles from the beach, back to the resort, and we took a detour, seemingly lost, and mixed with the heat, I really thought I was gonna lose it!! I got really scared, but my daughter handled it very well!! Getting me back to the room, drinking lots of water, and cooling off and resting, and slow breathing. Then I was fine and we had a wonderful trip!

I've gotten better over the years with the rides at WDW. It took a few years, but finally rode a few things I was really afraid of. But still, I can NOT do Tower of Terror, Rock N Rollercoaster, or Mission Space!

Glad to hear that things have gone better for you lately.

 

[SRUAlmn]

Thank you for this thread! Panic attacks and anxiety can feel like a very lonely thing. It's embarrassing and then you feel like you're embarrassing the people with you and then you feel like people truly don't get you and you feel like a freak which just makes you more anxious. While I hate that so many others on here have to know what it feels like, it's nice to know I'm not alone.

Situations which have triggered me the most at WDW (other than those others have mentioned...)

Once we were on the TTC monorail platform heading to Epcot. The doors had just closed, we were still on the platform, and the train powered down. No AC (it was July,) on the platform able to see safety but not able to get out, crowded as all get out, all the people on the platform staring at us, hearing people around me complaining and panicking, I was in full panic mode. They just kept saying they were doing a security check, but it was a loooooong wait and it was HOT! I think still being on the platform actually kept me calm because I could see a way out and didn't have the added worry about what would happen if we were stuck. This situation caused me to start carrying bottles of water with me everywhere I go. If I can take a few sips and a few deep breaths I can start to calm myself, and having water saves the panic of being hot and not wanting to pass out.

Other smaller moments have been when rides have broken down (spaceship earth, at the top and backwards in the dark) or in super crowded waiting/holding areas when it's really hot (the monsters inc one feels like an eternity!) I always try to hang back so I can have air circulation and the CMs usually reprimand me and keep saying to fill in all the empty space in front of me. It's hard because I know they're just doing their job, but if I do what I'm told it won't be pretty, so I try to follow directions and find space when I can!

 

[momtosam]

Just wanted to say bless you to those of you who deal with this. I had a full on attack just one time and it was simply horrible. I feel sorry for those who have to deal with this regularly!

 

[kandb]

Thank you for this thread! Panic attacks and anxiety can feel like a very lonely thing. It's embarrassing and then you feel like you're embarrassing the people with you and then you feel like people truly don't get you and you feel like a freak which just makes you more anxious. While I hate that so many others on here have to know what it feels like, it's nice to know I'm not alone.

Situations which have triggered me the most at WDW (other than those others have mentioned...)

Once we were on the TTC monorail platform heading to Epcot. The doors had just closed, we were still on the platform, and the train powered down. No AC (it was July,) on the platform able to see safety but not able to get out, crowded as all get out, all the people on the platform staring at us, hearing people around me complaining and panicking, I was in full panic mode. They just kept saying they were doing a security check, but it was a loooooong wait and it was HOT! I think still being on the platform actually kept me calm because I could see a way out and didn't have the added worry about what would happen if we were stuck. This situation caused me to start carrying bottles of water with me everywhere I go. If I can take a few sips and a few deep breaths I can start to calm myself, and having water saves the panic of being hot and not wanting to pass out.

Other smaller moments have been when rides have broken down (spaceship earth, at the top and backwards in the dark) or in super crowded waiting/holding areas when it's really hot (the monsters inc one feels like an eternity!) I always try to hang back so I can have air circulation and the CMs usually reprimand me and keep saying to fill in all the empty space in front of me. It's hard because I know they're just doing their job, but if I do what I'm told it won't be pretty, so I try to follow directions and find space when I can!

I will not take the monorail because I will not chance getting stuck in it. Getting stuck in a ride isn't as bad because, you can walk out of it but with the monorail you are stuck UNTIL they let you out. I remember reading about a stuck monorail last year? that the people were stuck in for like 3 hours with no a/c. There is no way I am going to risk that happening to me, so I take the boat or buses.

 

[vincent00]

I have mild GAD (generalized anxiety disorder) and get overwhelmed by commotion. Thankfully, only three things are guaranteed to triggered a negative response from me:

1) Dinosaur with its pitch-black sections, strobe lights, noise and rough jostling on the ride. Rode it once, and that was plenty. About halfway through, I'd had enough and all I wanted to do was get off, get out of the building and go find somewhere quiet to unwind for a few minutes.

2) World Showcase weekend crowds during Food & Wine. Wall-to-wall people and all of them tipsy (okay, not really, but the odor of booze is everywhere), plus no reprieve from the heat. Got about a third of the way around the loop before feeling totally overwhelmed and desperate to leave.

3) Packed resort buses first thing in the morning and after fireworks, etc. I don't care if there's room enough to squeeze two more on. If the driver has packed people in like sardines, my wife and I are waiting for the next bus. ...or the next one. ...or the fifth one!

Honestly, as over-stimulating as WDW can be sometimes, I'm pleasantly surprised at how little actually triggers an anxiety attack.

 

[Disneylover99]

3) Packed resort buses first thing in the morning and after fireworks, etc. I don't care if there's room enough to squeeze two more on. If the driver has packed people in like sardines, my wife and I are waiting for the next bus. ...or the next one. ...or the fifth one!

I'm severely claustrophobic. Sometimes we get on the bus, take a seat and then realize the bus driver is waiting for more people. Once people start having to stand, I leave my seat and make a beeline for the back door and stand there. I find it really helps knowing I'm beside the door and I'll be the first one out.

 

[palmtreelover08]

Spaceship Earth-I always get nervous about a fire in there. It is a longer ride, I feel too confined and like there is no way out. I still go on - but it makes me nervous - enough that my heart races and I am glad when it is over

 

[kandb]

I'm severely claustrophobic. Sometimes we get on the bus, take a seat and then realize the bus driver is waiting for more people. Once people start having to stand, I leave my seat and make a beeline for the back door and stand there. I find it really helps knowing I'm beside the door and I'll be the first one out.

This is what they invented Uber for. For a few bucks you don't have to feel uncomfortable.

 

[kandb]

Spaceship Earth-I always get nervous about a fire in there. It is a longer ride, I feel too confined and like there is no way out. I still go on - but it makes me nervous - enough that my heart races and I am glad when it is over

OMG, I can't believe I am not the only one who feels this way about this ride. I even have posted previously about this ride. I always wonder if there is a sprinkler system in there and do feel like it's a bit of a fire trap. Hopefully, it's sprinklered. My husband is a firefighter and he said not to worry. It feels so hot and closed in when you get to the top of the ride. I am always so happy when the ride is taking you back down. My kids love this ride or I wouldn't go in it. Does anyone know how far it goes up? Does it go all the way up to the top of the globe?

 

[Disneylover99]

This is what they invented Uber for. For a few bucks you don't have to feel uncomfortable.

Honestly? I'd rather be on a big bus then in the back of someone's small car.

 

[kandb]

Also, for claustrophobic people who fly. I always sit towards the front because I don't feel as closed in. I do not like sitting in the middle or the rear and when the plane lands everyone stands and you are just sitting their waiting in a mob of people. I hate that, always sit towards the front.

 

[kandb]

Honestly? I'd rather be on a big bus then in the back of someone's small car.

Got it! Neither is really pleasant

 

[IrishNYC]

I have mild GAD (generalized anxiety disorder) and get overwhelmed by commotion. Thankfully, only three things are guaranteed to triggered a negative response from me:

1) Dinosaur with its pitch-black sections, strobe lights, noise and rough jostling on the ride. Rode it once, and that was plenty. About halfway through, I'd had enough and all I wanted to do was get off, get out of the building and go find somewhere quiet to unwind for a few minutes.

2) World Showcase weekend crowds during Food & Wine. Wall-to-wall people and all of them tipsy (okay, not really, but the odor of booze is everywhere), plus no reprieve from the heat. Got about a third of the way around the loop before feeling totally overwhelmed and desperate to leave.

3) Packed resort buses first thing in the morning and after fireworks, etc. I don't care if there's room enough to squeeze two more on. If the driver has packed people in like sardines, my wife and I are waiting for the next bus. ...or the next one. ...or the fifth one!

Honestly, as over-stimulating as WDW can be sometimes, I'm pleasantly surprised at how little actually triggers an anxiety attack.

I also have GAD, and tightly packed spaces have been a trigger for me in the past. I couldn't travel on subways for a long, long time after i started having panic attacks. I would also rather wait for a less crowded bus. When I fly I like to be the last one on, and the last one off. Y'all fight over that overhead bin space, I'll be the last one on, put my bag under the seat, and I'm good to go. When we land, y'all can fight to be first off, but all our luggage is coming out onto the carousel at the same time. I felt the same as you on Dinosaur - get me out, and never again. Nope. The shaking, the noise, the confusion, the whole combo made a mess of me.

With the exception of Dinosaur, and a few wild thoughts that passed through my head about EE (I kept envisioning DD flying out of her seat like a piece of paper!) I didn't really feel anxious at Disney, I think because the rest of my triggers are left behind.