Panic Attacks on Rides?

[Grumpy'n'Goofy]

After having a panic attack, doesn't it just go away after the ride/confinement ends? When we moved to NYC, my wife used to have them driving over tall bridges, until we went over enough of them and her fear just went away. Whenever we would drive up one side, she would panic, tunnel vision, sweats, the whole shebang! As we drove down the other side, the panic would go away. Our doctor is more about conquering fear, rather than medicating, so she never took anything for it, but it makes me wonder...is her experience common or do most panic attacks last longer and require medication? No judgements here, mind you, just curious.

I think it is different for everyone, for me once it starts it can last up to an hour whether or not the thing that caused it has ended.

 

[DeluxePrincess]

I had a panic attack at Cedar Point right before going on Millennium Force (300 ft. coaster). I knew I should have walked away from the line but I waited for an hour and didn't want to waste that time. As we were going over that first hill, I freaked. I think I blacked out for a second or two.

I haven't had a problem with the Disney rides though.

 

[patrizella]

I had my first in 1999 in the middle of the Lion King on Broadway. Talk about stress. I was even rushed to the hospital.

I completely empathize with you-the anticipation of having a panic attack lasts longer than the actual attack.

I agree with the post on a "survival kit". I too keep a small fan and bottle of water at the ready. It occupies my mind when I feel the anxiety building. Just focus on the fact that you are in the greatest place on earth. I avoid the rush rides (ToT, RnR, Space Mountain, BTMR, and Mission Space) I let my DD and DH ride those rides while I stroll through stores or when in MK I ride my favorite ride-Tomoorowland Transit Authority-calms me right down.

Best of luck to you-you are not alone

 

[patrizella]

After having a panic attack, doesn't it just go away after the ride/confinement ends? When we moved to NYC, my wife used to have them driving over tall bridges, until we went over enough of them and her fear just went away. Whenever we would drive up one side, she would panic, tunnel vision, sweats, the whole shebang! As we drove down the other side, the panic would go away. Our doctor is more about conquering fear, rather than medicating, so she never took anything for it, but it makes me wonder...is her experience common or do most panic attacks last longer and require medication? No judgements here, mind you, just curious.

It really depends on the severity of the attack and the individual. Now that I am aware of what is happening I can "talk myself down" They are waves of emotion that take over your mind. Once you are caught in the wave it isn't always easy to get out. She has great control if she can have such quick episodes. Thankfully she does not require medication. I am not an advocate of medication for myself-but I truly think if it helps you to live a better life do it.

All I can tell you is be supportive-letting her know she is safe and you are there with her will help her keep them in check.

 

[Laugh O. Grams]

It really depends on the severity of the attack and the individual. Now that I am aware of what is happening I can "talk myself down" They are waves of emotion that take over your mind. Once you are caught in the wave it isn't always easy to get out. She has great control if she can have such quick episodes. Thankfully she does not require medication. I am not an advocate of medication for myself-but I truly think if it helps you to live a better life do it.

All I can tell you is be supportive-letting her know she is safe and you are there with her will help her keep them in check.

She used to do the same as you "talk" to herself as she went over. She'd even insist on turning off the radio so she could hear herself say the words. After driving over every bridge and through every tunnel in Manhattan for the last couple years (there's no other way out), she is great these days, no symptoms, but for an occational "twinge" from time to time while going over, kind of like butterflies in her stomach, on rainy days. She rocks!!

 

[whitneyv]

Thanks so much for all the tips - I will definately be packing an "emergency kit" for my trip. Unfortunately, I am one of those whose panic attacks can last for an hour after the trigger - and I usually end up exhausted and crying - it's so good to know that there are other disers dealing with the same thing!

One suggestion that I have (I don't know how this will work on rides but it works for me in enclosed spaces) is to completely trick your mind into concentrating on something else - my doctor suggested imagining smelling a rose until you could actually smell it OR visualizing blowing out a candle and smelling the smoke.

 

[nanalisa]

After having a panic attack, doesn't it just go away after the ride/confinement ends? When we moved to NYC, my wife used to have them driving over tall bridges, until we went over enough of them and her fear just went away. Whenever we would drive up one side, she would panic, tunnel vision, sweats, the whole shebang! As we drove down the other side, the panic would go away. Our doctor is more about conquering fear, rather than medicating, so she never took anything for it, but it makes me wonder...is her experience common or do most panic attacks last longer and require medication? No judgements here, mind you, just curious.

I too panic crossing tall bridges. I personally wouldn't medicate for that because it's a short amount of time. Being in a confined space for long periods of time where you can't escape (like an airplane) is when I use it. I'm pretty miserable during the flight until the pilot says we are beginning our descent then I'm as happy as a clam and enjoy the last 20 min. Trust your physician, he has her best interest in mind.

I did feel an attach coming on waiting for It's Tough to be a bug. We had to wait inside the tree just outside the theatre doors for 15 min. The ceilings are so low and people were starting to push. My heart is speeding up just thinking about it. I panic over a lot of things but a full blown panic attack is like what Equidae said, you just feel like you are going to die.

 

[Equidae]

Sorry.. double post.. see below...

 

[Equidae]

I just remembered this... when I first started having attacks (and thankfully I haven't had one in a while, but I still worry about them anyway), my psychologist suggested mentally going to a 'happy place'. A place where I felt totally happy and calm. My place is Main Street USA. It took some practice, but after I while, I could hear it, feel the ground under my feet, and just connect with the feeling of happiness I get when I am there (and I am sure you fellow Disney fanatics know that happy feeling). Now when I start to get worked up over something and anxious, I stop for a second, place myself on Main Street in my head, and I feel the anxiety fall away a bit. It's amazing the little mind tricks you can use to calm yourself down. Remember, you are in control, don't let the anxiety get the best of you.

I did feel an attach coming on waiting for It's Tough to be a bug. We had to wait inside the tree just outside the theatre doors for 15 min. The ceilings are so low and people were starting to push. My heart is speeding up just thinking about it.

Ack! I know! It's so tight in there! I have to find a corner and just reassure myself in there when it's really crowded (and hot!). So glad to know it isn't just me!

 

[contempgal]

I've often wondered what caused me to suddenly start to panic on things that used to not bother me. I had never been afraid of heights until a couple years ago. Now, I don't even go on balconies unless I'm standing right up against the door. If I go any further, my heart starts to pound relentlessly. We almost always stay in the CR tower and during the fireworks, I sit a chair inside the door and watch from there. I won't go out. Two years ago, I rode ToT for the first time and literally thought I was going to have a heart attack. By the fourth drop, I was just praying for it to end. My hands were numb for holding on so tight. Needless to say, I haven't rode it since. That same year though, I had no problem with Splash Mountain (rode it multiple times in a row), however, last year as soon as I got on, I began to feel nervous and became progressively more nervous as the ride went on. I didn't enjoy it at all because I was freaking out so much. I could feel my face getting hotter and I tried to breathe slowly to steady myself. I didn't like PPF either though I was ok on it.

Now, granted, I've always had a fear of "falling" but not so severe that I couldn't handle it. I just avoided roller coasters that flipped and ones with huge drops (oh, and ferris wheels). Space Mountain and any log rides with drops didn't bother me. I guess now, I connect the balconies and just about anything with a drop to falling. It's likely not even the heights that bother me. If a balcony is solid concrete or something in the front, it doesn't normally bother me.

I've considered getting a prescription for some meds before going back in September. I don't want my anxiety to ruin my trip. I love Splash Mountain and want to do it again. ToT, I know I won't do that.

I know this doesn't help the OP, but I hope you feel better knowing there are many of us out there in the same situation.

 

[Thea]

I know I suffer from a mild case of vertigo. It doesn't bother me if I'm moving fast (like a coaster) but I can feel the panic set in when I'm moving slow or just hanging there (ferris wheel)

I've only had one panic attack at WDW and that was during an E-night in MK a few years ago. It was late and for once there were almost no line at astro orbiter so up we went. DH flew with DD and I flew with DS. I went along on this in kiddy ride already planning to hit Space Mountain next. But when the ride started and DS pulled back on the stick, I totally panicked.

We spend the entire ride with our vehicle all the way down and me with my eyes closed, and I promised myself never again!!

The following year I had almost the same reaction at the Sun wheel at the California adventure at DL. DH/DD had to swing that thing

The fun thing is that I Love Space Mountain, RRC and California Screamin' and other coaster rides.

ToT - Not a chance


Thea
Down to 8 days.. and CSR here we comes....

 

[Beauty]

I have severe panic attacks. I've had them for over 10 years now. I also have my crutch (Xanax). I have found that if I take a Xanax the morning before we leave for our trip and then take one (Or 1/2 of one) ever single morning of the trip then I do fine! Once I'm home I stop taking them and sometimes its months before I need another one but while at Disney I take one every day.

I did almost have one on Space Mountain last trip. After it was over I had to sit down and breathe for quite a while. I won't be going on again. I've never had a problem with Splash, I love it!! Big Thunder I have to gauge my feelings at the time. If I'm feeling good and having a good time and the wait is short I can handle it. I don't ride ToT or RNRC, I've done them once, didn't like it, don't want to do it again! I also won't EVER be doing Mission Space although my 64 year old mother loves it.

 

[Candace]

I do not suffer from Panic attacks, but my 20 year old son does. One thing we found that helps is an herbal supplement called Seredyn. Just wanted to offer this info for anyone whom it might help. seredyn.com is the website.

 

[abbs25]

I don't post much, usually just read, but I wanted to comment on this thread and how great it is to hear others have the same problem as me. I don't talk about my anxiety much, because I think people think that I am weird, but it is nice to know others are in the same boat.

I always have been a little claustrophobic, but not until a plane ride through a hurricane last September did I have as much of a problem as I have now. It is weird actually because I think that I was pretty calm during the bad flight, but it was when I returned home on a flight that I lost it. One thing that I know helped though is someone gave me a fan so that I cooled down and I also had some water. The idea about the flashlight in DW is great too. I think talking to someone works really well. My father was pained for having to talk to me straight for so long, but his asking questions and talking to me got my mind off of my anxiety.

Just wanted to say good luck and thanks for posting this!

 

[MommytoMJM]

Another panic attack person here too.....I have them in crowds, small spaces and when I got stuck o nthe TTA and had to be carried down, sigh.....I am almost out of my Xanax I need to find a new Dr (we just moved recently) and get more.....

 

[lfama]

Mission: Space! For the first minute or two, I had a mini panic attack.

 

[wdwdavem]

It's amazing how many of us suffer from panic attacks. I have been getting attacks for the past twelve years. I take effexor daily and carry ativan just in case of an attack. As TWIGS said several posts back, a good thing to remember is that you can stay in line with your husband until the end of the line and then decide whether or not to ride. Knowing that there is an out usually helps. I am also a thrill junkie (especially coasters), but my first thrill ride of the day I'm allways a little nervous. Once I ride it then I'm fine. Just bring something with you in case and don't be afraid to take it.
Hope this helps, and remember your not alone.

 

[cravinthacastle]

When I was younger (about 15 yrs ago)... I had clostrophobia (sp?) related panic attacks every once in a while.... things like a long ride in an elevator might trigger one. Until last July, I hadn't had one in YEARS. Last summer, I thought I could handle Mission: Space, and I was SOOOO excited about riding it- not a bit nervous or hesitant. Then, it all fell apart! lol. Major panic attack about the time the doors closed. Once the screen came up and the video began.... I relaxed and enjoyed the ride.

 

[mousemom218]

Wow, so many panicky Dis-ers!
For me, my panic attacks actually improve after I ride RnRC and SM because I scream my lungs out on those rides--when I have the nerve to ride them! There's something really calming about screaming at the top of your lungs at a time when it's socially acceptable!
But no MS--I thought I'd die during that one!

 

[luv2nascar]

I read and it really does work. If you start to feel it coming on get MAD and I mean really PO'd. You can not be mad and have a panic attack at the same time. You have to try it - I won't ruin this vacation with this crap etc.
No MS for me to small a space. I can ride and love TOT, SM, & RNR. I don't have that problem at disney except for crowds at electric parade once on Main street. It was pressing and I had to get away from it.