Flying with anxiety.....

[WendyLady03]

In a little over a week I'm flying to Vegas with a friend. I use to fly quite a bit, and though I never loved it, (it always made me a little nervous), I was okay with it. Now though that I've had panic attacks I'm TERRIFIED of getting on a plane. Before I was worried about the plane crashing, turbulence, etc.....but now I've learned that in reality those aren't things to be scared of. If it happens, it happens I suppose and it's out of my hangs.

Now though I'm scared of having a panic attack on the plane and making a fool of myself. I don't want to lose control I guess and do something stupid.

Any tips on what to do to stay calm? Has anyone flown and actually HAD a panic attack on the plane? Should I tell a flight attendant that I suffer from this? I'm really looking forward to my trip and I am in desperate need of a vacation, but just thinking about the flight makes me sick to my stomach.

[nursegirl6572]

Soooo awesome!  I knew it!

have a great vacation!!!

[WendyLady03]

My friend didn't do quite as well just because he gets motion sickness really easily. I think me kind of taking care of him and trying to keep him from freaking out helped me stay calm too. He kind of freaked out a bit during takeoff, but after that he was fine for the most part. It was funny that I was sitting there telling him to breathe when really it should have been the other way around lol.

[alvaa]

How did your friend do?

I am glad you made it ok!

[WendyLady03]

Well, I did it, and I was completely fine!! I was super nervous all up until we got on the plane, and then I was great. Not once during the flight did I feel a bit of panic. I took my IPod and watched a funny TV show and it really went so well. I took a half an ativan on the way there, but nothing on the way back and I was fine.

Thanks so much everyone for all the advice, I'm actually looking forward to flying again!

[WendyLady03]

Thanks again for answering!!!! I'm feeling a bit better today and I know I'm going to be alright. I think I've just gotten too far ahead of myself, I've been worried about flying for over a year now for really no reason at all.

[nursegirl6572]

Hi Wendy...you'll be just fine.  Remember, distractions help, and also I would recommend taking your Ativan about an hour before your flight.  You can always re-dose if needed.  You may end up a little groggy on your first day, which is okay, usually a nap will help with that.  Keep visualizing how much fun you'll have and what a huge accomplishment this will be for you!  The anticipatory anxiety is often much worse than the actual anxiety we end up experiencing.  You may have a few anxious moments, but if you stay distracted, the short flight will be over before you blink an eye!

Keep talking about it...that always helps.  Be sure to let us know how you're doing!  It will all be okay!

[WendyLady03]

I'm just bumping this. I leave this Saturday and I'm getting a little more anxious is the day gets closer. Any reassurance helps!

[WendyLady03]

Thanks for your comment, I think I am going to take a half before the flight. I'm also taking my IPod, magazines, a book, and a notebook. I was reading an older post and Greenlydia said something about writing down everything I'm feeling throughout the trip....I think that's a good idea too.

I'm hoping that once I get there I'll be fine. I think the anticipatory anxiety is probably the worst part lol.

[heartfluttersflyawayplz]

i would take a half before and than if you feel bad on plan take other half. i also take ativan its a great drug i take it when i have to go to dentist, it calms me  and i can lay in chair. mine are .05 so takes very little for me. if i was to fly i know i would take 2-3 lol i hate flying and only do if its a half to. but since you like it and you will have a friend and a ativan on the side am sure you will be just fine. enjoy your trip and let us know when you land how it went.

[WendyLady03]

Thanks for the advice! The flight is only an hour and twenty minutes, so really not long at all. I've flown it before and I remember one time feeling like we'd been in the air 5 minutes and all of a sudden we were landing in Vegas! I certainly hope that's how it feels this time. I think I'm just psyching myself out, worrying about nothing right now for the sake of worrying.

My friend has never flown before, so he's kind of nervous too which I suppose isn't helping.

I have ativan on hand so I'm wondering if I should just take a half before the flight, or just wait and see how it goes? Like you said just knowing it's there might be enough.

Thanks again for all your help!

[nursegirl6572]

This is such a common fear among those of us with panic disorder.  Like you said, we don't worry about plane crashes, etc...but rather it's that feeling of "no escape" that terrifies us.  What has helped me tremendously when travelling or flying with anxiety is anti-anxiety meds, like Ativan or Xanax.  It won't take the anxiety completely away, but a decent dose should keep most of it at bay.

I would have a talk with your doc and see if it's an option for you.  Sometimes just knowing you have them "on you" is relief enough a lot of times.

Certainly telling the flight attendant would be fine if you feel it would be helpful.  For ME personally...I think it would make me more nervous.  We're all different.  ANY activity that could distract you would be great...reading, music with a headset, playing with your phone (ie facebook)...those kinds of things.  Those activities always help me to take my mind off of my fears a bit.  Also, just keep visualizing yourself on vacation having a blast, and then safely returning home afterwards.

How long is your flight?  You said you're flying with a friend?  That should help a lot.  Talking, goofing around and being silly with your friend will lighten the mood and help take your mind off how you're feeling.  You may have a few rough moments, but I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.  Once your trip is over, you will feel such a huge sense of accomplishment, which deserves to be celebrated!

Let us know how it goes...and have fun!