Panic Attacks Support Group

A panic attack is a period of intense fear or discomfort, typically with an abrupt onset and usually lasting no more than thirty minutes. Symptoms include trembling, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, sweating, nausea, dizziness, hyperventilation, and sensations of choking or smothering. Panic attacks can be very sudden, appear to be unprovoked, and are often...

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Plane Trip Coming Up....Help!!!!

Ltb3105
Ltb3105
Going to NYC on the 11th to attend a high school reunion and visit two best friends of mine. Normally, these trips, usually annually have never bothered me before, although I did suffer from fear of flying about 20 yrs. ago and have panic disorder and major depressive episodes.

About a month and a half ago, my eye doctor took my Blood pressure and it was through the roof...he wanted me to go to the ER! Told him I have a phobia about having my BP taken and that I do have a doctor that has me on BP meds and is monitoring me. He seemed okay after that explanation but now the seed was planted, and I cannot even take my BP readings at home anymore and all the anxiety and panic have started up again. I do take Prozac and see my therapist, who upped my dosage of Xanax so that I am well prepared for this big trip.

I'm afraid of freaking out on the plane, at my friends' homes, at the reunion.......I should be happy and looking forward to this,, but deep down inside, I dread it and wish I can cancel my trip, but I know if I do that, I will feel like a complete failure and a lot of people will be disappointed at not seeing me.

A psychologist on another website said to do breathing exercises or CBT but my trip is only a week away, so how can that help me this late in the game?????
harry3333
harry3333
deep slow breathing helps

you need valium type meds or sometimes travel sickness pills help if they sedate you
tell them you are a nervous passenger
Ltb3105
Ltb3105
Have plenty of Xanax for the trip. before the trip, during the trip and after the trip, but I really want to have a good time and not be a disappointment to my friends. It doesn't help that I'm the life of the party and that they depend on me for laughs....lol.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Last August ...I had to fly with my son to a conference for his rare neurological condition. I had to literally knock myself out with Seroquel I told the flight attendant upon boarding the plane and she THANKED ME!!!!! LOL...They had some trouble waking me once we landed but were very nice about it..maybe try talking to your dr about a low dose...maybe just 25 mg? I had xanax at the time but it didn't help at all.....just the ride to the airport alone was a frightful event... How does benadryl affect you?? If it makes you sleepy...maybe try that.
harry3333
harry3333
IMo about 2mg xanax before boarding will be needed, remember to breathe deep and slow and stay relaxed, dont tense up
take about this dose of xanax per day and you will be able to enjoy it all
Ltb3105
Ltb3105
Wow, Harry that's kinda strong, isn't it? I may just end up snoring the whole trip....lol.
harry3333
harry3333
the dose is about OK, a lot depends on how much this class of med sedates you
deleted_user
deleted_user
I can understand harry.. i have horrible fear of flying.. i took an online course was free and it took you through different sensations you feel during flying etc.. it seemed to help. I have recently traveled twice to california and once to las vegas and i talk 0.5mg before i get on the flight and another half 3hours into the flight. it really relaxes me. Unfortunatly i am not able to sleep on the plane but at least i can stay somewhat calm.. You will be ok.....
Ltb3105
Ltb3105
It's not the actual fear of flying, it's the fear of leaving the comfort of home, the drive to the airport, all that anticipatory anxiety. Then, when on the plane, I'm thinking about how I will feel when I land, see my friends, etc.,. etc....I really want to have a good time....sigh....
Kahlua13
Kahlua13
For me, it is about focusing my brain on something so that I can "forget" to be upset/anxious. I have a Nintendo DS Lite and play lots of puzzle games on the plane. One time I flew alone and talked to some people next to me, which really helped keep my mind off the flying and off my fears. It helped the time go by ;quickly. I also bring healthy munchies, like peanut butter crackers, banana chips, etc. I buy a big bottle of water at the airport and sip.

You have to get your focus off of your fear. It is ok to feel anxious. But don't let it rule you and ruin your life. I also take .25 mg of Xanax when I get to airport and I am sitting waiting for 1 hr + to get on plane. This helps calm my brain by keeping me from getting really anxious.
Ltb3105
Ltb3105
I went through a period when I couldn't fly for years. Alone, that is. I have been making this trip on an annual basis for the last couple of years and it hasn't bothered me. I was always very excited to see my friends in the old neighborhood and savor all the great food in NYC.

I think once I am at the airport and have gone through security, etc., I will relax some. It's all that getting ready beforehand. I'll probably have to take Xanax at night or I won't sleep the night before.

Thank you everyone for your suggestions. I will be back on the 18th and will let you know how it went...if I can do it, ANYone can!
deleted_user
deleted_user
Bring things on the plane with you to keep your mind off of your attacks. Like word search books, or listening to calm music with your ear phones on, or try talking to the people around you, etc. I also found bringing a bible really helps me to read on the plane. Also a good book can also be a distraction as well. I have been flying for 6 years, once a year to see my sister. I know how it is to dread if you are going to panick in a certain situation. I have not let panick attacks kept me from seeing my sister. Even tho, I have had panick attacks in the air, I got thru it, and people were nicer to me than I thought they would be. You could also bring a notebook, and start writing down things that you want to do when you see your friends.Funny stories that have happened to you. You are stronger than you think you are, if I can do this, so can you. And youwill be so proud of yourself. I hope I helped you...Have fun, and try not to worry....
deleted_user
deleted_user
I forgot something else, please take your meds, do not forget them, and do'nt put them in your suitcase, put them in your purse. If your luggage gets lost, your meds. are gone...
deleted_user
deleted_user
Bring an ipod or just a book or something to keep your mind off where you are.. I take xanax and i bring my ipod . talk to someone.. i try to think of where i am going and how my vacation is going to be.. think of happy things like the reunion and who you will see when you get there and also there is fear of flying classes you can take online that are free.. They have the sounds you will hear while flying. These classes really helped me.. I was terrified to fly but now i have made numerous trips to CA and Vegas which are long flights. so good luck with the flight
Ltb3105
Ltb3105
I did it!!!!!! Strangely enough, the morning of my trip, I was eerily calm. I think it's all the anticipitory excitement, the what if's, etc. I am not going to lie....I did have some anxious moments when I got to NY, but didn't have ONE attack on the actual plane ride to and from!!! Thank God for Xanax!

Had a great time at the reunion and even led the Conga Line...lmao!

Thanks everyone for your suggestions, if I can do it, you all can too!
harry3333
harry3333
xanax in a large enough dose lets you do things, go places and get some self confidence back
.25 is not large enough but its common for us to refuse to take a large enough dose from arrogance or being very stubborn