Panic attacks on plane…?
What are the best ways to cope with panic attacks when flying? I literally got on a plane w/ my mom & my sister this morning, and completely freaked out, told the flight attendant I did not feel well and got right back off that plane (it hadn’t taken off yet of course). It really didn’t help that we were sitting for about 1/2 hour in a tiny plane waiting for the crew to de ice the wings. I just started feeling really light headed, pulse quickened, and thought I need to get off this plane NOW!! The majority of the fear was what if something happens to ME during the flight (stop breathing/faint/have a heart attack/etc) not about the plane crashing. I have a chest cold right now so that didn’t help either, worrying that I would start coughing & not be able to stop/etc. Anyways, I want to overcome this & go join my family on the rest of the vacation, and my husband even agreed to fly with me (even though the thought of spending a week with his sister in law & mother in law, and cancelling an ice fishing trip with his buddies, doesn’t really thrill him), and I feel fine NOW. But what if I panic again? What are some techniques people use to overcome this?
and to add – Medications actually make me more panicky (worry about how they will affect my body in the plane, etc) so I’m looking for non medication ideas
Go to this website:
http://www.fearofflyinghelp.com
Lesson one in particular covers anxiety and panic attacks, and not only those that come from a fear of the plane crashing; it also mentions that some people have a fear of having a panic attack on a plane where they can’t get help. Look through all of the lessons; at the end in particular is a printable list of breathing and relaxation exercises, and numerous times it is mentioned that it’s okay if you have a panic attack, a panic attack cannot harm you, and you have to remind yourself of that.
Comments
Comment from Kayla
Time January 21, 2010 at 3:31 pm
Do you normally suffer from panic attacks?
I sometimes get them on planes. The trick is to have a good sleep and eat well before flying so that you have a high energy level. Try and get a seat at the aisle so that you don’t get that claustrophobic feeling.
Buy a bottle of water after security as if you are nervous your mouth will go dry and it can heighten the feeling of "not feeling well". Also bring some other snacks to take your mind off flying.
Bring some music that you find relaxing.
If you are flying with someone then try and get them to divert your attention by talking to you about things that you like or things that you are going to do at your destination.
There are also anti-anxiety medication that you can take. Speak to your doctor.
Best of luck!
References :
Comment from AliDawn
Time January 21, 2010 at 3:49 pm
Go to this website:
http://www.fearofflyinghelp.com
Lesson one in particular covers anxiety and panic attacks, and not only those that come from a fear of the plane crashing; it also mentions that some people have a fear of having a panic attack on a plane where they can’t get help. Look through all of the lessons; at the end in particular is a printable list of breathing and relaxation exercises, and numerous times it is mentioned that it’s okay if you have a panic attack, a panic attack cannot harm you, and you have to remind yourself of that.
References :
Comment from Joe
Time January 21, 2010 at 2:51 pm
Take some xanax, (Alprazolam) maybe one pill…
Just relax, think of the place you are going (I.E. a nice holiday, going to see your loved ones), Listen to slow, calming music, i have also heard Whale noises can have a calming affect on people, but i don’t know if it is true…
References :