first time back on an airplane

jayway · Post by **jayway** » Mon Jul 20, 2009 9:14 am

So it's been about 5 years since I had a major panic attack and I haven't flown since, now I HAVE to fly 7 hours out of the country. I've driven across the country to avoid flying. My intense fear is that I'll have an attack on the plane and freak out like I did with the last one. Next thing I'd be getting tied down by an air marshall (just one of many scenarios i've played out)

My doctor has offered me prescriptions but I fear I could still lose it while on meds. I am speeding through the program as it's two weeks away. My stomach has been in knots since I ordered the ticket, the worst part is my girlfriend keeps getting annoyed all I can talk about is the flight and not the trip. We are going to StThomas for the week and not ONCE have I gotten excited or even thought about the trip.

any tips/advice is much appreciated, thanks.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Jul 20, 2009 7:58 pm

Jayway - This is the time you need to focus on your negative thinking and turn it into positive thinking. Instead of imagining the worst, try to imagine the best. Maybe you'll feel great. Maybe you'll get excited on the plane for your trip. In any case, the worst that could happen is a lot of discomfort. But you can get through it. Nothing terrible will happen no matter how bad you feel. Just keep being compassionate to yourself and giving yourself the encouragement you need.

Best of luck,
Jamie

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Jul 22, 2009 5:48 am

Thanks Jamie, I've had some good success turning negative thinking into positive so far with the exception of this flight. I do need to remember nothing but discomfort has come of past attacks and to stop worrying about the scenarios I get my self worked up about.

I am sort of glad I HAVE to get on this flight, I've been driving everywhere for too many years.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Jul 24, 2009 1:47 pm

I WOULDN'T DISCOUNT YOUR DOCTORS SUGGESTIONS FOR THE MEDS. I'VE NEVER TAKEN THEM BUT GIVEN YOUR CIRCUMSTANCES I THINK I MIGHT TO GET THROUGH THE FLIGHT. IT MAY RELAX YOU ENOUGH SO THAT YOU MAY ACTUALLY ENJOY IT. GOOD LUCK & HAVE A BLAST ON YOUR VACATION!