traveling anxiety
-
Anna Burrell
- Posts: 52
- Joined: Thu Feb 28, 2008 1:55 pm
Ever since I have had anxiety I don't like to travel, especially flying however, there has been one place where usually flying has not been an issue. I am leaving to go there tomorrow but suddenly my anxiety is really bugging me. I took my mom to the airport the other day and I got really anxious. I know I can overcome this, but I just obsess about the "what ifs" which then gets me all worked up. Does anyone have any advice on how to calm me down so I can get on the plane and not freak out?
-
Guest
Hi Anna -
I have always heard the way to oversome these fears/phobias is by Exposure Therapy. This type of therapy gradually leads you into more and more exposusre until it doesn't cause the same anxiety anymore. Doing small steps like driving to the airport, then maybe walking in the airport, then planning a trip, etc, etc... you get the idea. It is gradual.
If you don't have time to make it through the therapy process before have to make a trip then you could always take some meds to help (Ativan, Xanax, Klonopin, etc..). Talk to your doctor about your anxiety with flying and see if you can get some relief for the trip. It really does work.
I hope this helps. Hang in there. I know you will make it.
I have always heard the way to oversome these fears/phobias is by Exposure Therapy. This type of therapy gradually leads you into more and more exposusre until it doesn't cause the same anxiety anymore. Doing small steps like driving to the airport, then maybe walking in the airport, then planning a trip, etc, etc... you get the idea. It is gradual.
If you don't have time to make it through the therapy process before have to make a trip then you could always take some meds to help (Ativan, Xanax, Klonopin, etc..). Talk to your doctor about your anxiety with flying and see if you can get some relief for the trip. It really does work.
I hope this helps. Hang in there. I know you will make it.
-
Guest
Anna I know exactly what you mean. I can't even plan a trip so you're doing better than me! I'm petrified of flying. I think I convinced myself I was afraid of it though, because I went on a plane when I was 12 and had fun. Now I'm 24 and haven't been on one since and I'm scared to go. I also do the "what ifs". If I were you I'd bring the relaxation CD on there and some distractions. Like a good book or a mgazine or calming music too. I hope maybe this helps. Good luck Anna!
-
Guest
Hi Anna! (my name is Anna too, by the way 
)
I have a very huge fear of flying. I am also leaving for vacation in just over 3 weeks and am petrified of the flight there, especially given the recent events with the France flight. Just terrified. Fortunately this time I am flying with my safe person - my husband. He keeps me grounded and can calm me down when I get too anxious. Mostly I think my fears revolve around losing control and fear of crashing/death (ahh! not pleasant to think about!) Do you have a favorite book, a book on tape, or even a portable DVD player to bring with you? I have found these things are nicely distracting and will keep my mind off of all the little bumps and turbulence going on!
By the way, Gators, I am a HUGE fan of Exposure therapy!! I have used it to overcome my OCD and it is a VERY succsesful therapeutic technique. I have also thought about applying it to my fear of flying but guess I am on the right track with flying, huh? I also expose myself to stories of plane crashes and live with the anxiety. Terrifying to do, but it does work!
)I have a very huge fear of flying. I am also leaving for vacation in just over 3 weeks and am petrified of the flight there, especially given the recent events with the France flight. Just terrified. Fortunately this time I am flying with my safe person - my husband. He keeps me grounded and can calm me down when I get too anxious. Mostly I think my fears revolve around losing control and fear of crashing/death (ahh! not pleasant to think about!) Do you have a favorite book, a book on tape, or even a portable DVD player to bring with you? I have found these things are nicely distracting and will keep my mind off of all the little bumps and turbulence going on!
By the way, Gators, I am a HUGE fan of Exposure therapy!! I have used it to overcome my OCD and it is a VERY succsesful therapeutic technique. I have also thought about applying it to my fear of flying but guess I am on the right track with flying, huh? I also expose myself to stories of plane crashes and live with the anxiety. Terrifying to do, but it does work!
-
Guest
Thank you all so much for your responses. I did reality therapy for my OCD and I also think it is great. I bought a good book and Ive been doing positive affirmations like "I can do this" and "If I have anxiety it will pass" Today is when I leave and last night I was freaking out but my Fiance is going to drive me and we are goin to listen to the relaxation tape (he is really understanding and supportive thankfully). I think that I am prepared with things. I hope all of you have a great day and thanks again!
-
Guest
Okay, I read 'retail therapy' and thought, "That's something I can do!"Originally posted by Anna Burrell:
I did reality therapy ...
Good idea about hanging out at the airport! I have always enjoyed traveling, but I have had some severe panic attacks on flights and airports. Last time we had to cancel when we got to the airport because I was so out of it. We have a local, small airport nearby, and I'll start going by there and hang and see if I can get my anxiety to turn into excitement instead.