There is the situation: i havent been to my home country in 2 years and on friday im going over there for 1 month.
2 weeks ago my anxiety went to a new level. Something I have never experienced before. I don t know how to deal with it. I have been experiencing derealization and as a result Im getting the worst panic attacks I have ever had.It really makes me feel Im losing it.
My friends and boyfriend tell its because I havent been home for too long and sorted a lot of stuff with my mum and dad.
I came to Australia when I was 19 and now Im 24. I understand a lot of things that I didnt before. And for the first time my dad apologised for everything I went through on his divorce and I wrote a letter to my mum telling how I felt.
Also Im terrified of getting on a plane alone on friday. It s a 26 hours trip and if i have a panic attack like the ones Im having now I really need to move. I mean go for a long walk or run. How do i do that on the plane?
I thought about going to the doctor and getting some valiums.
Any advice?
26 hour filght friday: terrified!
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~*schnauzermom*~
- Posts: 183
- Joined: Sun Nov 13, 2005 9:24 pm
Hi Michelle,
I am also fearful of flying (have done it twice so far, only a 4.5 hour trip each though). I started having panic attacks when I was 17, and I'm knocking 30 now, although I've had a year or 2 here and there of being 'normal'.
It sounds like you have been through alot!
There are some really great support groups out there just for the fear of flying, they really helped me when I was flying for the first time.
I understand wanting to 'run' when I feel panicky. Some things that may help are to bring along your relaxation tape and some soothing music. I must admit that when I flew, I brought some favorite Christmas music along because it invoked good memories/feelings for me.
Remind yourself often of the reward of doing this for you. You will be able to visit family again and I'm sure that they are thrilled to see you again! You will be so proud of yourself for getting on that plane and landing at your destination. Chances are, once you are there, you will wonder why you were so worried!
I know you've heard it before, but planes are the safest mode of transportation. Try to believe the facts and not the lies that your anxiety attempts to thrust upon you.
One other thing you could do is to find the plane #/airline and have a friend or family (or us at stresscenter.com!) member track your flight. That also helped me, to know that someone was down there on the ground tracking my flight's every move. I also went to the airport and watched the planes take off and land for a good 45 minutes (my husband who has no fear of ANYTHING was a great sport about that!), it really helped me to envision that my plane would also have those wonderful smooth take offs and landings.
Take good care of you sweetie and do something special for yourself this week =)
Ocean
I am also fearful of flying (have done it twice so far, only a 4.5 hour trip each though). I started having panic attacks when I was 17, and I'm knocking 30 now, although I've had a year or 2 here and there of being 'normal'.
It sounds like you have been through alot!
There are some really great support groups out there just for the fear of flying, they really helped me when I was flying for the first time.
I understand wanting to 'run' when I feel panicky. Some things that may help are to bring along your relaxation tape and some soothing music. I must admit that when I flew, I brought some favorite Christmas music along because it invoked good memories/feelings for me.
Remind yourself often of the reward of doing this for you. You will be able to visit family again and I'm sure that they are thrilled to see you again! You will be so proud of yourself for getting on that plane and landing at your destination. Chances are, once you are there, you will wonder why you were so worried!
I know you've heard it before, but planes are the safest mode of transportation. Try to believe the facts and not the lies that your anxiety attempts to thrust upon you.
One other thing you could do is to find the plane #/airline and have a friend or family (or us at stresscenter.com!) member track your flight. That also helped me, to know that someone was down there on the ground tracking my flight's every move. I also went to the airport and watched the planes take off and land for a good 45 minutes (my husband who has no fear of ANYTHING was a great sport about that!), it really helped me to envision that my plane would also have those wonderful smooth take offs and landings.
Take good care of you sweetie and do something special for yourself this week =)
Ocean
"Afterall, everybody only hears what he understands." by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Michelle, I understand how you feel about feeling "stuck on a plane" if you have the need to get up and run.
I've actually sat there and contemplated what I would have to tell the flight attendants in order for them to land the plane at the nearest airport (never followed through on that, thankfully).
I think the more we worry about it happening, the worse it is. We somewhat sabotage ourselves.
If you feel that valium or Xanax would help, get it. Don't feel bad for taking it. You have a lot on your plate going home and whether or not to take medication to get through it should be checked of your list so it's one less thing to worry about.
I'm sure you're going to do fine and you will get through it.
Good luck and let us know how it goes.
I've actually sat there and contemplated what I would have to tell the flight attendants in order for them to land the plane at the nearest airport (never followed through on that, thankfully).
I think the more we worry about it happening, the worse it is. We somewhat sabotage ourselves.
If you feel that valium or Xanax would help, get it. Don't feel bad for taking it. You have a lot on your plate going home and whether or not to take medication to get through it should be checked of your list so it's one less thing to worry about.
I'm sure you're going to do fine and you will get through it.
Good luck and let us know how it goes.
ANGELS CAN FLY BECAUSE THEY TAKE THEMSELVES LIGHTLY
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Guest
Totally go to your Dr. to get an Rx for valium or lorazepam - even if you don't take it, it can be helpful to know you have it in case of a panic attack during the flight.
Try also to plan some fun things for the flight - make a mixed CD of songs that remind you of people you love, get a book that you always wanted to read but never have time, bring along a journal to write random thoughts in. Sometimes when we are nervous our brain goes into overdrive with thoughts and it can help soothe the anxiety to make lists or write down your feelings.
Enjoy this time alone, you'll be home before you even get to enjoy all your planned activities!
Love and light
Heather
Try also to plan some fun things for the flight - make a mixed CD of songs that remind you of people you love, get a book that you always wanted to read but never have time, bring along a journal to write random thoughts in. Sometimes when we are nervous our brain goes into overdrive with thoughts and it can help soothe the anxiety to make lists or write down your feelings.
Enjoy this time alone, you'll be home before you even get to enjoy all your planned activities!
Love and light
Heather
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Guest
Hi Michelle:
Yes, I believe that you should go to your doctor and get some medication before the flight. As some have already said, you might not even have to take it. But you will have it there if you have to have it.
I would plan on using the medication only through the flight, not long term. That would be something you could discuss with your doctor when your trip is over.
I wish you much pleasure in the trip and in seeing your family again.
MJ
Yes, I believe that you should go to your doctor and get some medication before the flight. As some have already said, you might not even have to take it. But you will have it there if you have to have it.
I would plan on using the medication only through the flight, not long term. That would be something you could discuss with your doctor when your trip is over.
I wish you much pleasure in the trip and in seeing your family again.
MJ
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Guest
I understand completely your trepidation. The idea of taking some anti-anxiety meds with you is fantastic. Sometimes just knowing you have it is calming. On my recent flight where I was as you, anxious I found advising flight attendants help - they were very helpful. Suggestions from them were to cool down the core, for that they provided cold wet towels to put on the back of my neck and chest. They even cooled down the cabin temp. The also suggested once getting airborne to get up and walk the aisles. Keep practicing the relaxation technique and you will really surprise yourself and be quite proud actually. You can do it.
Visualize and anticipate the time there and getting there will be a lot easier. If you can try not to dwell on the what=if's of the flight but the fun of seeing your home again.
Please let us know how you do.
Many blessings.
Visualize and anticipate the time there and getting there will be a lot easier. If you can try not to dwell on the what=if's of the flight but the fun of seeing your home again.
Please let us know how you do.
Many blessings.
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Guest
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Guest