A question for people who suffer from anxiety and fears...?

Question

Ive had anxiety attacks for about 15 yrs. ive been on and off medication for it. I am extremly afraid of flying in an plane. Its not that Im afraid of crashing, or terroists. im afraid of having an attack on the plane and not being able to leave and walk away if I wanted to. I know this doesnt make sense to a person that doesnt have this...it seems to be only in the mind, but its something thats hard to control. Anyways...i was on a train once and they had to stop the train and let me and two children out in the middle of the desert once because I was having a full blown attack.

I want to visit my 90 yr old grandma very badly that is 3,000 miles away. I am unable to take the time off to drive. Shes not going to b around much longer and Im so bummed that because of this condition, I may never see her again. I was thinking about taking a pill that would knock me out for 7 hrs on the plane. Has anyone done anything like this b4? How would the airplane staff treat it? Any advice?

Answer 1

A close friend of mine takes a sleeping pill about 1hr before she flys. Everytime we go somewhere on a plane she's usually drooling on my shoulder most of the way there. She is terrified to fly so it helps and the airline staff doesn't care. A lot of people take meds before they get on. A lot of people like my mother have to get almost drunk to fly. Don't worry about it. I'd be sure that you have another responsible adult with you to keep an eye on things since you'll be sleeping the whole time.

Answer 2

Hi Hinallc. I suffered from panic attacks and anxiety. I totally understand what you are going through. But I want to make something clear, anxiety attacks are not only on the mind!...It is a serious and real illness caused by an unbalance in brain neurotrasmiters. The symptoms can be diminished by proper treatment and breathing techniques combined with will power.
I also felt uncomfortable in situations in which I felt could not get out. It is so important that you (and your doctor) find the medicine that is right for you. (I was medicated and after a year I was cured). It is a pity that you feel you are not able to visit your grandma. However you should really try to do it. When one suffers from anxiety attacks, training is really important. When I say training I mean always trying to do the things you want to do: getting on an airplane, visiting your grandma, going on a train. Once you do it one time, you will feel that you can do it the second time, and third. Is building your self confidence. If you get an attack during this activities just breath and breath. Also pray. Afterwards you will see that you accomplished what you want it.
Try! [e-mail]

Answer 3

Why should anybody know what pills you are taking before you enter the plane?Maybe you can also drink so to be relaxed and not know what's going on around you..I understand it's difficult,but maybe you can try with some therapy.I did some research for my "fears"and I found a lot of books and sites about different fears and it help me reading that there are a lot of people who suffer from the same or similar thing.

Answer 4

hi there I'm Karl I SUFFER WITH PANIC ATTACKS
and the only thing i find that helps is speed
I have taken loads tablets from docs,all no good if anything they make me werz
if it was me it would be a couple of jack daniels and some stimulants,I no this is not the ideal thing to do love but it works for me If you follow these rules you wont need the airplane staff but if you dont you will be ok + i dont think they will throw you of,,LOL

Answer 5

I suffer too. Get to your Dr., talk to him about it he may get you some good meds. You really should continue on the right meds daily and don't stop using them I use effexor and seroquel with good results, but it took years to find just the right med and dosage. Trial takes time. best wishes.