How to handle anxiety attacks abroad?

Question

Does anyone suffer from anxiety attacks and if so when you have been abroad how do you handle them especially on the plane?

Answer 1

I find exercises I learned at ante natal classes (don't let that put you off!) really helpful in times of stress. They include deep 'abdominal' breathing, and focussing on a chosen object such as a nice picture. I would think a few sessions learning these would be very useful to you - perhaps your local surgery might have contact details for a therapist.

Answer 2

If you haven't come across Dr. Bach's remedies, they are well worth a try. Any store that carries a good range of herbal and homeopathic supplies should be able to help.

The best, and easiest to carry, in the first instance would probably be what is called "First Aid Essence No. 39". There are a couple of suppliers, but the French company 'Ladrome' is likely to be the most widely available. They come in a small bottle with a dropper ( like eye-drops ), just put three drops on the back of the tongue, normally the relaxing effect is almost instantaneous.

While you're in the 'health' store you might want to take a look at Kava Kava root capsules, and Valerian capsules. Both of these can help with anxiety and stress, and have been found to have no detectable negative side effects.

Of course, check with your usual doctor if you have any doubts or questions.

Answer 3

Yes, I have panic /anxiety attacks! I have had attacks on airplanes, in the middle of the street, at meetings, in Germany, at doctors offices and this has been for the last 10 years. After years of this I am abe to sense when its going to happen. In my case, as a twist, I usually pass out. Talk about embarassing! It usually starts with subtle dizziness nausea and that' s when I have to start talking myself down such as "'m going to be okay" or "I'm an okay person." Try to breathe in and SLOWLY let air out. Not too fast because you could hyperventilate. While on an airplane, let the person on the plane next to you or the stewadess know about your condition and when in Europe always let someone around you know . Don't be embarrassed to say something. It will give you peace of mind, and you will be surprised when traveling how understanding people are.

Answer 4

It is Hell.....huh? So learning to deal with them according is key. Like out of no where - with no apparent reason, you break in an attack...... actually sitting here having ti think how I usually get over mine. I count 1-10 really fast, say the Mary Poppins theme - Superkallfragalishtic'Ippiealladoches. You get my point. If it is really bad like when my head is spinning and my vision is zooming in and out - I rest my head on something cold, so I can feel the tingling sensation. What is really bad is I have most while I am driving and my coping method would be to distract my self with smelling the pack of cigarettes(when I smoked, of course). I don't smoke anymore so when I do get hit with an attack....I sit in complete silence and stare into the sky in front of me so I visually still see the road. Other times, I haven't really got the handling effect down - I just seem to get through them and I don't remember how.


Good Luck

Answer 5

Traditionally anxiety is looked at as psychological but really it's a physical condition with a set of symptoms. By working with what your body is communicating not just when you get attacks but at other times, you can treat this very effectively with something called Mickel Therapy.

Answer 6

Damn this is a great question .I had one on the bus about a month ago ,u have to keep on repeating yourself that u dont feel anxiety ,breath in ,breath out ,sit straight in the chair or stand up ,look outside ,think everything is only in your mind ,focus on something you like ,that relaxes you ,always travel with a little anti stress in your pocket anytime u feel the attack is coming just squeeze it hard to release tension .It worked for me ,Just know that I feel your pain ,I had several anxiety attacks ,especially on public transportations but its getting much better .
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**I started drinking relaxing tea and i have attacks less frequently ** Try chamomile or Twinings Relaxing Infuse.

Answer 7

I have read some litterature about panic attacks. But they allways seem to have a more scientific approach and that is nothing I need in my struggle to survive those horrible panic attacks. This is a "hand on" and very practical book. I felt it was written to me. I am sure that you are going to feel the same.

Joe Barry writes exactly how I think. The examples are perfectly described. And the method is genius. I recommend this book and thanks Joe Barry for writing it. It changes your life

Answer 8

My Dad often has really bad panic attacks and in particular when he travels. He always has rescue remedy with him plus the doctor also prescribed "panic pills" which he takes when he has a particularly bad one. My advice is to try the resue remedy and if its not enough then visit your doctor who can prescribe you something. I would also agree that breathing exercises can be a great help.

Answer 9

breathe deep & focus on something away from the cause...concentration