I have a really hard time getting on planes. If I have to take a trip, I start thinking about it over and over again and always imagine the worst happening. My anxiety will start weeks before I even get on a plane. When I finally get to the airport the worst is when I have to board the plane. Standing in line in the actual airplane gives me the worst anxiety. I feel absolutely claustrophobic. I also only try to get aisle seats. If I sit next to the widow seat I just feel enclosed and feel panicky. I am trying to find ways to deal with this without drinking 3 or 4 drinks (beer, wine, etc).
Trouble Flying With Anxiety
Posted on: Sun, 08/04/2019 - 2:02pm
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Yeah. I can really feel your pain. This is pretty common with anxiety. The sense of being closed in into a space can be outright awful. I do not like to torture my body when I go through these situations. For me alcohol is just not the right call because it seems to make my anxiety worse later. I have found that Gagapentin works for milder situations and Ativan works for more aggressive situations. Have you spoken to your doctor or psychiatrist about this?
I don't mind airports, but it's when I finally get to my seat and people are still standing around and boarding. I feel like the space is closing in on me. The last few trips I started meditating with an app. I'll put my headphones on and it takes me to a totally different space where I forget that I am on the plane. Deep breathing alone helps a lot but I find the guided meditations work the best for me. I do stay away from alcohol on flights and I do have a prescription med when I really feel overly anxious. I agree with Gryffin, maybe taking to a psychiatrist will help. Putting your body through that much stress when flying isn't good for you.
My doctor once told me to put cold ice on my neck when I feel anxious. It seems to help here and there.
Interesting. I have never heard of that. I will try it too!
hey wow, i just wrote about my upcoming travel and how anxious i am feeling about it. i get how you feel about travel it's really crippling.
millie and glow those are helpful tips, i'm going to try them even before i travel. think i'm going to try them next time i feel anxious to see if it help me. this way i'll know what type of meditation works and how to apply the ice, etc.
I hear ya. Flying with anxiety sucks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I can only get though it by having a few drinks but I hate doing that.
Being on an airplane makes me feel like everything is closing in on me and then anxiety and panic starts to ensue. My only way around that has been my anxiety medication and bringing my tablet so that I can keep my mind occupied with TV shows and movies. If I don't get on the flight with my tablet, I don't know if I'd be able to do it.
Thanks everyone for the wonderful comments.