Flying and Freaking out!!?

Question: I don't fly well because I'm totally petrified. I suffer from panic disorder. I used to fly all the time with no problems besides a little queasiness. Then my flight a few years ago almost crashed . still flew after . but then I started to have panic attacks. So bad that when I flew to Ireland, the flight attendants had to strap me in the emergency seat at the back of the plane and after throwing up for 5.5 hours, I had to be wheeled off the plane.

Next week, I'm supossed to fly to Chicago for a family reunion and I'm so afraid of having a panic attack that I've already started thinking about not going at all. This is huge for me. I'm introducing my man (who is totally supportive) to my family. I just don't know what to do right now. I'm SO scared of having a panic attack on the plan.

If you can help, I'd love to hear, but realize that "relax" just doens't work. If I could, I would have done that 10 years ago.

Answers:
You should really talk to a mental health professional about this, as they could help you sort out why you are so afraid of flying and come up with some good coping strategies for you.

In the meantime, I would call your doctor and explain the situation and ask for a prescription for a sedative to take for the flight. Xanax, perhaps, or Valium. If that is a no-go, then I'd probably take Benadryl before I boarded the plane and hope that it conked me out enough that I'd sleep through most of the flight.

Pack something that will distract you too -- a favorite movie to watch on your laptop, a favorite book, crossword puzzles, whatever. Good luck!!

Other Answers:
You suffer from the phobia Aviophobia, a fear of flying. Treatments consist of re-breathing exersises to calm your nerves.

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