Hi drock: when I went on holiday this yr. I had to fly. I visualized myself in the plane during take off and landing and used postive reaffirmations e.g. can't wait to see my friends and family, will be happy to go sightseeing, that sort of thing. When I got tense I did mindful breathing for a few minutes (no one could tell). Honestly, the anticipation of the trip is worse than the trip itself. I did the visualizations for a few days before the trip in the evenings before bed and told myself all the good things I would be doing and seeing when I get there. hope this helps.
I am planning a trip with work for january, although I am not scared of being on the plane, i have a fear of what if i have a panic attack while I am away, I am still very early in the stages of anxiety, i still constantly think i am going to die.
Thanks for posting...sorry your panic has returned, but it sounds like you have a decent handle on it now! Even with all the strategies, I know that panic can be really scary at times and just annoying at other times. I completely agree with you that it takes so many tools and strategies to successfully deal with panic symptoms and it helps so much to have resources: family, friends, doctors/counselors, and this site to be supportive.
I would love to hear how you started to manage your fear of traveling: driving or flying. I have to drive 12.5 hours tomorrow and Sunday for the Thanksgiving holiday with my husband...first holiday with the in-laws. : ) I've been a little antsy about it, but not too bad. Driving travel discomfort seems to hit me when I'm actually doing it, but I've been trying to prepare myself and write down some strategies in case I start to feel bad. Next year, I am in one wedding and will be going to another wedding, both several states away and will have to/would like to attend the all the events associated with both weddings...I will have to fly some and it seems really scary even though I've done it a couple times since. How did you get over the major anxiety? I saw you wrote about travel in Europe and the US, so you must have made long flights. Any insights would be appreciated!
Asio, I think that's awful that your work would not support you. I feel that none of us asked for this and we're doing our best. If someone had another sickness, such as cancer, they might grant the leave of absense. It is frustrating that any of us would be punished more on top of having to deal with this. I hope the program here helps you! I know it can be frustrating, but you can do it.
Sorry to hear that your workplace was not supportive about your request for a leave of absence. Do work through the online program session, read old posts and post often. Feel free to share what your experiences or ask any questions that you may have. Stay close to the forums and check in soon.
Thanks for checking in and posting even though it has been a while. It is good to hear from you, please continue to post when you have free moments as we appreciate your contribution. It is great that you have been able to assemble a group of tools to help you get through challenging moments, thank you for sharing these as well.
You are very lucky they were supportive. I just had the same thing happen to me and lost my job. I actually asked for a leave of absense because I was having such a hard time and after years with the company they were not supportive. Keep trying.....I can't give words of advice yet on how you will do it but I know you can.
My name is Michael and it has been a very long while since I posted! Your recent discussions on panic and travel really struck a chord with me. There have been times when I've actually arrived at my destination, panicked and simply returned home. Once I was in France and another time in the States. Both times I was ill prepared to deal with it. This was well before I had developed strategies to cope with being out of my element and in the throws of panic. I still get 'angsty' when I travel and still do turn down great opportunities simply out of fear of being away from my safe zone. However I have found the use of Ativan very helpful during these times. More often than not it is just the knowing that I have a little backup in my arsenal that soothes me...in fact I actually rarely use it! Coupled with this is the CBT and especially my deep breathing techniques that also assist me. After a long respite from panic, it has returned...like an old acquaintance I was never really particularly fond of but nonetheless recognize and accept through its familiarity. I at least can laugh a litttle at the bigger picture. I'm know that through this familiarity the symptoms will not be as intense as they were when I first experienced panic and anxiety! My only advice is to always search for assistance and that panic and anxiety is best dealt with in a multi-pronged fashion of tools and practices! Thanks
Thanks for the comments...it always comforting to know that other people understand some of what you're going through. Sorry about your promotion Stephen. I'm glad your employer was willing to work with you. Davit had brought up using Ativan for flying/traveling. My doctor wrote me a prescription for Ativan in case of another panic attack while flying. I took one at home to see how it affected me and I was able to function just fine with a decrease in anxiety. It works fast. I have had to travel since then and never used one, but I sure feel better knowing its there. It might be an option for you! I liked your saying TexanFemme...congrats on your progress!
I just wanted to say that I COMPLETELY understand that part about passing a point where you can't think rationally enough to use the cognitive strategies. That's when I realize that Im having a full blown attack and that I have no choice but to ride it out. One of my favorite sayings about full blown attacks is that once it's full blown, trying to calm it down is like shutting the gate after the horse has raced out. But I have also found that if I come to this site and read posts on this forum, the attacks don't last for hours and hours like they did before. And that's progress
