UKBound
06-08-17, 19:40
I've experienced panic attacks and generalised anxiety for the last 15yrs and have totally avoided public transport and planes.
However I'm due to go on my first non-UK holiday tomorrow and will be travelling through the Eurotunnel in my car.
I thought I was kind of OK with the journey (lots of mindfulness and relaxation over the last year has helped bring my base level of anxiety down) until this week, when I realised I probably wouldn't be able to cope with the intense levels of claustrophobia I'd experience in the tunnel.
I went to the doctor who gave me 5mg Diazepam to take for the journey. He suggested I take 2 as I explained I'd ideally be unconscious for the duration of the train journey (don't worry, I'm not driving...). I've tried the tablets in advance to rule out any adverse reaction, and they did make me feel sleepy, although I couldn't tell if they had any impact on anxiety as I wasn't in a stressful situation.
I intend to dose up with 10mg around 2hrs before the journey, and if I'm still awake when we're 15mins away from boarding to take another 5mg. As things are I can't see myself getting on the train if I'm awake- I just can't believe that the drugs will have that much of a calming effect that I'll be able to go ahead with the journey.
My main concern is waking up on the train and panicking - as in lose my mind, rip the doors off the train panic.
Has anyone been through anything similar (a flight or any other situation that would rank as your worst anxiety nightmare) where Diazepam surprised them with how effective it was? Everyone online says it makes them relaxed, but like I said I just can't believe it will get me through my worst nightmare.
Thanks!
However I'm due to go on my first non-UK holiday tomorrow and will be travelling through the Eurotunnel in my car.
I thought I was kind of OK with the journey (lots of mindfulness and relaxation over the last year has helped bring my base level of anxiety down) until this week, when I realised I probably wouldn't be able to cope with the intense levels of claustrophobia I'd experience in the tunnel.
I went to the doctor who gave me 5mg Diazepam to take for the journey. He suggested I take 2 as I explained I'd ideally be unconscious for the duration of the train journey (don't worry, I'm not driving...). I've tried the tablets in advance to rule out any adverse reaction, and they did make me feel sleepy, although I couldn't tell if they had any impact on anxiety as I wasn't in a stressful situation.
I intend to dose up with 10mg around 2hrs before the journey, and if I'm still awake when we're 15mins away from boarding to take another 5mg. As things are I can't see myself getting on the train if I'm awake- I just can't believe that the drugs will have that much of a calming effect that I'll be able to go ahead with the journey.
My main concern is waking up on the train and panicking - as in lose my mind, rip the doors off the train panic.
Has anyone been through anything similar (a flight or any other situation that would rank as your worst anxiety nightmare) where Diazepam surprised them with how effective it was? Everyone online says it makes them relaxed, but like I said I just can't believe it will get me through my worst nightmare.
Thanks!