Re: Dealing with panic attacks while traveling
I was the exact same before I went to Iceland and Ireland on holiday a few years ago. I lost count of how many times I nearly cancelled the trips and felt more dread than excitement over going just in case I took a panic attack while away. The thing that helped me mostly was reading Dr Claire Weekes books about a month before I left. I read them every night for my overall panics but they were really good for helping me with my holiday jitters as she teaches you that your relief from panic is not in a pill or a safe place - your relief from panic is always with you no matter where you are because you yourself are your relief. I also listened to her audio tape on my phone on the plane.
Other tips I have are avoid all booze before flying. I know it might make you feel a little more confident but booze and caffeine can make your anxiety so much worse after a while. Its best to remain as clear headed as possible.
Up to a week before you go, try to relax as much as possible. Get all your packing done in advance so that is one less thing to worry about and if you have the time, devote an hour or so each day to destress in whatever way works for you - a bath, a long walk, listening to music etc. Minimizing even just a small part of anxiety will help. Also try your best to eat and sleep well before your trip. So many of my panic attacks could have been avoided if I ate or slept better.
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C-PTSD (Complex Trauma), OCD, Panic Disorder, GAD
"Save your sympathy for someone else. I don't need it or want it. What you call a panic attack is merely a few normal chemicals that are temporarily out of place in my brain. It is of no significance whatsoever to me!"
"Recovery always lies ahead - however painful the moment"
"Recovery lies in the places and experiences you avoid"
Dr Claire Weekes.