Hello everyone. I'm a fit & healthy 29yr old male whose been struggling with anxiety & panic attacks for the last 10 years. I had success with CBT 9 years ago but it came back with a vengeance last November. It got so bad I could barely eat anything or leave the house and as a result I lost my job (was a flight attendant).
My everyday anxiety was fixed again with CBT & mindfullness etc However now my problem is getting back on a plane as a passenger to fly overseas. 3 times now I bailed out and never boarded the aircraft. I since went to the GP to get some Valium to try my latest attempt, I took 2 5mg tablets but I was still anxious as hell 2 hours later and my heart was racing. And had a terrible headache. Eventually I just passed out. I don't think this medication does anything for me. My triggers are a racing heart and fear of pplAny suggestions?
Ps: I've never taken any anxiety meds before ever so it's nothing to do with intolerance
Hi Christian. My advice would be don't fly!! I won't fly. Hate it. I'm interested in the CBT. I've been referred for this but I don't understand how it works? My problem is that I know my fears are illogical but I can't accept this and can't see how my mindset can be re figured???
I suffer with bad anxiety attacks but I still go abroad........I always just go ahead and do things anyway and worry about it while I am there! Maybe you could do some deep breathing I find that can help........if you downloaded an app on an iPod and played relaxation kind techniques or something.......I am getting an iPod this week and I am going to try this. And while you are on the plane it may help to listen to relaxation stuff. I have had bad anxiety attacks in airports not ones in the UK ones
abroad as I suppose I am out of my comfort zone. it is all so irrational I know and I
find so annoying as other people manage these kind of things frustrating I think. Xx
Hi,as an anxiety sufferer myself its not easy! You need to ask your gp for a beta blocker inderal propanalol! I have these 80 mg x a day! Also I have reflexology! This is very good for stress! Good luck! Keep positive! Regards Amanda
Hi Amanda.
Today my dr prescribed me Inderal to help me with my palpitations. The thing is when I don't have palpitations my resting heart rate is quite low (56bpm) as I am quite fit.
I'm just scared that these tablets might cause my heart to beat too slow all together and my heart might stop. Never heard of these medications before.
Hi let me reassure you that this will not happen!I have been on propranalol for many years! Good luck regards Amanda
Hi Christian, I am sorry to hear about your flying problems.
I can relate a bit to your story as like you I suffer with panic attacks, anxiety and a massive fear of flying.
I actually asked for some advice and techniques that other people use on here and the responses were quite helpfull.
Like you I had anxious thoughts on taking a beta blocker , being suggested as a every now and than option by a cardiologist , which I tried as a one off and didnt helped it only increased my panic and anxiety.
I think , trying to be very relaxed and using some relaxation techniques before and during the flight ( meditation music, breathing ) are the key factors.
Take care .
Hello christiaan
When you eventually fully recover from your fears, would you/could you go back to being a flight attendant. How long were you doing this? They say "the hair of the dog..etc".
I think most people, however blase, have a tiny fear of flying. I certainly did!....
i had done a couple of short flights, then had an opportunity to go to Canada. I thought I would not cope with the flight, but it passed amazingly quickly. Since then (and of course you have too) I have travelled a great deal by air. There is always a tiny bit of anxiety..but hey ho....
Go down every avenue to find help and a solution. Good Luck.
Hi Cruiselady
Thank you for your response. What you're saying has some truth in it. I might as well bite the bullet and get on with it. I was a flight attended for 6 years, and spent 1000's of hours in the air. I have no fear of flying or terbulence etc just fear of anxiety/panic while flying.
The Valium seems to take full effect on me hours after taking the 2 5mg tablets as I completely passed out cold and slept when I got home on the sofa. Just wish it was faster acting. But as you said "hair of the dog" would be my best option.
Thank you :-)
I am on a mission to tell everyone how I have cured my anxiety in the past and am doing it again.
Simply put, Intermittent Fasting. Google it. I do 8 hrs on, 16 hrs fasting daily.
I believe anxiety for MOST anxiety sufferers is a symptom of a physiological problem. Read my other responses for more information. I have suffered from panic disorder for nearly 10 years. I want to spread what I have learned and want others to get better as I have. CURED!
Hi, I also used to be flight attendant many years ago! I am fine on the airplane but am terrified of the busy airports and the fact I cannot just escape..., I have recently been prescribed lorazepam (I believe it is stronger and acts more quickly than valium) I have been told to take 0.5mg 1/2 a tablet - I havent actually tried it yet as Im also terrified of taking medication - but maybe you could try this drug and see how you go. I am planning to take a tablet and go for a trip to Ikea (another of my dreads!) just to see how I go - Good Luck!!