Panic attacks/Fear of flying tips?

Take the medication, it was prescribed to you for a reason. Load up your phone/iPod with your favorite music, grab a few magazines, and relax. You'll probably sleep- is your flight overnight?

It is, flying from Newark to Ireland. I think it's flying over the ocean that gets me... never done it. Super freaked about crashing over the Atlantic.

That's the part I hate too.

I looove Ireland! It'll all be worth it.

Just take it. It will be so much better. I used to take Xanax for flights and it helped so much. Dramamine (the full strength stuff) also puts me right to sleep, so that helps too. But I don't know if you could take that with Valium.

Definitely don't mix anything with the Valium.

Oh yeah, FH wants me to take NyQuil with it and I'm like no way Jose, I'm already wary of medications as it is I definitely will not be making a medication cocktail. I have been watching flights on a flight tracker fly over the Atlantic and I keep reminding myself that they are all landing no problem and mine will too anxiety is a pain in the ass. It sucks. I am having trouble getting excited for the trip because my anxiety gets in the way....

We are leaving for our big honeymoon to New Zealand/Australia in March aka a 13 hour flight from LA. My doctor prescribed me Ambien to knock me out bc I hate flying.

But, I fly roughly 20 times domestically a year (30 minute to 4.5 hour flights,) so I've had to find other ways to cope bc Ambien requires you to have at least 10 hours available. I find a couple glasses of wine really calms me down, I also have a xanax prescription for flying only.

I wish I could sleep on planes! I'm sure the Valium will help with that, but given how worked up I'll be and wanting to "pay attention to my surroundings" (as if paying attention to every little noise prevents a plane crash lol) so who knows if I'll be able to sleep. I hope atleast a little bit otherwise I'll be exhausted and grumpy when we land and that's no fun

I don't know how much it will help with fear, but I take melatonin religiously when I fly overnight and it's amazing. Your body already produces melatonin, so you're just helping a little. Definitely recommend testing it first - people need different amounts and it doesn't work for everyone.

Maybe if you're just asleep, you won't be afraid!

Take the meds. You can even take one before bed tonight just to see how you react to it before hand (given you're off work tomorrow)

Download some calling music to listen to. Practice deep breathing. Use any techniques you would use Siri any other stressful/anxious situation.

That's what I do. I had Xanax prescribed for me. Along with the other techniques. Although I only have these anxiety issues surrounding flying. Not everyday life

ETA: just went back and read the comments.

I used to take Benadryl to make me sleep on the flights but then my anxiety kept me so worked up I couldn't sleep. That's when Xanax came in to play. Seriously, take your meds for it. Being worked up and anxious isnt worth it. I tell myself I can't let anxiety and fear rule what I want to do. You're going to have an amazing trip/time.

I hate flying over water as well. Listen to music to ignore all the sounds. Planes make lots of noise on the regular that means nothing and is normal. Being hyper alert will just make things worse.

Just breathe and relax. I used to be extremely afraid. I couldn't even be in a 40 minute flight. But now that I fly I just talk to FH and think about how much fun I'm going to have when I land. And the day before flying I try to sleep late so I can try to sleep in the plane. Also as soon as your in the air all your fears go away because it's not that bad. Hope this helps have lots of fun!

When I was a teenager, we were on a 6-hour overnight flight and just before boarding, my dad bought me a burger. Despite not being hungry, he convinced me to have something, so I did. I got sick during take-off and was sick for the entire 6-hour turbulent flight. I felt trapped and claustrophobic (and I usually am not claustrophobic at all) and kept getting sick. It took me years to get over that. I finally did and was fine with flying for years, then I boarded a particularly rough flight one day where the same thing happened. It was so rough that one of the passengers actually fainted in the back of the plane from hyperventilating during a panic attack. I felt trapped. Since then, I won't board a plane without Dramamine (not giving advice, just speaking for myself).

Talk to your doctor if you're nervous about the prescription. Then, follow doctor's orders, whatever they may be. Also, and you can find this anywhere on the Internet, don't ever mix medications without doctor's approval (even if one is over-the-counter) and don't ever mix a medication like Valium with alcohol. Just a PSA.

I absolutely cannot fly without xanax.

Besides that, I don't drink caffeine or use any other stimulants, I learn breathing and hand exercises (focusing on small hand movements helps keep you out of your own head) and i tell the flight attendant that I have an anxiety issue and that i'm afraid - I know they just laugh it off but when something goes wonky (like turbulence or the cabin getting too warm, they come and joke with me or put me at ease.

Anxious flyers make them nervous and irritated so I warn them before hand that it may happen. it helps them laugh it off

I get nervous on flights too, it usually resolves after takeoff unless super turbulent.

Honestly Valium is not that serious of a drug (disclaimer: I'm a physician). Side effects are limited and I'm sure your Dr gave you a low dose as most do if it's being used for situational anxiety. Just take it; as others said if you want to see how it makes you feel, take it another night a few hrs before you usually go to sleep (if you take it immediately before bed, you'll sleep through and not experience the effects). Don't take it with alcohol, Benadryl, NyQuil, Dramamine, etc as all of those meds will just amplify their effects on each other).

I used to be scared to fly when I was younger but I have to fly for work so it was just something I was forced to get used to. I still don't like long flights because I can't sleep and start to feel sick. I flew to Beijing in December and that was 14 hours straight. After I told myself "If you can get through this, you can't get through a flight that is 8 hours!" Most flights I take are 8 hours or less. If there is a break in between I enjoy a chance to walk around and eat something real (well as real as airport food can get).

How long is the flight? I feel your pain with not being able to sleep. I watch a bunch of movies and usually read. I watched 9 movies between my round trip Beijing flights.

I vote to take it, but take it before your flight or close to the beginning. You don't want to take it midway through then be tired and groggy when you land. I'm not scared of flying when it comes to crashes and stuff like that, but I have a baaaaad vomit phobia. I am literally terrified that I'm going to get stuck near someone who is throwing up on the plane. It's bad. I'm getting anxiety thinking about it. I've even shelled out the extra (lots of extra...) money to fly first class on a flight to Hawaii because they are two seat rows and more space between. Anyway, I take a super low impact anti anxiety medication and put a bunch of movies on my iPhone. It helps watching movies.

Watch the flight attendants. If they look calm, then you're fine! I hate flying, and this always works for me.

Noise-cancelling headphones may help along with an iPad/tablet loaded with your favorite movies or shows. Just think about your destination and how amazing it'll be once you're there, and all the things you can't wait to do!

I AM WITH YOU. I had to pop a xanex last time I went flying. FH is also really good at keeping my mind off it. I would take the valium if I were you, but if you're super uncomfortable with that, grab some magazines and talk about things to do in Europe when you get there!

I suffered for over a decade from anxiety and panic attacks. I chose to see a naturopath who recommended Bach's Rescue Remedy. It's all natural, made from flower extracts. No side effects, no overdosing. You can find it online or at your local health store. Best wishes!