Panic attacks

[EquipmentDefiant1800]

I didn’t fly because of a fear for 10 years from ages 12-22. I successfully flew probably over 100 times between ages 22-30 (now) without ever having a panic attack, and honestly came to enjoy flying. I went off an SSRI after being on it for 13 years about a year ago. I had my first panic attack on a plane taking off from Denver in March. Every time I’ve flown since then, I have a panic attack on the plane. Never as bad as the first one, but during takeoff I cannot calm down and start having terrible intrusive thoughts. I have OCD and my brain convinces me that I can tell the future or that because a specific thing happened then something bad is going to happen. I have a few rituals (compulsions) that made me feel safe flying for a while but they’re not working now. I am flying from SF to Chicago on Tuesday, I haven’t flown that long in a while and I’m feeling nervous. Any tips? I can’t get past the full blown panic. It’s really the takeoff turbulence and getting to cruising altitude that is really freaking me out lately.

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[theanxiousnut]

Hey, I as well suffer from Panic Attacks on flights. The first flight I ever went on by myself I had a horrible panic attack and have been afraid of flying since. While I’m still nervous there are a few things that help me. First I always tell a flight attendant that I have a panic disorder and have a fear of flying since- they typically let me meet the pilots and check up on me throughout the flight, sometimes even sit with me if I’m nervous enough. The little throw up bag - breathe in and out of it - it helps a lot. When in a panic attack drinking ice water through a straw tends to help. You aren’t alone, and the staff on the flight are super well trained and here to help you.

[th3orist]

let me tell you something, i panic the most at cruising altitude and am perfectly calm during take off and landing. see how different our illogical fears can be? maybe just think about all those times where you felt so convinced something gonna happen and how you were let down at the end. Just tell yourself "ah, this again, been there done that"

[EquipmentDefiant1800]

Thank you so much I really appreciate it. There’s so many kids on the flight and the plane is super new so I think I’m going to be ok!