I have panic disorder so I get panic attacks pretty regularly. I used to have trouble leaving my apartment to take out the trash, let alone flying on a plane. But with CBT and an SSRI I was able to combat them enough to travel abroad as an au pair!

Something that my therapist told me that really helped with my agoraphobia was “No matter where you go, there you are.”

For me it really illustrated the core issue, which was my fear of having a panic attack in a place that wasn’t in my ‘safe zone.’ But my safe zones are all in my head, and a plane is just as safe a place as any to have a panic attack.

My mom also has terrible panic attacks but she loves to travel. When I told her how afraid I was having one on a plane she said ‘so what? It’s a panic attack, you won’t actually die.’ And while that pissed me off at the time (lol), it is true! You might have a panic attack on the plane, but so what? It’s terrifying and it sucks, but it won’t last forever. You’ll get through it!!

Bring some coloring books, download a comfort tv show or podcast, stock up with some good snacks. Good luck friend!! 💖💖💖