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I took a good book with me and just got stuck in to it as soon as I sat in my seat. I spent about half an hour all in looking out the window at the beautiful views, and a few minutes buying some water and snacks, but apart from that I was just reading.
You really can convince yourself that you are anywhere or nowhere when you're that distracted.
And once you have settled in and the initial anxiety has faded, it's easier to realise that logically, you are fine, safe, comfortable and not anxious.
I'm still scared though. I told my husband about my fear of being the 0.01% chance of crashing and he said that it can also be the 0.01% chance of having a fantastic time also.
Maybe I'll remember how much fun I've always had on the plane and it wouldn't be as bad. (I haven't been on the plane since I've had panic attacks so it can all just be my imagination.)
Good for you DB, wow thats great that you enjoy flying. I live very close to the airport, the Mpls/st Paul one. I can see the plains landing and taking off, (not that close) but in the distance. We are actually about 15 mins drive from the airport. I enjoy watching them going in for the landing, I suppose thats a way to try conquer the fear? I have flown many times, many long trips, 8 or more hours long ago, but not recently.
I actually love flying. Which is strange, because I suppose it would be easy to feel anxiety about it.
I flew out to Spain to visit my family at the peak of my anxiety attacks. I had a panic attacks in the airport, and even in the car ride there, but never felt a hint of anxiety on the plane itself. It's just such a safe, controlled environment. The only thing that bothered me is when you are inclining in alltitude, it can make you dizzy, which I get from anxiety and reminds me of anxiety attacks, but it didn't cause them.
The problem for me was actually being in the heat and humidity. I found it hard to catch my breath and so I rarely went out when i was there.
Miki,
Take the time to do the exposure therapy and start small. Danielle had some great suggestions and the other members have offered much support and advice. Take what you need and keep it close.
I get so possesive (sp) when I think about flying. I used to love it! Now I feel like if I go on it, it will crash for sure. It takes 10 hours to go to my parent's country, Japan, from here. I don't think I can sit still in a flying object for that long without having a panic attack. Even looking at stats, I feel like I am that 0.01%!
thanks for sharing your stories. as it turms out, i couldn't go due to lack of funds in the budget. although i do have an extended train/bus trip coming up which i am a little nervous about! have been doing short bus trips though as some of you know.
hope everyone's expsoure work continues on the right path :)
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