i will take a 4 hour flight next week and i am very afraid, i take alprazolam once daily but for the
last couple of days my anxiety has worsen, i am tired and mi stomach is upset k have a dry mouth, i also have setraline to take once daily but i don't take it because it keeps me naueated all day, any advice?
Hi Whitelily,
Well, you have a fear of flying - but you hardly need me to say that. With only a couple of days to go your options may be somewhat limited. There are clinical psychologists who treat this kind of problem all the time. It's possible you could find one in your area and make an emergency appointment? Other people find hypnosis a useful method.
Essentially, you are looking to anything that helps you to relax. As you already take medication I would caution against any more unless your doctor recommends it. Also, stay away from stimulant drinks like coffee or even cola drinks.
If you find music relaxing and you have a personal player - use this. Very often the waiting and the anticipation of flying is the hard part. On the day itself you are involved, focused on doing things, and you may (like many people find) actually enjoy yourself a lot more than you currently feel possible.
I'm sure you already know that flying is statistically one of the safest ways to travel. I know people trot this message out all the time, but there's no harm in restating it.
Maybe you'd like to post a message when you return?
Bon Voyage!
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Hi Whitelily:
Dr. Kennard certainly had some excellent advice. Given enough time, you would be able to conquer your fear, especially with the help of a good therapist.
One thing that I would recommend, is besides the soothing music, you find a relaxation CD that can help you learn the proper breathing exercises (see my recent Sharepost, "Breathing Lessons" and practice it 4 times a day until you leave on your trip).
The other thing that I would suggest is that you contact Dr. Jennifer Fee or myself at our website The Stress Masters and get a CD designed specifically for stress and anxiety, load it onto an IPOD and use it several times a day before your flight and use it IN THE AIRPORT AND ON THE PLANE.
If you use it properly, it will really work, we promise you!
We can even FedEx one to you!
Dr. Diana Walcutt, Licensed Psychologist
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