A
female
 ,
anonymous
writes:hi ya can anyone help me. i suffer from bad panic attacks, and i am going away on tuesday and iam shitting myself about been closed in on my flight. dont get me wrong i have flown loads of times but since two years ago when my panic attacks started i have been concerned about flyin.i already take anti depression tablets. be i need advise from anyone who has got through this problem.i dont worry about crashing,cause if that happens it happens, with me its just when the doors shut and theres no going back,and my up there for 4 hours not be able to get out. please help xx Reply to this Question
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reader, anonymous, writes (7 February 2007): Hi ya
If you are interested send me a message, I had someone come and see me with a phobia of flying recently and I used some hypnosis work with her and she went on holiday a fews day later... phobia gone.
A
male
reader, childof1981  +, writes (7 February 2007):
 I am a bit hesitant to post this, but it may be an option.
It's basically a site that specializes in therapy in regards to overcoming your fears about flying.
http://www.fearofflying.com/
If you can stay awake for it, they host an internet chat on Wednesdays, 9PM Eastern Time. You might be able to gain a little bit of free help there.
http://www.fearofflying.com/chat.shtml
They also have an immediate help number if you need it. (but I am pretty sure they charge, so that may not be feasible for you)
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A
male
reader, Ponungalungb +, writes (7 February 2007):
 You have to ask yourself, what's the worst that can happen? The plane crashes and you die. If that doesn't concern you, then the rest should be a piece of cake.
You say you take anti-depression tablets. They apparently aren't helping with the panic.
You're probably fearing the panic attack and fearing that you won't be able to get to a "safe" place. You're actually very safe on an airplane, more so than in an automobile.
Here's a technique that works for a lot of panic sufferers: Instead of fighting the panic, welcome it. Say to yourself, "Come on panic, give me your best shot." Instead of saying to yourself, "What if this happens, or what if that happens", say to yourself, "I can't wait for a panic attack." "Come on panic, show your face." Try making yourself panic right now. I bet you can't. The reason panic attacks become so powerful and scary is that you try and fight it. How do you fight an inanimate object? You can't. Just let the panic come and get you.
If you need help getting relaxed enough to get on the plane, you might want to try a Xanax. That will calm you down. Once the doors close, let the panic begin. But don't try to run from it. Just enjoy the rush and say "Bring it on!"
Good luck!!!!
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A
female
reader, Granny +, writes (7 February 2007):
 Hi there,
we don't have much time to get you sorted before you fly so I can't recommend therapy at this stage, or breathing exercises but look into it to get your attacks under your control in the future. Then get yourself plenty of BALDRIAN drops or tablets, better still with extract of hops and take these a couple of hours before the flight. As you are a girl, I also recommend rose and lavender scents/oils from aromatherapy which are very calming. Take a lavender pillow on the plane with you if you want. No alcohol.
If you do not believe in natural help, see your doctor and explain your problem. He may prescribe a couple of tranqillisers that do not interact with your anti-depressants if you think you may need them.
Also, sit by the window if you can. Any flight longer than 1 hour will take you over the cloud level, then you can say to yourself that you are only a few meters away from the snow. If you still get a panic attck, let the person next to you know, or preferably an airhostess, as soon as possible, then take a sick bag, put it over your mouth and nose and breathe deeply into the bag. This will stop you from hyperventilating. The crew are trained to deal with these situations so trust that you will be well cared for.
Good luck and good flight! I am flying too in 11 hours!
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