Anxiety and panic help please

pastlife · ‎12-02-2018

Hi everyone,

I am 34 and have suffered with panic and anxiety for a long time. Have tried CBT, medication and a LOT of herbal/natural supplements but nothing has helped.

I am due to take a flight to Asia in less than 2 months (never flown before) and to top things off i am agoraphobic too - i hardly ever leave my home. I am riddled with fear and panic just thinking about the flight, i have a support person (friend) coming with me but i am scared i wont be able to make it through check in/security or even board. I am scared I will be stopped from boarding due to my panic attacks.

My partner is overseas and i am going to see him and i really want to be with him and see him but i am soooo scared.

I am seeing my GP again next week to see if he can prescribe something stronger for me. My friend also suggested I request a wheel chair from the airline as it's 'easier' having a panic attack in a chair rather than passing out (from hyperventilation and dizziness) standing in a check in line!

Does anyone know if i can be stopped from boarding? Are there any medicines that can help me to make this flight without freaking out? I am having trouble eating, sleeping and functioning.

Hope_for_the_best · ‎12-02-2018

Would that be possible for your partner to come over and visit you instead? I don't mean to discourage you, but it is a big jump from being agoraphobic to taking a long-haul flight when you have never flown before. Since you mentioned that you tried CBT, I presume that you are seeing a psychologist. Perhaps discuss with your psychologist and work out a possible plan to get yourself ready for the flight, if you have to make that flight. You would first need to be comfortable with going out, then you would need to take some flights to get yourself used to flying.

To my knowledge, you should not be refused boarding for panic and anxiety, but if your panic is severe enough to make you obviously unwell, then airline can refuse you as they need to make sure that passengers are fit to fly. I am not sure about the wheelchair thing, but if you think it will be of help, then organise with the airline.