I have a long flight coming up at the end of January and the anticipatory anxiety is killing me

[Frantic1]

Hi everyone,

i am new to to the forum but certainly not new to anxiety. I have had anxiety since I can remember. I am scared of everything at the moment. It has all come about since confronting my fear of flying in September. I have been exposing myself to flying in the hope it will eventually ease. I have flown 6 times and it seems to be getting worse, not better. I have a long flight coming up at the end of January and the anticipatory anxiety is killing me. I am anxious from the moment I wake up in the morning until the moment I fall asleep. I went and saw my GP today who has now referred me to a psychiatrist. I finally told my husband how bad my anxiety was and although sympathetic he doesn't really get it. I just feel so alone most of the time and can't stop crying.

Frantic1

[Bethie]

Hi Frantic

How did things go with your GP

I hope they have improved a bit.

Thinking of you atm

[Frantic1]

Thanks bethie,

the GP changed my meds and so far the new meds seem to be working. The anxiety is still there but much more manageable now

[Bethie]

That's fantastc news. We are all here for you. The silly season is over...luckly...

So glad you never gave up.

[EJG]

That's great to hear!

[Frantic1]

Thanks Bethie and EJG. It is amazing the difference the right medication can make. I am still getting a little bit of anxiety happening but nowhere near as bad as it was before. My doctor and psychologist are still monitoring me throughout January but so far so good. It horrid having anxiety at any time but especially hard during the silly season when so many people are on holidays and it is hard to get help

Frantic

[Bethie]

That's fantastic.

BB is 24/7 you can find us anytime and if things get bad there is the help line or 1300mentalhealth

Your never without someone who can understand anxiety and depression. It's ok to have bad days but once the good days happen more than the bad that's the days to smile and remember

[EJG]

Really pleased for you Frantic.

I've never reached out to an organisation like BB before and for some reason this time I did and it certainly helped me over the Christmas period.

[Frantic1]

An update on my situation. I have started seeing a hypnotherapist for a few sessions to try hypnosis for my phobia. The sessions have been good for relaxation. Not sure if they are working on my phobia though. Most of the time I am ok but the closer the flight gets the more anxious I am becoming. Trying to use my relaxation techniques the keep me calm. I have medication for the flight which I will use and I am sure I will be fine but part of my brain is still scared of having a panic attack on the plane.

frantic

[Bethie]

Hi

Thanks for the update. It sounds like you will be ok. I count alot if i feel a panic attack comming on. It lets me focus on 1 thing

[Frantic1]

Thanks bethie,

i focus on my breathing and count my breaths in and out. Today has been a particularly bad day with the anxiety. I have found it really hard to calm it down even with the meditation and breathing. Hopefully tomorrow will be better.

frantic