Flying Anxiety and Motion Sickness

Ginger Gum - at the pharmacy. Helped me manage sea-sickness. Google "how to deal with claustrophobia while flying" and stuff like that. Flying doesn't bother me at all, so I wish I could help more. I was flying cross country once a month for six months. I tend to read on the plane.

Why did you choose to go? The students need a chaperone who is up to the job.

Ask your doctor for a prescription of Zofran, an anti-nausea drug. The generic is called ondansetron.

I was a flight attendant and I'm also claustrophobic. Get an aisle seat, it helps you feel more in "control". Whenever possible (when you're not in the way) try and walk to the back and stand awhile before coming back to your seat. Being able to move is a biggie. Also, take peppermints with you for nausea. I've never had them not work.
An additional thing to think about is possibly getting hypnotized regarding this fear. I've talked to several people on planes about them overcoming their fears this way. It's a thought...

Call your doctor and get some Xanax. It will be your best flight yet.

Take it as soon as you get settled on the plane. It works very quickly (10-15 mins) and lasts about 4 hours. You can take a very low dose and still get the benefit from it.

Also, I suggest that you try one a few days before flying. This way, you won't be anxious about how it might make you feel.

Last October I flew home from Canada. There was a couple going on their honeymoon and they were both SUPER nervous. Mind you, from Ottawa to DC is a 90 minute flight, but they were freaked out. It didn't help when the winds were strong as we landed, but they were okay - because the flight attendants were AMAZING!! Can you tell the flight attendants that you are insanely nervous and see if they can help at all? Maybe extra crackers, peppermints, sprite, something?

And it doesn't hurt to have a drink or take a Dramamine or something before the flight if it's that bad for you.

I'm sorry it scares you that bad - I LOVE to fly and get to see places I never would without doing it. I hope it gets better for you.

This book really helped me The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook: Edition 6. I am claustrophic and have nearly had a breakdown on the last flights, but iwth a handheld fan and thermos filled with very cold water that i filled up prior to boarding, helped tremendously. I also take a low low dosage of xanax, but I think it all depends on the air quality and how full the plane is. Aisle seats or bulkhead is the way to go as well. Good luck!!!! I feel your pain

Go see your doc and get some good drugs. Even if that's not normally your thing it will be worth it I promise!

I had a co-worker who took an anti-anxiety pill for this exact reason.

I have a sister who panicked weeks ahead of time, and I told her same thing. She did and handled flight super well.

I have to take anti-anxiety pills (just one tab about 1/2 hour before hand) before some of the medical procedures I've had done. It's like having a nice big glass of wine. It takes the edge off and makes it so much more bearable. I would talk to your doctor. :)

My daughter uses Sea Bands for motion sickness. They have worked very well. You can buy them at CVS or any other drug store.

I love Billings! I wish we were making a trip there this year.

I think you need to see your doc and get a prescription for anxiety so you can take a pill as you line up to get on the plane. Then once you're in the air you should be fine. If it wears off before you need to get off it might be time for a second one.

I understand wanting to go on a trip with the kids but I would want to drive instead, so very much.

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I love Billings! I wish we were making a trip there this year.

I think you need to see your doc and get a prescription for anxiety so you can take a pill as you line up to get on the plane. Then once you're in the air you should be fine. If it wears off before you need to get off it might be time for a second one.

I understand wanting to go on a trip with the kids but I would want to drive instead, so very much.

Talk to your dr. I get a scopolamine patch for motion sickness and it is amazing! I tried everything over the counter and it is 100 times better. However, I don't have anxiety. Your dr may have a different idea of something to help both.

ETA: I have to admit that I am wondering if you can change your plans. If you are motion sick and/or anxious to the point of being sick or highly medicated to prevent the 1st two, I'm wondering how in the world you are going to help the kids and make sure they are under control, which is the point of a chaperone. Can you give your spot on the trip to someone else?

Go to your doctor to see about getting a prescription. I once worked out in the Bering Sea on a boat for a month and did this beforehand. We got into a huge storm and everyone was incredibly sick...but I was just fine due to my strong prescription meds! I wouldn't want to take them all the time but boy were they worth it. This was before I had kids...they probably have even more choices now.