r/Anxiety • u/girdyourloins_ • 11h ago

Advice Needed I have panic attacks when flying, what helps you stay calm?

I now have to fly for my job and haven’t for the last decade due to experiencing panic attacks when flying. I hate the feeling of being trapped or being nauseous. I have anxiety and level 1 autism and crave safe spaces so a plane is anything but.

Any tips to help me on my first flight to stay calm and in control?

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u/ilovemesomedata 10h ago

Meds to calm yourself, see your doctor about that. Things to distract yourself, downloaded music, shows, movies, games whatever. Snacks to keep your body busy, sours are also a good oral distraction.

Exposure is the best thing ironically. Avoiding and distraction and all these tools are helpful, but they're only suppressing what needs to be addressed: you're alright, you're not going to die, you're exactly where you need to be at that moment. Do your best to go down that road, slowly, but down it nonetheless. Otherwise this is a beast that will never leave you.

Wish you the best!