Intense Panic On A Plane

[miffy]

I just had a horrific experience on a plane. It was only a short flight luckily. There was a bit of turbulence. It honestly wasn't that bad, but I always seem to be effected by motion more than others. For me, it was like being in a blender. I'm not sure if it was a panic attack and I certainly don't have a flying phobia.

So everyone is sitting quietly through the turbulence. I'm there, clinging to my seat, white knuckles, crying like a baby. I couldn't even control the crying. I was pushing my feet into the ground so hard it was pushing me up off my seat. I squeezed my eyes shut, and clenched my teeth waiting for it to pass. I was dizzy and nauseous. I must have looked like I was in an electric chair. I was going to cry out for help from the hostess, just to ask if she could hold my hand until it was over, but I was too embarrassed and didn't know if she was allowed to move during landing.

When I got off the plane, my mum was there which made it a little better, but I don't think she realised how much it affected me. My boyfriend is away for a month and I just want someone to make me feel better about the whole ordeal.

ps. sorry if this is the wrong place for this kind of post

 

[prairiecat]

Miffy, I don't think this is the wrong place for your post. I have not been able to fly since 9/11 occurred. I understand it completely, maybe too much! I have always had to fly alone, as a single woman. I cannot do it anymore. But my daughter and her son are in another state so I feel that I may have to overcome this fear. Not sure I can. You are brave to post about it. I last flew a few years ago and started crying when the plane landed, could not stop. Had a friend who was supposed to pick me up but since I had a big, fat breakdown, I was so late so she unloaded her anger on me. I had to ignore it; she is no longer a 'friend.' I don't know the answer. I just recall that it used to help me if I had a flying partner... Can't even remember if I did or when or who it might have been. Maybe I've always flown alone. With the awful news on TV about flights and crashes, I am positive that we are not alone in our fear of flying. Congratulate yourself because you got through it!

 

[miffy]

Hi prairiecat, thanks for your kind words. I totally wish I had a flying buddy. I actually tried to imagine people I know sitting in the seat beside me. I'm flying back home in 6 days, so I've got some time to think about it and maybe talk to my therapist briefly. Good luck to you, visiting your family will be an excellent reward for over-coming your fear of flying.

 

[Ocean5]

@miffy

I just had a horrific experience on a plane.

It's fine to post here :) I know it helps me to help others. Probably better than doctors to be honest.

Probably turbulence and panic - different people react in different ways -- at different times. Can be trigger. Turbulence during landing can be the worst. I remember one flight people were screaming and crying during landing from turbulence.

At same time...sometimes...person sitting next to you can become a close friend. I've talked to several flyers over take-off. They were so nervous and knew if I talked to them they would be distracted (normally I'm the private person I don't want people talking to me, but I saw they needed help.)

So maybe next flight in 6 days. Talk to person next to you before. Make a joke, offer some gum, offer what little airline food given to you. Establish a simple bond --- then if you're in need they may reach out to you or you can reach out to them. (OF COURSE this really depends on person sitting next to you.) But there are still really good people in this world who would help you.

Something else to consider...select seat near flight staff seating for landing or takeoff (even if they charge more.) While they are suppose to remained seated during landing for safety (least from what I know in US) - if you are close enough I'm sure they would hold your hand at very least. Actually I think many would have sat next to you if one was available.

Best wishes next flight.

 

[miffy]

@Ocean5

Thank you for the reassurance. It's virtually impossible to think rationally in the moment, instead I just jumped to the conclusion that I was making a fool of myself. I will definitely l make an effort to talk to the person next to me when I fly home, thanks for the tip! It also may be helpful for them to know that I may freak out without warning lol

My therapist and I are going to cover some emotional mindfulness tasks tomorrow over the phone, so with everyones advice combined, I should be (hopefully) tears free!