I'm back from our trip!! EIGHT flights in a month!!!

[diamond]

And no panic attacks!!!! :hyped:

Thanks to this site and the anxieties.com site, I was really able to define my fears and cope with the panicky feelings I experience from what I now know is agoraphobia!!!

Here is what I flew...

Charlotte to Phoenix
Phoenix to Fresno....US Airways Round Trip

Tijuana to Mexico City
Mexico City to Oaxaca...Aeromexico Round Trip

It was me, my husband and daughter, age 6. Her first flights (she's a veteran now!) and my first since 1999. It wasn't bad at all, and I was really amazed at how calm I was. I also used my favorite in a pinch, Rescue Remedy and that helped to take the edge off of any nerves I felt, which were amazingly very little!

The flights were near perfect...great weather, good take offs and landings...the one into Mexico City came in rather fast, but other than that, no problems at all.

My biggest fear was the panic attacks from being closed in and trapped. But reading about the anatomy of panic attacks prior to the flights really helped me to understand them and it helped to do the breathing work and self talk.

I am SO thankful for this site!!! I don't know when I'll be flying again, but I don't consider myself "cured"...the next hurdle will be whenever I have to fly over an ocean again. The thought of flying over open water does NOT appeal to me whatsoever. But I don't know when that will be; I'll be sure to come here for advice!

Thanks, everyone!!!

[Captain Hutch]

Dear Diamond,

What a wonderful story to hear about conquering your fears! I am so glad that you shared that. And to be able to go with you family and have a good experience, not having flown in so long is really a great testimony to all the work that you did to overcome your anxieties.

Thanks again for reporting back with the good news.

Hutch :tiphat:

[MathFox]

Congratulations :thumbsup: and :tiphat: for doing it in style.

I understand that you want to dream about :sunshine: exotic beaches (yes, they are within reach now), but you can also stay closer to home and visit old friends that moved, school reunions or take the kid to "the Mouse". :angel:

[Barb-SAN]

My biggest fear was the panic attacks from being closed in and trapped. But reading about the anatomy of panic attacks prior to the flights really helped me to understand them and it helped to do the breathing work and self talk.....
Thanks, everyone!!!
Thank YOU for reporting back and sharing what helped you deal with panic attacks. And a huge CONGRATULATIONS for your successful flights. :hyped::hyped: :tiphat:

Will you be planning some short flights in the near future to reinforce your success (some destinations such as MathFox suggested?)