Originally Posted by
kettle1
OP: I know exactly what you are talking about. Aisle seats are much better. I had a this anxiety problem for many years and it just went away. I travel a lot, and it was a major problem for me (I travel even more now). Thank god I no longer have it. I know it was all in my head, but it was a problem.
It would happen to me when I was not in control of a situation.
Example 1: I am on a flt boarding and the AC is very hot. I start to sweat, the door closes, we sit. Sit, sit, sit. Than the plane pushes from the gate. We are number 30 for take off. Sit, sit, sit. The walls of the plane seem to close in (I am not in control and have no way out).
Example #2: I am driving through the "tunnel" in LAS and I am in the middle of the tunnel and in the middle lane and cars on every side of my car and all traffic is stopped because the President is visiting for a fundraiser. For one hour I sit in my car, again it is hot and exhaust fumes are pouring into my car from other cars exhausts. I have a anxiety attack. I was stuck and I could not control the situation. I lost it, and l got through it talking with my wife on the phone. She got me though it.
These are just two examples. I had more anxiety attacks, but I no longer have them. I understand the OP 100%. I have been there. Good luck!
Indeed, this I think is from not being in control and claustrophobia. IME the trick is to always have a bottle of water to hand and sit in aisle seats on the plane. It seems as though sipping on (preferably) cold water does a quick reset to the system and ''normalizes'' it...At that point you should be in a position where you can take over the bad feelings...you need to at this point. Also if at all possible you should take a mini fan with you or turn on to full power the air vents above the seat if they are there. remember you are on the plane as you want to get somewhere...always focus on that. I hope I make sense. And I hope it gets better for you.^