Posted by Nicki on May 07, 2007 at 11:15:34:

I was supposed to go away this year. Its looking highly unlikely because of my agoraphobia getting worse, but IF i was to go, should i fly for 2 hours OR drive for something like 10 could be more.

Points FOR flying.

Fast travel
Fast there/fast back.

Negatives.

I hate planes, haven't flown in years, claustraphobia, mental breakdown, dying etc.

Points for driving

You are on the ground

Points against driving

Its a long way to drive, I'm not a good driver/passenger. I panic if i am in a jam, on a bridge, in a tunnel.

Don't know what to do if i choose to bite the bullet. I would be travelling with another person, so this is not being done alone.

Nick.

• Hi Nick, 13:42:09 05/09/2007 Vita Luna (0)
• I don't do either IF I can avoid them ROFLOL I need major valium to get on a plane, I don't drive distances, I can drive around town but someone else wants to drive, OH YES!!! (n/t) 21:42:00 05/08/2007 NavajoQT (1)
  • at least with my disorder I can get a dr's note and preboard the flight *SHRUG* (n/t) 21:44:18 05/08/2007 NavajoQT (0)
• An ipod is a must (I enjoy podcasts on them or self help audio books) portable dvd to watch your own movies, breathing techniques, preperation is key. My two cents. (n/t) 14:55:37 05/08/2007 Kate_1 (0)
• hmmm 03:14:13 05/08/2007 SarahW (8)
  • Thanks 08:23:33 05/08/2007 Nicki (0)
  • Re: hmmm 08:02:21 05/08/2007 Debra (6)
    • Debra 08:25:39 05/08/2007 Nicki (5)
      • Re: Debra 09:24:54 05/08/2007 Debra (4)
        • Send me some of those good thoughts. Thanks Debra. (n/t) 10:05:39 05/09/2007 Nicki (3)
          • Re: When r u flying? That's when my thoughts will be sent to you, Nick. 17:25:16 05/09/2007 Debra (2)
            • The way i am feeling today, i don't think i will ever go out again, so the flying is a long way off. (n/t) 12:51:40 05/10/2007 Nicki (1)
              • Re: The way i am feeling today, i don't think i will ever go out again, so the flying is a long way off. 13:14:26 05/10/2007 Debra (0)
• depends which one you will successfully be able to do. If flying is doable for you, I say go for it. If not, option 2. I'm no help, lol, sorry! (n/t) 17:36:01 05/07/2007 Kate_1 (1)
  • Thank you. Nick. (n/t) 08:26:16 05/08/2007 Nicki (0)
• Re: flying V driving 14:20:13 05/07/2007 Debra (1)
  • Hello 08:29:25 05/08/2007 Nicki (0)

Posted by Vita Luna on May 09, 2007 at 13:42:09:

In Reply to: flying V driving posted by Nicki on May 07, 2007 at 11:15:34:

Hi Nick,

You may want to order Achieving Comfortable Flight. I swear by it. Without it, I couldn't have flown anywhere and now we fly once or twice a year and it's so much quicker than driving.

I think you can order at phobiaproducts.com or just type in Achieving Comfortable Flight in your internet search engine.

Dawn

Posted by NavajoQT on May 08, 2007 at 21:42:00:

In Reply to: flying V driving posted by Nicki on May 07, 2007 at 11:15:34:

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Posted by NavajoQT on May 08, 2007 at 21:44:18:

In Reply to: I don't do either IF I can avoid them ROFLOL I need major valium to get on a plane, I don't drive distances, I can drive around town but someone else wants to drive, OH YES!!! (n/t) posted by NavajoQT on May 08, 2007 at 21:42:00:

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Posted by Kate_1 on May 08, 2007 at 14:55:37:

In Reply to: flying V driving posted by Nicki on May 07, 2007 at 11:15:34:

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Posted by SarahW on May 08, 2007 at 03:14:13:

In Reply to: flying V driving posted by Nicki on May 07, 2007 at 11:15:34:

Well....depends on how far you're going?

I hate hate hate flying. So much that I freaked out in the SIMULATED flying experience at Disneyland last week. However....my best friend lives back east and I'm not about to drive there! So I fly. And I crap myself mentally everytime I do it! You can either get non-stop which is 5 hours, or you can take 2 flights and break it up. I've done both and I prefer breaking it up. I feel like I don't have enough time to freak out when I do it this way! Either way...its rough! However...to be contrary...I flew to England (10 hours) a couple years ago and that flight seemed WAY easier than all the flights I've taken since! Maybe cause I really really wanted to go? And I took Virgin which has a ton of things to keep your mind busy.

Anywho...you just have to weigh it. I figure I can drive for 6-8 hours...anything past that, I'll fly. And only if I REALLY have to or want to! Oddly enough, I'd rather flyalone, but driving with someone. I get so worked up when I fly, I prefer not to be with people who will comment on it! I figure I'll never have to see the people on the plane again! But when we drive..someone else can drive if I start panicking.

I hope this helped a little! Good luck in your choice :)

-Sarah

Posted by Nicki on May 08, 2007 at 08:23:33:

In Reply to: hmmm posted by SarahW on May 08, 2007 at 03:14:13:

How can you manage to fly alone? I couldn't even start to think about doing that. All the negative thoughts would have engulfed my body before even leaving the house, i would have to have someone there to calm me, but i don't think calming me would be an easy task. You live in CA but flew to England, was that on your own.

Nick.

Posted by Debra on May 08, 2007 at 08:02:21:

In Reply to: hmmm posted by SarahW on May 08, 2007 at 03:14:13:

Good point, in keeping yourself busy! Bring music along, or some relaxing music or inspiration!

Posted by Nicki on May 08, 2007 at 08:25:39:

In Reply to: Re: hmmm posted by Debra on May 08, 2007 at 08:02:21:

Flying is a place where my concentration levels fall to zero. I couldn't do one thing for more than a second. I'm waiting and listening to every sound and noise that might be a danger sign for something bad about to happen. Negative thoughts!

Nick.

Posted by Debra on May 08, 2007 at 09:24:54:

In Reply to: Debra posted by Nicki on May 08, 2007 at 08:25:39:

Okay, how about bringing along an inanimate object that may help calm you... For example, I am not a religious person, but I have a second cousin who is a priest (I rarely see him!) and he blessed my cross that I wear on my necklace in such occasions. I also wear the rings my boyfriend gave me.
Also, when I travel with one of my sisters, she sleeps, and I can't! So, traveling with someone else may not necessarily comfort you...unless it is someone who is understandble and has same issues.
I feel for you, Nick! Maybe just knowing someone is supportive is the key. And, you need to try your best to stop those negative thoughts. Play mind games with yourself, stop the negative,and place a positive in there...even if you don't believe it, it will help! Let me know when you will be flying, and I will be sending good thoughts your way..! OK?

Posted by Nicki on May 09, 2007 at 10:05:39:

In Reply to: Re: Debra posted by Debra on May 08, 2007 at 09:24:54:

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Posted by Debra on May 09, 2007 at 17:25:16:

In Reply to: Send me some of those good thoughts. Thanks Debra. (n/t) posted by Nicki on May 09, 2007 at 10:05:39:

Also, try to take deep breaths....slowly..

Posted by Nicki on May 10, 2007 at 12:51:40:

In Reply to: Re: When r u flying? That's when my thoughts will be sent to you, Nick. posted by Debra on May 09, 2007 at 17:25:16:

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Posted by Debra on May 10, 2007 at 13:14:26:

In Reply to: The way i am feeling today, i don't think i will ever go out again, so the flying is a long way off. (n/t) posted by Nicki on May 10, 2007 at 12:51:40:

Aw! What is the matter? Where were you going to fly to and from? Do you work? Did you see my post currently at the top of this page? Should we converse directly via email?? I liked the idea of the self help book or audio about helping you break free from flying, I forget who posted it, but it sounds good.

Posted by Kate_1 on May 07, 2007 at 17:36:01:

In Reply to: flying V driving posted by Nicki on May 07, 2007 at 11:15:34:

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Posted by Nicki on May 08, 2007 at 08:26:16:

In Reply to: depends which one you will successfully be able to do. If flying is doable for you, I say go for it. If not, option 2. I'm no help, lol, sorry! (n/t) posted by Kate_1 on May 07, 2007 at 17:36:01:

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Posted by Debra on May 07, 2007 at 14:20:13:

In Reply to: flying V driving posted by Nicki on May 07, 2007 at 11:15:34:

Nick, I totally understand where you're coming from! First of all, do you have time to drive and see other things along the way? (Where are you driving to and from?) I did it once with my boyfriend, and it was a great experience. If not, then I would fly. I didn't used to mind flying, but now I get scared whenever there is a little bit of turbulence. First of all, statistically flying is much safer than driving. If there is turbulence, I found something that seems to help me, if I lean forward a little, it didn't bother me that much. Though, I am not sure if that would help others. :) Plus, think "All's Well"...maybe that might help, it did for me the last time I flew. Just a suggestion. On the other hand, if I am with someone else in a car, I don't panic. I think being by myself and stuck where I am unfamiliar is what scares me. I hope this helped you.

Posted by Nicki on May 08, 2007 at 08:29:25:

In Reply to: Re: flying V driving posted by Debra on May 07, 2007 at 14:20:13:

Because i am an anxious passenger, driver and flyer, i don't enjoy the experience. I will be thinking the whole time when i am going to panic and of course die. Trying to control feelings on a 10 hour car journey won't be easy.

Nick.