How to Treat a Panic Attack on a Plane
For first time, or even long time fliers, panic attacks can appear out of nowhere when flying on a plane. Many factors associated with air travel can act as a trigger for a panic attack on a plane. These triggers are often associated with aspects of air travel that can not be changed or altered. Such as, seating, cabin space and social interaction.
What Can Cause a Panic Attack on a Plane?
Passengers on a plane are often faced with anxiety due to several factors. These factors may include sitting in tight spaces, fear of enclosed space or sitting in close proximity to someone you do not know.
The tight spaces between the seats can often cause stress and anxiety for plane passengers. This anxiety only increases for passengers who may have problems fitting into airline seats.
Yet another aspect of plane travel that can lead to a panic attack is the interior size of the plane. Passengers who feel uncomfortable in tight or enclosed spaces may find themselves experiencing the symptoms of a panic attack on a plane.
The intimate situations between strangers on a plane is one of the less common panic attack triggers. For people who are uncomfortable sitting next to someone they do not know, anxiety levels may rise quickly, leading to a sever bout of panic.
How do I Treat a Panic Attack on a Plane?
If a passenger feels uncomfortable during plane travel it is important to control the symptoms of anxiety and panic. Depending on the trigger for the panic attack on a plane the treatments may be different. If the tight seats cause high levels of anxiety and a panic attack on a plane, try booking a flight in the first class section to increase the space between you and the other passengers during the flight.
For passengers who feel anxiety levels increase in enclosed spaces, planes will provide little solace. The only way to treat this anxiety is with breathing and meditation exercises. Breathing calms the nerves and meditation allows the passenger to refocus on their inner strength.
Feeling anxiety due to sitting with strangers for long periods of time can be treated in the same way as treating a panic attack on a plane related to tight spaces. Breathing and meditation can be very effective. But, when dealing with people on a plane it is often beneficial to watch the movie, listen to music or take a nap to escape from the stresses and anxiety triggers.
