Upcoming trip: Panic attacks may ruin my trip.

RobbieLUKE

Hi guys,

Any help or advice on this matter would be great.

I'm travelling to Cologne, Germany in the next 2 weeks with a friend to see the Christmas markets (Dec, 2014). We depart on Saturday, and my friend will return Tuesday, while I'll be jetting back two days later, meaning ill be spending the two days alone.

I suffer from extreme panic attacks which have been quite constant over the past 2-3 years. The attacks themselves are extremely frightening and upsetting, and in previous times, I have gone as far as clutching onto people in the street, in extreme panic, begging for such person to call an ambulance! This would happen if I had left my house without a friend/relative. I know this sounds ridiculous, but anyone who is familiar with panic attacks may understand how bloody frightening they are!

The attacks had faded for a short time, but are now slowly coming back. After discussions with another friend, he strongly advised me on backing out of this whole trip: not only does he think the trip will be in someway ruined for the person I am travelling with, but spending two days alone when my friend leaves, is not just silly, its dangerous according to him.

The friend that is travelling with me in unaware of these issues, and as much as I think cancelling this trip is the right idea, I really don't think I will, as I am so keen on seeing Germany at this period.

Anybody have any advice on what I should do?

Thanks guys/gals 😆

HamsterFace

I've never had a panic attack but have been on the verge of descending into one a few times through being in situations I wasn't completely comfortable with.

The fact is the more you avoid such situations the higher the likelihood of such an attack is.

Easy to say, but you need to go ride the wave of being in such a situation, and maybe suffering an attack, but realizing the world hasn't ended. You need discretion on your part and you'll come back stronger by realizing that no noticed or cared. And that once it finished all was fine.

And once an attack has finished, it has finished ' and it's a relief and should be seen as such. You will quickly forget about the attack once it has occurred and good things will happen then, which is what you should focus on.

The alternative is to live in your room, go do it and ride the wave, accept it as a process and when it's over it's over. Will happen less and less after that.

Littlekittylou

If you are seeing a healthcare professional at this time could you talk to them about it ? They might be able to help you evaluate whether or not you are really up to it.

Perhaps they could arrange for you to give them a call at some time over your trip. And while you say you will be alone for two days you can still call people and text for reassurance.

Perhaps you could make an itinerary of things to do for the two days.

You must do what you feel is best. Whatever you choose is really no big deal. Don't let it put you off if you want to go but on the other hand if you feel you are not ready than you should do what's best.

Either way whatever you decide it's fine it's not a life or death decision.

Do what you think is best at this point for yourself.

You don't NEED to do anything do what you want to. Confide in your friend and you might be surprised at the support they can give it might actually break a barrier down and make you closer.

There is no pressure do what you want.

CaraMay

Why don't you come back at the sake time as your friend? I do think you need to explain this to the person you are traveling with just in case you do have a panic attack and they don't know what's going on.

Fair play to you for doing this and not giving in to it. Enjoy!!

LynnGrace

Two days on your own doesn't sound like a good idea if that has induced panic attacks previously, ie being without a friend or relative. If you can travel back with the other person, that might help to alleviate the situation for you.
I think, as previous poster said, you should consider mentioning it to the person you are travelling with, that you have suffered with panic attacks, just so they will be in the picture, should anything happen.
Can you have a chat with your GP or medical professional for some advice?

skallywag

OP, have you discussed this with your doctor at all? I know that medical advice etc is taboo on boards, but there is safe non-addictive medication available which can reduce your adrenalin levels, prevent racing heart-beats, and generally take the edge of anxiety type symptoms.

ShowMeTheCash

I suffered from a PTSD for a short time after an incident.
And panic attacks where almost like shock waves that seem to happen from time to time immediately afterwards, they are horrible the first one I thought I was dying, did not know what was happening to me.

But to get to my point, I spoke to a Dr about this and her advice was not to avoid doing things, panic attaic or anxiety are reinforced mentally by allowing it to control what you do, granted I totally understand that that you are in a bit of a situation.

But know this, a panic attack has never killed anyone nor will it, be strong take deep breaths, embrace it if you can ride it out, it will ease!
Once you no longer fear the attack you will probably find they will go away!

Hi OP,
I think you should go, of course, but maybe change your flight back to a day or two earlier?

me0w

Maybe your doctor could prescribe <snip> which is very helpful for panic attacks - you will feel relief within minutes of taking it. I think this would be good temporary solution so you could enjoy your trip.

shalalala

Hi OP, I too have suffers crippling panic attacks but thankfully have not had one for a few years.

I have managed this in a couple of ways:

Counselling has helped a lot. Changed my thought process so I dont think I am strange or weird for having them now

Everyone in my life knows of my past, they know I have suffered, so they know what to look out for and they know what a certain tone in my voice means, it definitely helps when you don't feel like you are hiding it

I sit in aisle seats in the cinema, on planes etc. I will never let this stop me doing the things I need and want to do. It is a hard point to get to but taking precautions rather then not doing something is a better way to live!

I think you need to tell the person you are travelling with, I also think you need to get an e111 card, just incase something happens. Like another poster said, make an itinerary and plan for most eventualities, it will deffo calm you down knowing you are prepared.

If you really cannot do the two days alone then change the flight to match your friends but I really hope you are able to go on the rest of the trip.

Remember, you are strong, and asking for help is strong. I would advise you do speak to someone about this x

skallywag

OP, have you ever discussed this with your GP?

Rubberchikken

Would you explain this to the friend going with you.

A good friend, while they might not know what you go through during an attack, will be capable of empathising, and if you have a successful couple if days with your friend, think of what a boost that will five your confidence to be there yourself for another couple of days.

Cologne is a beautiful city and the christmas markets are georgeous.
Have a brilliant time:)

RobbieLUKE

Thanks for all the advice everyone! I've taken everything each one of you have said on board.

Its a tricky situation though, the person im travelling with wouldn't really understand such attacks, long story, but take my word. Of course my gp is aware of my situation, but unfortunately I haven't really been back to see the doc in quite some time now due to college, work etc.

But in regards to this trip, I'd imagine I'm going to go ahead with it, and still return two days after my friend has left as flights, accom, etc has been payed for.

I think its certain that while over there, panic attacks are going to happen, and its easy for me now to say this, and I know I'm going to love cologne, but when an attack happens, its going to be so frightening for me! I will say as well, these attacks are in no way a result of fearing this trip: these attacks happen to me daily for no reason! This is why my other friend has advised me not to go on this, because there will be no-one with me to calm me, when an attack strikes so, its uncertain what will happen to me when an attack strikes!

Buy the way, in relation to what one of you had said about the e111 card: I had never heard of this, and after reading your comment, I applied immediately online, and such card is now being posted out to me! Hopefully it will arrive before I travel.

CaraMay

Op I don't think it's fair to go away with your friend and not tell them. How are they going to know what's happening when you have a panic attack. I certainly wouldn't know what to do. It would be even worse if I were in a foreign country and I didn't know how to help you.

You say they wouldn't understand or know what to do so what do you expect to happen in the two days?

December2012

You should still go and talk to your GP. If you don't live near your regular GP then see one at your college.

If its happening every day and is important enough to cancel a trip it's important enough to see your Dr.

LynnGrace

December2012 wrote: »

You should still go and talk to your GP. If you don't live near your regular GP then see one at your college.

If its happening every day and is important enough to cancel a trip it's important enough to see your Dr.

Agreed. Definitely worth having a chat with your G.P.

I agree also with previous poster. I wouldn't know what to do, for someone, in that situation. I would be able to stay calm, and would be reassuring etc, and help to calm things, but if I didn't know that it was a panic attack, I'd be sending for medical assistance.

shalalala

Panic attacks never happen for no reason OP.

GerB40

RobbieLUKE wrote: »

Hi guys,

Any help or advice on this matter would be great.

I'm travelling to Cologne, Germany in the next 2 weeks with a friend to see the Christmas markets (Dec, 2014). We depart on Saturday, and my friend will return Tuesday, while I'll be jetting back two days later, meaning ill be spending the two days alone.

I suffer from extreme panic attacks which have been quite constant over the past 2-3 years. The attacks themselves are extremely frightening and upsetting, and in previous times, I have gone as far as clutching onto people in the street, in extreme panic, begging for such person to call an ambulance! This would happen if I had left my house without a friend/relative. I know this sounds ridiculous, but anyone who is familiar with panic attacks may understand how bloody frightening they are!

The attacks had faded for a short time, but are now slowly coming back. After discussions with another friend, he strongly advised me on backing out of this whole trip: not only does he think the trip will be in someway ruined for the person I am travelling with, but spending two days alone when my friend leaves, is not just silly, its dangerous according to him.

The friend that is travelling with me in unaware of these issues, and as much as I think cancelling this trip is the right idea, I really don't think I will, as I am so keen on seeing Germany at this period.

Anybody have any advice on what I should do?

Thanks guys/gals 😆

I've been through basically everything you just explained and I'm slowly leaving my anxiety behind me. It will probably always be there to some extent but it's coping mechanisms that help.

Now I'm in no way bragging or anything like that, I'm saying this to prove to you that through the right mix of medication and cognitive behavioural therapy, that shítty feeling of anxiety and panic can be managed.

Here's the thing though, It does take time... Two weeks is nowhere near enough time to find the right frame of mind for something as daunting as a trip abroad (I'm talking about the time you'll be alone). And personally I've found that if you are worried about having panic attacks, they inevitably follow. I'll give you a short example.

A couple of years ago my grandmother died. My first thought was "oh shít, I have to go to a funeral and basically be as far out of my comfort zone as I could imagine". My terror was so great that it didn't dawn on me how selfish and horrible my thinking was but that's beyond the point. I went and it was hell. I probably needn't go into detail but I was in full on panic mode. That experience set me back so far that I honestly think any gains I made by meds and therapy were wiped out. I was back to square one.

This is what I fear may happen you. I know our experiences might be incomparable but my advice would be to not go. The fact that you're considering panic attacks as a possibility means (in my opinion) that you've laid the foundation for them to be a certainty.

I'm just speaking from personal experience so if you feel mentally strong enough, go for it. Just please consider what a psychological setback this trip could possibly have in store for you.

All the best man. And remember, Germany will be there next year.