Panic disorder and train travel?

I live in Michigan and my boyfriend lives in Idaho. He has invited me to visit for a week, but I have anxiety/panic disorder and am extremely worried about flipping out on the train. He is paying for my ticket but can't afford a private sleeping berth. I looked into flying but that is just too scary for me to even think about. I really want to take this vacation but I don't want to have the train ride ruin it for me. I have never taken Amtrak before so I have no idea what to expect. Could anyone please put my mind at ease or offer suggestions to make the trip less anxiety-producing? I greatly appreciate any advice and/or reassurances you may have. Thanks much!

Read http://www.associatedcontent.com/article...

This article is about helping panic attacks. It shows what to do when you have panic.

You can try to get some low doses of xanax or valium from your doctor just for the trip there and back. Otherwise try to use anxiety coping techniques...visualization, breathing, muscle relaxation, meditation.

Keep in mind that the train ride won't last forever. There is an end to it. We people who have anxiety tend to think like children, in that we don't see an end to certain situations. Seeing the light at the end of the (train) tunnel really helps battle anxiety because, in certain situations, it's the feeling of the event lasting forever, or indefinitely, that helps trigger anxiety. Find out how long the train ride will be. Then tell yourself that's all the time you'll have to spend on the train and that you can handle it.

I hope you can go. Don't let the anxiety rule your life.

Vodka

Go to your doctor and explain the situation, and he may prescribe you xanax or something in that catagory to keep you relaxed on the train ride, i dont suggest getting on an airplane. I've never been on an amtrack, so i cant tell u what to expect, i myself suffer from a panic disorde, so i wont even think about getting on a train without a medication to relax me. You may also want to try dramamine, that relaxes you too i know. Good luck hun, just take deep breaths and try to keep your mind at ease.

Learn how to control your anxiety with breathing techniques. Still, if you are afraid you will freak out, go and consult your physician and he can give you Xanax or Klonopin to calm your anxiety. It works very well. Xanax acts quicker and lasts shorter, while Klonopin last longer and takes longer to kick in.

I do this when I travel on plane and it helps me a lot since I suffer from panic and anxiety too.

Just beware and don't take too much or else you will fall asleep on the train and may not wake up in time and become disoriented!

Hey there,

Before you go, I suggest you practice slow abdominal breathing. Practice for several minutes everyday. Then, if something does happen (and remember, you may not even suffer an attack), then you can apply the breathing, since you've practiced it.
Try imagery. Close your eyes and picture yourself going in the train and reaching your destination safely, with a smile on your face. Imagine your boyfriend picking you up.
You could also try one other thing. Go to the station early. Speak to someone about the problem. Let's see if they can help. There may be people on board to keep an eye out for you. Don't feel shy. Ask. Or, perhaps you could "do a quick survey of friendly faces" and approach a fellow rider, tell them the problem and ask them to sit with you and just chat with them. I would do that myself. All the very best to you. You can do it!

See panic attacks, and anxiety, at http://www.ezy-build.net.nz/~shaneris on pages 8, and 6. Type "travel tips; train" in your search engine. I took food and drink with me. Earplugs, a mask, for sleeping, and an inflatable pillow may help.