Airports give me panic attacks. What can I do to make it survivable if I absolutely have to get on a plane?
I get triggered by unfamiliar environment, people in my personal space, tall echoey ceilings where you can't see where the sound is coming from, and getting searched by strangers. What are some things I can do to get over this fear?
Answers ( 1 )
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is often used specifically to help people overcome serious hurdles like this to their goals in life. I learned about this in undergrad social work classes. Let's say a client is terrified of using an elevator but finds it very difficult to lug all their groceries up ten flights of steps to their apartment.
The therapist helps the client figure out what it is about elevators that they find so scary, then gradually they confront this fear one baby step at a time. Perhaps the first goal is the ability to be alone in the area where people wait for the elevator. At first, the therapist goes with the client, then gradually the client is weaned from the therapist's presence until he/she is able to stand there without getting a panic attack while others get on and off the elevator.
Aaron Beck is the originator of this therapy. From Wikipedia:
We don't know too much about this person, why they are afraid of elevators, just as I don't know why you are afraid of airports and voices echoing off high ceilings and strangers (who are formally sanctioned and certified officers) searching you. A good cognitive behavioural therapist will be able to help you figure it out. They will also be able to help you figure out how to safely confront this problem and eventually conquer the panic attacks.
Your ultimate goal is to "survive" the trek through the airport in the case you absolutely have to use an airplane. But the steps to this ultimate goal will be comfortable little baby steps. The first step is finding a therapist. Since mental health agencies exist in pretty much every community these days, you won't have too much trouble with that. Just be aware that there are many kinds of therapy and I understand that cognitive behavioural therapy is the best for this kind of problem. It is okay when approaching an agency to explain your problem and ask for a specific kind of therapy. Possibly the name is a bit different these days. Read the entire article and do your research. Also listen to what the agencies tell you. Your doctor is another possible source of information.