Flying alone with my son and struggling with flight anxiety

[Sylviaplathforever]

After few years of different anxieties and traumas, Ive developed somewhat irrational anxiety (boardeline panic attacks) before boarding and during flying. I'm a single mom, my son is not almost 5... I used to be fine flying and travelling . ive done it before with him since he was little! its not long flight (uk to poland)
i havent had a drink in 3 years probably, im kidna thinking should i have few sips of wine? obviolys cant go on meds like valium , that would probably knock me out! I start fearing that I will pass out and that I am on my own with my son. All the thoughts of whats going to happen with him. Feel like im falling down to dark hole. Its more so internal becuasue I can still be engaged with him- talking, drawing whatever. couple of years ago I had a very stressful holiday with some family memebers and I almost passed out during flight on the way back. tHAT was the worst (cold sweat almost loosing conciousnes, yer remained breastfeeding my sleeping kid lol ) I do put that incident to proloned stress on holiday and overstimulation. I get overwhelmed in crowded places , queues ... I dont want to sound like a nut job like im okay but I juts want to be OKAY flying with my kid. I really despise this weakness and worried its just not me. Thinking about it when i say im worried travelling on my own , being with others bring me more stress than any help lol
any advice from SOLO travelling mommas?

Sympathies, it sounds awful. I don't think you should be flying alone with him while you're this panicky OP. Could you do a flight anxiety course?

I wouldn't go unless being two adults. Another adult present would give you space.

I agree with pos, don’t fly with him alone.

I've booked the tickets, need to see my gran (his great grandmother) shes 85 bless her. Return flight is late so he will be asleep when we land. I have rented toddler carrier so i can plonk him on my back (we are going in July) im already thinking about making life easier in the way

There is no one else to fly with 😰

Do some travels by train around uk dayvtrips . If you can do that a flight is not much different.
And do for sure do some practice trips with the carrier getting it on and off
a three year old is heavy !
Or are you a practised hiker ?

do you really want to use a carrier rather than a lightweight stroller?

We like train journeys. I do take bus everyday to work and back. I did cancel LOndon trip with same fam memebrs I had dodgy holidays wirth as a feared the history will repeat itself. Maybe I could do London day trip via train before.
my son is 17kg. I alway used carrier. Yes i agree stroller is better which I have : its the moment of transit between airplane through passport control (there will be queue and will be late so it would be just for that) and you dont get stroller until baggage pickup

If you need to fly then have a plan before you get to the airport. Which airport are you flying from? Certain UK airports will let you through fast track security if you have a disability and wear a sunflower lanyard, fast track will be a lot quieter and quicker. Then plan a cafe or restaurants to go to for somewhere to sit and have a drink/snack. Then head straight to the boarding gates for example.

yes I have book fast track from where im flying , that already makes me feel better, no fast track available for return flight... i think its even more so when im inside the aircraft. The thought of that I cant get out if i feel not so great.

Some airports have airport strollers you can pick up to use in airport to baggage claim

There are lots of express coaches that travel to Poland but it will be a looong journey with a 4 year old.
Let the airline staff know you’re a nervous flyer and they’ll keep a closer eye on you. Luckily Poland is a short flight.

Who is your flight booked with? Many airlines (including budget ones like Ryanair) offer Assisted Travel (DPNA), which you can book in advance. It allows you to receive discreet staff assistance, priority boarding so you can get settled without other people rushing around you, and staff will check in on you throughout the flight.

I have extreme travel anxiety, so I really feel for you. I just wanted to say that alcohol might settle nerves, but its not at all good for anxiety and definitely not for panic x

I take a Valium before dental visits -- my dentist prescribed them. They certainly don't make me pass out. Talk to your GP about what might be appropriate, though.

Have a look at the assistance pages for both airports. It’s not just about mobility they do have facilities for a wide range of disabilities. For example you could ask to either board the plane first or last so you are not crowded.

Funny you said that as I have just added assistance to my flight! its going to be godsend especially with return as i land late, this on its own makes me feel a lot better!

Thank you :) I used to love a drink , glass of vino. before flight , during flight , used to be a party girl (another lifetime before becoming mom) seems like being sober makes lot of things bit more difficult hahaha i think now literally a sip would make my body feel tipsy

I have the same feeling about dentist! recently had two appointments hour long which i did with no medical help and that made me feel a bit better , like 'i can do this feeling' a lot of people i know including my brother have a valium presciption. i would have to try before once as i would never just take it first time during flight

I don’t think GP’s prescribe Valium for flight anxiety anymore. I was prescribed Propranolol, which doesn’t make you drowsy in the same way Valium does, and it has really helped me with flying.

Yes, I think trying it first is definitely a good idea, preferably in some safe, low-stakes situation that you might otherwise experience as mildly stressful (so you can see if it helps you). Whatever dose I take doesn't do a lot, just takes the edge off a bit. You wouldn't take it during the flight, anyway, but in advance of it. But that would also be something to talk to your GP about, how long it typically takes to kick in -- and something you can check by trying it in advance.

Sometimes just knowing you have the option of popping one is enough.

Or I was prescribed beta-blockers for heart palpitations years ago now, but people do take them ahead of interviews etc. They stop the physical symptoms of being stressed like a racing heart, which in turn makes you feel less stressed because your body isn't telling you this is a stressful situation.

Again, might be worth talking to your GP about different possibilities.

I was presribed proponolol years ago after i fell into anxiety etc after abusive relationship. I found it didnt work well for me sadly. Ive got low blood pressure anyway and that seems to make me feel weakish for lack of better description.
I would love to 'take the adge off' be relaxed and just enjoy the journey (like i used to)

Maybe go see your GP if they have any solutions.

As your son is 5 he shouldn't be much of a burden, just sit next to you watching movies?

I'm also fed up of flight anxiety, I'm hoping I just get bored of it somehow, because I was never scared when younger! I think it was triggered by unrelated emotional stress and boredom. Recently went on some rollercoaster rides (which were fun) which hopefully has changed my view on turbulence.