[Everglow.]

Hey

As a nervous plane passenger myself I sympathise with your situation, and I'm sorry you can't bring your ESA dog with you for reassurance and support. I agree with the post above in that contacting the airline/airport is a good idea as there might be procedures they can put in place to make the journey more managable for you. If nothing else, they can provide you with a timeline for your journey, and take away the unpredictability as much as possible, which might in some way ease the anxiety you're having at the moment. I know they can't take away all causes of anxiety, but this might at least allieviate some of it.

I think accepting how you feel is important, because the anxiety is there and you're aware that it will likely be there when you travel. The best thing to do is bring with you as many distractions as you can so that you can manage the anxiety best as you're travelling. Emma gave some brilliant suggestions, especially with the activities and distractions which involve engaging your hands and brain, like fidget spinners and writing. For me, when I was flying, I made sure I had headphones to wear which blocked out as much noise from the plane as possible too, and this helped me to not be constantly aware of the fact I was flying. I also bought sweets with me which involved some work to eat, such as chewy sweets or gum. Hard boiled ones helped too because they last longer, and it might give you something to use to ground yourself if you do start to panic. You can focus on the texture of the sweet, the taste, the smell, the sound of the wrapper. It's small, but it might give you enough to engage your mind that it at least eases the panic if that happens. It also might help to find out if you have a choice of seat, and to think about where you feel would be least stressful for you. For me, sitting by the window helped because I had something visual to focus on, and it was the part of the trip which I enjoyed most. But if this seems like it might cause you more stress, find out if there is an aisle seat you can have. That way, if you need to get up and move around, you're free from blockages, and you don't need to look out the window all the time if that makes you feel worse. Weight it up, and if there is a way you can choose a seat preference, maybe get in touch with someone and find out about doing so.

I also think it's worthwhile asking about an exception from the airlines. I think rules about this will vary depending on who you fly with, but making some calls or sending some e-mails won't hurt. If it is a no, and you can't bring your ESA dog with you, come prepared with distractions, but if it is a yes, then asking would be worth it.

I hope your flight goes well and is better than you're hoping for right now. I understand your anxiety, and I know that going alone will be very stressful, but I really hope you get through it okay. If you need anything feel free to message me any time. You've got this.