Holidays stress: traveling, sicknesses, and more

I have a trip coming up very soon (very close to Christmas time) and I am somewhat stressed by it.

Normally, my dad and I would just drive to my uncle's place, but because the trip is so close to the holidays and sometimes there is a lot of snow that backs up traffic, we are just taking a short flight. The problem is that I hate planes, especially in the winter. They have all sorts of diseases floating around in the air and on the arm rests and chairs themselves. I also get paranoid that the plane is going to crash in the winter weather and that I am going to die.

My current plan is to use a face mask and use lots of hand sanitizer to wipe down the plane arm rests. (Not sure if I can bring sanitizing wipes?)

I am trying to stay episode free, but the stress of things always seems to affect me in some way. I am afraid of dying or getting sick (specifically the flu). I mean, even if I do wipe down the arm rests and stuff with some sort of sanitizing wipes or liquid, someone could cough on me. For example, last time I was on a plane, the jerk behind was resting his head against the back of my chair and me kept coughing through the damn gaps in the seats!! I actually asked him to STOP, and he got all mad. But what am I supposed to do when you're coughing on my shoulder?!

Hi bluebicycle. I understand your fear about getting sick from travel. I won't deny that a lot of people get sick as a result of being around all of the people on flights and in airports. Definitely don't feel funny wearing the surgical mask and using hand sanitizer. You're far from the only one. I see people wearing surgical masks at the airport and in the planes, a lot, and my husband has. My husband always has hand sanitizer with him. He even goes around any hotel room and uses it on knobs, TV clickers, etc.

If you haven't gotten a flu shot, I strongly recommend that you do asap, unless you have some issue with such shots. Most pharmacies in my area give flu shots on request, and they are usually covered by most insurance plans. I get flu shots most years. This year I didn't. I procrastinated. I'm ashamed of that.

Some people also swear by supplements like echinacea/vitamin C. I can't imagine echinacea would be an issue with medications, but you could check with your pharmacist. Actually, your pharmacist may be able to give you other suggestions.

Please don't worry about plane crashes. The risk of dying in a plane crash, even in winter, is slim to none. You'd be at much much greater risk driving. There is a much greater risk that you will die by getting struck by lightening walking in your front yard. Yes, there is even snow lightening.

Are you flying from or to a relatively small airport? They are usually a little less stressful. If you can, do precheck-in and have your boarding pass printed ahead of time. That saves some hassle.

Yes where a mask !! As far as sanitizing... there is the 4 Oz liquid limit. My step son is a flight attendant and he says the small pack of wipes are okay. But call your airline to find out there policy.

As BirdDancer said your more likely to be in a serious car accident. But you have a legit fear. Do you have a prn benzo by chance ? If so I’d take one prior to even getting to the airport as just getting to the plane gate can be very stressful.

Even with the mask on try to not touch your face at all. Most flu and crap are spread through germs having access to nose eyes and mouth , the mask will seriously decrease you chances of catching something.

Will you be home long ?

My wife developed a full-on phobia of flying after having been a seasoned traveler. There's a guy in town known as the get-people-who-don't-want-to-fly-on-the-plane doctor and she saw him. He was a miracle worker. She had two prescriptions, one short-acting, one long-, and she took them and could fly no problem.

Not saying you should try to do this, but just letting you know, if you were ever interested, there are ways to help alleviate undue stress of flying. Sending you calming vibes.

create a things to do list and this might help with your anxiety?
bizi

The danger of stress is very real. For me, stress has triggered most of my episodes.

Wear a face mask. Do whatever you need to do to feel safe.