I'm prone to free-floating anxiety before a trip too....and it's nice to learn I'm not alone.

Toulousaine,
I think you have a lot of courage to venture out on an 11-hour plane trip with two little kids, specially with one overactive. For sure, the trip alone is exhausting, let alone having to care for two kids all the way. Not the kind of vacation I would choose, for sure.
I say this because when my kids were little, I moved from Brazil to the US and back with them. Even though they were very good kids and slept most of the flight (both were night flights), it was twice as tiresome for me.
Good luck!

Hi toulousaine, I have read these posts with interest.

Just a thought but is it possible with children to take care of plus the housework etc. and then add to this all the details that a trip requires plus trying to figure out what to pack etc. you are very tired physically and emotionally. I would think you would be.

IMHO when we get overtired and do not have any quiet time for ourself it is not unusual to start feeling anxiety, overwhelmed and negative etc.

I have been sort of overwhelmed with things the last couple of weeks and somehow worried I am going to "foget" something I should do before my trip is just over a week.

In reading this thread the lightbulb came on and I realized I had not made arrangements for the shuttle service to pick me up to get me to the airport. I immediately reserved of course.

If you haven't, do make a list as others have suggested. I am going to do that tonight for sure.

And try to get some rest somewhere and somehow between now and next Tuesday.

Best wishes to you.

Toulousaine: Since you have experienced panic attacks before and suffer one of the most scary physical sensations, a racing heart, you are probably already aware that you should eliminate caffeine, artificial sweetners and the like (some over the counter meds also contain caffeine)from your diet. Panic prone individuals are highly sensitive to these stimulants. Also, there are breathing exercises that are helpful. I can highly recommend the book "Don't Panic" by R. Reid Wilson. But, of course, consulting with your doctor is most important. Good luck!

Hi LoveItaly,
Thanks for the kind words. I have a list and I am going to actually look at it again and check some things off.
It's true, doing all the normal chores plus getting ready for such a far away trip is HARD.
This thread has made me calm down so much, you guys will never know. Thanks to everyone, and I'll keep reading!

seetheworld,
yes, the caffeine thing is an issue with me. when i get nervous, i make more coffee. i think that is why yesterday was worse than the others because i had several cups.
i've only had one cup today so far, which is good.

I have a suggestion for you. If you find it difficult to reduce your caffeine intake, try brewing 1/2 decaf with 1/2 regular. You will even further reduce your intake but still get that "fix" you need. Although I believe it is still best to eliminate the caffeine - do the best that you can do. Hang in there

seetheworld,
what about a pot of coffee and then a Xanex?? hahaha!
Just joking.

ummm, I don't think so

LOL toulousaine! Actually though seetheworld has a great suggestion about brewing 1/2 regular coffee and 1/2 decaf. I have done that, and you do get that "kick" from the coffee without all the caffine. Although I have read several times that decaf does actually have caffeine it it. But not as much as regular coffee. Coffee can sure gets us alert and moving but at the same time it can cause jitters if we are feeling that way to begin with.

Also, are you eating properly? You do not have to eat a lot but again sometimes when one is overwhelmed with the details of life we tend to not have a good diet. So if you think that has been the case do eat properly these next days to help yourself feel better.

We are all pulling for you and I know once you get on that plane you will take a big breath and feel better.

Aggiemom
Thanks for the book recommendation. I will look for it.

toulousaine - It would probably be a good idea if you gave up coffee altogether. It would help your anxiety.

Although I have never been much of a coffee drinker I know what it does to me when I drink it. I get anxious, nervous, hyper. I love it but it doesn't love me. I hate how it makes me feel.

Have a wonderful trip.

Toulousaine, I can honestly say I understand what you are saying. I do not have children, but I have had serious problems with anxiety and panic disorder. I have a rare blood disorder and I cannot take even an ibuprofen unless I have a migraine. (no meds for me) People who have never had this will never understand what it is really like. I got to the point where I did not want to drive or leave my home.

I wish that people would not make flippant comments about it because it is something I would not wish on anyone. Neil I have seen you give much help to many posts on this site and I really hope that you were just having a bad day. I count my blessings every day and I have had much sorrow and catastrophie and loss in my life, but I manage to always not be bitter and try to help people from the lessons that I have learned.

Please toulousaine keep in touch with your doctor and I hope you have a nice time with your family. Always treasure the time and memories you have with your family, as they are over before you know it.

I still struggle but I have to always remember that I need to "live" really live life and not be so afraid! I have the "fake it till I make it philosophy" I have to fake the confidence and get out there and go the places that I want to and experience everything. Sorry, I guess it is hard to articulate or express this sort of unbelievable anxiety one feels when it happens.

Just know that there will be people wishing you well and thinking about you.

And no caffine!!

I know for me,the caffeine factor is HUGE.

Wow, Neil, that was pretty harsh I didn't see the need for your reply. Not exactly helpful in any way.

Toulousaine, I know exactly how you feel, I am the queen of pre-trip anxiety attacks! It never fails, I get myself so worked up, all of those "what if" thoughts keep going around in my head, and I get that panicky feeling, I'm sure you know the one. Staying busy really helps to keep your mind off things. I have also started taking a half of a Xanax the night before I leave so I can relax and get a good nights sleep.

From my last two overseas trips, what I have found is that I go through this anxiety period, and then as soon as I get on the plane to leave, I'm okay. It's almost like I'm just really sick and tired of worrying and just ready to relax and enjoy myself. I take the Xanax with me as a just in case thing. I think I know that it works so well, that just knowing that they are there in case I have an anxiety attack puts my mind at ease. I guess it's my safety net.

Actually, I'd like to thank you for starting this thread. After reading a lot of these responses, it helps to know that I'm not the only one who feels like this.

Please let us know how your trip went when you get back, and I hope you have a wonderful time.

G.

I find it strange that when DH goes on a business trip I'm forcing him out the door to make sure he's not at the aiport too late for his flight. He's very laid back.

However, when we fly together, we have to leave for the airport a couple hours in advance "just in case". He seems to feel responsible for me.

Personally I try to remember that as long as I have my passport/Id, Flight info, Bank card and DH then that's all that matters. If I've left it behind I'll just have to do without, borrow it or buy a new one. Simplistic? Perhaps but it stops me worrying too much.
Have a wonderful time and realise that the success of this trip isn't entirely on your shoulders.

Sorry I'm not taking the time to read all the posts so this may have been covered:
A child changes everything. Your world is different now. You are responsible for a human being, one that's precious to you (I'm assuming..lol)
A visit to your doc will help. A mild tranquilizer...not taken forever,just to help with the pre-trip anxiety...will help you be able to control those brain chemicals.Also, try deep breathing...gently in thru your nose, pause, out thru a tiny opening between your lips, pause...over and over so that you can get more oxygen to your brain. It works. Keep reminding yourself of all the positive things about the trip, your life, and the world in general. The subconscious will listen and believe you...
BTW, the impending trip and the panic attacks may not be connected. Panic disorder can spontaneusly occur.
AND some of the very best travelers I have ever seen have been the kids on a flight! ONE DAY AT A TIME, MAMA.

UPDATE!
I got my Xanex today and have just taken a half of one to see how it's effecting me. I think half is enough.
We are spending all weekend packing and buying last minute items...
Thanks for everyone's reassurance (with the exception of Neil!)
It has helped tremendously and I am so glad I had the courage to start the thread.
I will let everyone know about our trip when we get back, of course.
Until then, have wonderful discussions and see you soon!

I almost always get antsey before trips, not panic but close to it at times. Mainly its all the 'have to remember' things, pay bills, do I have all my confirmations, someone to watch the cats/bring in the mail, everyone else going have what they need, etc. Though once airborne I enter a blissful state and remain that way until well past my return. Go and enjoy, 3 yr old will love it and be far less troublesome than you may fear.

HI toulousaine--I did not read all the answers to your post--except for the 1st one, and I think we need to cut him a little slack b/c your problem hit a nerve w/him that has *nothing* to do w/you--However, I also have lately become much more nervous/anxious when flying, than I ever used to in the past. We live in times that put us increasingly on edge and I think that is just the way it is. You will get through the "nerves" and will enjoy your destination. I think this is just the price many of us pay in these more uncertain times.....