Summary
For people with panic disorder or agoraphobia, traveling long distances—such as by Shinkansen or airplane—can be extremely stressful, especially during the holiday season when returning home to visit family. Symptoms like heart palpitations, shortness of breath, and cold sweats may suddenly appear and feel overwhelming. These symptoms are part of panic attacks and, while frightening, are not dangerous. This article explains what panic disorder is, why anxiety often worsens during travel, how online medical consultations can help with anxiety medication, and practical self-care strategies to manage symptoms while traveling.
What Is Panic Disorder?
Panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder characterized by sudden episodes of intense fear known as panic attacks. During a panic attack, people often experience strong physical symptoms such as heart palpitations, rapid or shallow breathing, chest tightness, dizziness, or sweating.
These symptoms usually appear rapidly, peak within about 10 minutes, and gradually subside within 20–30 minutes. Panic attacks do not continue indefinitely and are not life-threatening, even though they can feel very severe.
Panic disorder is not rare—approximately 1 in 100 people experience it at some point in their lives. It tends to occur more frequently in women than in men. In many cases, panic disorder begins suddenly without any clear trigger.
Because symptoms may be completely absent between attacks, many people assume they are “not really sick” and delay seeking medical help.
Why Travel Can Trigger Anxiety
For individuals with panic disorder or agoraphobia, certain situations tend to increase anxiety, including:
- Being in a confined space
- Being unable to leave easily
- Fear of having a panic attack in public
Traveling by Shinkansen or airplane combines all of these factors. The fear of “What if I have a panic attack and cannot escape?”—known as anticipatory anxiety—can itself trigger physical symptoms such as palpitations or shortness of breath.
This reaction is not a sign of weakness. It is a natural response of the brain and nervous system to perceived danger.
Online Medical Consultation and Anxiety Medication
If anxiety about traveling is severe, online medical consultations are available, including discussion of anti-anxiety medication when appropriate.
Some patients benefit from having a medication prescribed specifically for use during travel. Even knowing that medication is available “just in case” can significantly reduce anxiety. The type and dosage of medication are carefully determined by the doctor based on symptoms and medical history.
Practical Self-Care During Travel: Keep Your Hands Busy
When anxiety rises, attention often becomes fixed on bodily sensations such as breathing or heartbeat. One effective strategy is to redirect attention by using your hands.
Helpful activities include:
- Knitting or crocheting
- Working on a laptop
- Writing messages or notes on your phone
- Simple games or puzzles
These activities help shift focus away from anxiety and can naturally calm the nervous system, often reducing symptoms without forcing yourself to “fight” the anxiety.
Clinic Schedule (Late December)
- In-person consultations:
Until Saturday, December 27, 2:00 PM - Online consultations:
Monday, December 29, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Online consultations are especially convenient for those preparing to travel or who feel anxious about visiting the clinic in person.
Contact & Appointments
For appointments or inquiries, please contact us via LINE.
Whether you would like to ask a brief question or schedule an online consultation, we are happy to support you in preparing for safe and comfortable travel during the holiday season.
03-6809-4515
4th floor OTM, 2-3-8 Azabujuban, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0045