In my experience, talking to the cabin crew usually helps. If they can, they'll offer you a good seat - occasionally they'll even offer you an upgrade if there's space. They'll generally come and talk to you during the flight and check you're alright. It helps to know there's someone linked to the aircraft crew who knows your problem!
Please see my comments in the new link for this FAQ regarding sensationalist, incorrect reporting of aviation incidents in even the quality press. They intend to grab headlines and readership, at the cost of inaccuracy, un-evidenced speculation and fueling the fears of the enormous numbers of people who have some level of fear about flying. HH