fear of flying

[shoemad]

I'm sorry if this has been discussed before but I would welcome any advice. I really am afraid of flying but love going on holiday/. My husband is really supportive but finds it difficult when I cry on every plane journey. The trouble over last few days has made me even more nervous. We go to Cyprus in three weeks and I wonder if there's anything I can take which would help? I do know that I'm a total softie and that it's the safest form of transport etc but that doesn't help when I'm sitting there gripping the seat and convinced that the plane is going to plummet from the sky.

[crete]

i know just how you feel , i wear head phones put my head down grip the seat and hope for the best sorry not much help.

[wendilla]

Dont worry I am sure there are others on the flight the same as you but don't show it.I am the same I practically make myself ill before I go worrying about it then I make up my mind I am going to enjoy this holiday and I do but near the end it all starts again.You can get some tablets from doctor but I never had them I just suffer in silence.Just take in what is going on around you .I like to watch people and there expressions it does help .Try it. Hope you have a nice holiday.

[Catso]

If it's a really serious phobia, and not just a bit of stress (as wendilla says, lots of people get stressed about flying), you can go on 'flying acclimatisation' courses to try to overcome your fears.

Several airlines do them, I believe, and they do seem to help a lot of people who go on them (so the article said).

A bit late for this year's hols, but you could consider it for the future.

[Amara]

Hi shoemad - great name by the way. I had exactly the same problem, I am also married to a pilot who thought I was totally ridiculous. I am also a great fatalist who believes in life after death so my fear was totally illogical. I even resorted to diazipan to get me through it on occasion, the strange thing was that although it took away the blind panic I still had the underlying fear. In the end I did two things, I attended one of the courses suggested already and I also had a couple of hypnotherapy sessions. Now I can fly and feel fine about it, even managing to look out of the window. There really is no point in anyone telling you to get a grip, that it is the safest form of travel, that you have more chance of being killed on the road etc, etc, because if you're scared you're scared. Try to get some help with this, it is horrible to be this frightened but you can get over this fear with some help. Love and light Amara xx

[Amara]

The other thing I forgot to say is you could try some natural stress relief tablets from the chemist or health food shop for this trip. Also try some deep breathing exercises on the plane to keep yourself calm. Lots of love x

[shoemad]

Thank you all for your support and advice.
Maybe the hypnotherapy would be a good idea for me. The flying acclimatisation thing sounds too scary as it would mean actually going on a plane when I don't have to! I do enjoy my holidays but could really do with a Star Trek type transporter to get me there. Or failing that, maybe just a good crack on the head and wake me up when we're there.
Thanks again everyone

[sue11]

It is terrifying with the recent events isn't it? But bear this in mind.
I know you already know this, but the most dangerous part of the journey you will be making, is by stepping in the car to go to the airport. So therefore once you are at the airport you can give a big sigh of relief!!
With all the extra security measures in place from the recent events, we are all safer than we were a couple of weeks ago!
There you go, I bet you suddenly feel a lot better know!

More seriously, I definately would suggest going to your doctor and getting some tablets to take away some of your fears, best of wishes and don't let the terrorists spoil your hard earned holiday!

[Catso]

The course does indeed do that shoemad, but 1/ you don't HAVE to fly if you don't want and 2/ the flight is short and is after a lot of other stuff to help you cope with it. It is the final exam' so to speak.

As I said, it does seem to help a lot of people.

[beejaybee]

Try BACH`S RESCUE REMEDY. It`s fantastic for stressfull situations. It helped me on a flight & also other situations.

[Carakeel]

Some things that will probably help are these: Hypnotherapy, but check that the therapist is genuine, is registered and has a good reputation. Another is this: Several airlines offer people who want to fly, but are terrified to do so, one day courses. I know that Virgin does, but you might like to check others out too. They take you on to a plane and you learn to relax and get used to the surroundings. It doesn't always work, but with most people it does and is well worth the cost. Another piece of advice is to make sure you wear 'flight socks' (which you can get at Boots and other pharmacies) to help your circulation when you fly. You might also want to take some Valerian to relax yourself. Go to the airport a few times in the weeks before your holiday and just get used to the atmosphere there. Brouse through the shops and have a cup of coffee while there ... anything that is relaxing and positive. Honestly, it is not as frightening as it may seem to you and with a little help, you will get over your fears. Good luck and have a great holiday!

[shoemad]

Thanks again everyone. In a way it's reassuring to know that other people feel the same. i always feel such a fool on the plane when everyone else seems quite relaxed and I'm sitting there rigid with terror.
will definitely get the Bach Rescue Remedy