Severe fear of flying

[Doolallygirl]

I have a severe fear of flying. I am going to Turkey next week and despite the doctor prescribing diazepam I know that this won't really help. Does anyone have any successful tips on dealing with panic attacks or fear of flying in general? I'm determined this won't stop me from travelling but very distressed when it actually comes to getting on the plane!

[Doolallygirl]

I'm scared of that too! I am just one big scaredy cat really. Thing is, my bloke would like to marry abroad in the caribbean but obviously mega long flight puts me off. I would love to be "cured" by then so I guess alternative therapies will have to be explored. Do you know anyone that has tried this or have any evidence of it actually working?

[abstract]

get blind drunk,put on those eye covering sleep things and listen to some rave tracks on your mp3 player,along with the valium you probably wont know what planet your on!

[whiffy]

I really do not understand why people with such a profound fear of flying take holidays abroad. OK so zapped on valium and a few drinks you'll get there - but feel awful the next day. Then you have the whole holiday to get panic-stricken about the flight home.

Cancel the holiday, and go somewhere in this country, you can drive there and back and will be in control. People with a huge fear of flying don't often get over it. Yours is not specifically a fear of flying, it is a more generalised agarophobia. Would you feel nervous driving through a road tunnel - e.g. the Dartford Tunnel? It's the same thing.

[Doolallygirl]

No, I drove through there just last night actually! I don't particularly like it but because I'm driving and in control I'm fine.... maybe I am just weird.... :o(

[Rtaxron]

Try '' Rescue '', 4 drops on the tongue or more if you want, it helps you relax.
Its about �5 for a small bottle from the Pharmacy.

[Doolallygirl]

Worth a try I guess, do you know if it can be taken with Diazipam?

[abstract]

actually rtaxtron just reminded me of somthing,go to holland and barrett and get valerian root capsules,its a natural sedative/calmer and can even be used as a sleeping tablet! its 100% non addictive 100% natural and 100% works as i used to take it!

[mellywelly]

Have a brandy before you board it will really settle your nerves.When I feel panicky flying I always look at the cabin crew who look so relaxed and show there is nothing to worry about.

As for panic attacks I cure mine by breathing in really deeply through my nose and out slowly through my mouth, this ALWAYS takes my feelings of panic away because it slows down your heart beat. Good Luck

[Rtaxron]

Yes you can take it with Diazepam Doolallygirl.

[Doolallygirl]

Lovely, finally some helpful answers! Thanks everyone, I will let you know how my flights go when I return on 14 Sept!! :o)

[Rtaxron]

Don't worry to much Doolallygirl and have a good time.

By the way, 200 duty free silk cut please. : - )

[grasscarp]

If you can think that the pilots and the crew are highly trained professional people who are all expecting to end up in Turkey for a good night out before flying back the next day. There is really nothing to fear. There may or may not be a bit of turbulence which is going to be as bad as it gets. I am also a pilot and I have a fear of not flying the day I get too old to take the controls.....

[ELVIS68]

Flying is the fun part, it`s crashing you should worry about

[mightylegend]

Sit on the black box

Youll be safe

[christine847]

thanks Leggy .....i was reading this for tips myself!!

[mightylegend]

Really chrissy

well if im in glasgow i have the double vodka fro 3.50 and a pint of lager

then 2 double voddy on plane foloowed by 2 beers
then im collected at airport and driven hom e
works fro me lol

[grasscarp]

Very good idea mighty whatever. You stand a good chance of getting refused travel if you present yourself as drunk on boarding.

[Doolallygirl]

Well I made it through the two flights without even a mild panic! The valium, rescue remedy and valarium root worked wonderfully and I am so sure that my fear has now disappeared that I will go without the valium when I fly to Majorca in a few weeks. Thanks for your tips everyone (mostly) very helpful!

[Doolallygirl]

My flight to Majorca went just fine but the flight home (when I didn't take any valium) was horrific! For some reason I've just let my boyfriend book a trip to New York in February. I now have a long long LONG flight to make and am petrified that the valium will run out or the valarium root won't work anymore....any tips for long haul flights?