Fear of Flying

Does anyone else suffer from this?</p>

I ask as a genuine question.</p>

I used to be fine - even flown into Hong Kong into the old Kai Tek airport in the middle of a monsoon. People were screaming and it didn't bother me in the slightest, now it's totally different.</p>

I don't know whether its the claustrophobia or the turbulence.</p>

If the plane so much as shakes I start to come out in a sweat and if the turbulence is bad, I start to hyperventilate and panic sets in.</p>

I have read about turbulence on the Internet, had it explained to me etc etc, but it's still no good. When that plane dropped out of the sky a while ago, it just about finished it for me.</p>

I now have to endure a twelve and a half hour flight to Columbo, split into an eight and a half to Dubai and then another 4 hours to Columbo.</p>

Turbulence is always bad over the coast of India and I know I shall be in a right bad state. When it lands my legs are like jelly and I can hardly stand.</p>

Sometimes the panic is so bad I don't know what to do and Owly is almost holding me down.</p>

I know all this might sound pathetic, it does reading it, but does anyone else suffer from this and how do you handle it?</p>

It makes me feel so miserable.
</p>

It's no good saying drink loads because that makes me feel worse.</p>

I can't relax for a second so that makes it difficult to go to sleep.
</p>

I've told Mr Owl that this may be the last time I can actually face going on an aircraft. We love Sri Lanka and have been travelling there for years, but I just can't face getting on a plane anymore. </p>

It's awful being so screwed up, 'waiting for something to happen' is the best way I can describe it.</p>

Owly says if the plane 'went' I'd know nothing about it!</p>

Small consolation
</p>

It may be the last time because I'm just not coping, and advice would be really appreciated.
</p>

</p>

</p>

 

I've read hypnotherapy can help nt

 

Hi Paul,
Is it too late though?
We go in a week and a half.

 

Difficult to advise really

other than to point out what you already know... it is an irrational fear because flying is very safe. All you can do is just go for it and busy yourself with in-flight films, reading, eating, pestering Mr Owl etc. I'd say counter nervous energy with exercise (I don't fear anything when I'm knackered) but that's difficult on a plane! Turbulence is nothing compared to driving over some of the pot-holed roads in Barnsley.

 

I've got some of those noise cancelling headphones so I can't hear all the cockpit noises and strange bangs. I've got a CD coming 'Overcome your fear of flying' which I have to listen to every day for at least a week before I go and I also have a book to read 'Flying Without Fear 101 questions answered' They'll be my 101 questions, I'm sure. Apart from that I don't know what else to do. You're right about the pot holes though!

 

Sleeping pills

Just get as strong a set of sleeping pills as you can and pop one of before you go. If you do start to get a bit scared you'll be fast asleep anyway!!

 

It's not really a fear of flying.

It's about lack of control.

You don't know what is going on in the air or the cockpit, you don't really know what the hell keeps the damn plane in the air.

You also don't know the pilot or co-pilot or any of the mechanics who maintain the plane so cannot trust them.

But, even knowing why you have the fear, doesn't mean it helps to stop it.

Distraction is the only thing that works for me, that and having a wife who is even more afraid, then it's my job to calm her down and that means I don't have time to think about what might go wrong.

 

You've explained it in a nutshell.</p>

Thanks Rosco.</p>

Although I wouldn't wish it on anyone, I'm relieved it's not only me.
</p>

 

You've explained it in a nutshell.</p>

Thanks Rosco.</p>

Although I wouldn't wish it on anyone, I'm relieved it's not only me.
</p>

 

Don't watch the news

And if you do, don't shoot the messenger.

 

RE: Don't watch the news

There's not been another crash has there? Please say no

 

RE: Don't watch the news

OK, will do.

"No"

 

I used to be terrible to the extent that I used to get some pills from the doctors which initially helped. When I started flying more I started to use Calms or Rescue Remedy Spray (you can pick these up in Boots etc) and found these were really good for Panic or Anxiety attacks whilst flying. I'm okay now and don't really suffer from the above as I've come to the conclusion that once you're on the flight then there is pretty much nothing you can do to change it's outcome therefore why bother panicing???

 

I know what you mean about this changing

I used to be OK and then when I was flying every week it really started to worry me and although I'm OK with it again now I'm never quite as relaxed as I used to be.

If it all gets too much for you for next year then you know you're always welcome chez nous. You can get there by train, of course (assuming you're OK with tunnels). Bring some gardening gloves.

 

RE: I know what you mean about this changing

Lol. Garden gloves not a problem - the knees are!

 

Thanks rgbs I haven't tried the Rescue Remedy, I'll pick up a bottle of that. It may help.

 

there's several ways you can get it - I personally prefer the spray but you can also get some to dilute in water. Hope it helps.

 

My best mate is absolutely petrified - and he inspects engines after they are serviced/repaired at General Electric in Caerphilly

I've seen us turn up at the airport for an hour-long flight to Newcastle and drink a bottle of vodka (neat - long story) between us AFTER the transfer bus has left the terminal taking passengers to the plane! We had to leg it across the tarmac with a guy in a high-viz vest waving his arms

I don't have a problem with flying btw, just vodka - and hell, he's my best mate & needed support

 

Ha ha. Trust you to come up with something like this!
I do have Vodka in the house - but it's been there for 3 years untouched!

 

What keeps a plane in the air?

Get someone to drive you on the motorway at 70mph. Open a window and stick your hand out. Make a curved wing-like shape with your hand. You'll soon discover what keeps a plane in the air.

Good luck Tina.