Flying next week but don't think I can do it :(

[atomsatdawn]

Flown before, panic attacks each time. I have terrible caustraphobia and I think it is also the loss of control of being on a metal flying thing in the sky and not being able to get off. Not helped by the current amount of terror attacks.

This time I feel much worse, I have been anxious for weeks in the build up and not sure I can even get on the plane this time. Please help.

[BolshierAryaStark]

Have you seen your GP? They may be able to prescribe you something for your nerves.
I'm not much help I'm afraid as I can't relate, sorry. Do you feel the same as a car/bus/train passenger? It's a pretty safe mode of transport.

[Chocoholicmonster]

Get yourself a Dr appointment. They will give you something for it. Ive been in this position too. I was so scared of being able to fly there but then not being able to get home due to anxiety attacks. I really do sympathise. Dont let it control you though. Focus on the times you've been fine before & you will be fine this time. Hope you're flying somewhere lovely x

[specialsubject]

also - if the fear cannot be controlled it is going to ruin your trip because you'll have to fly back.

It is never essential to fly out. I really hope you can find a solution - but if not, cancel.

flying is statistically as safe as it gets for travel, and that hasn't changed.

[GladAllOver]

Yes, see your gp. They can certainly give you something for your nerves. When you get back, Google for an airline course for nervous fliers. You might even enjoy it.

[SueGeneris]

Also, try one of the fear of flying cds you can get on Amazon. I have the Glen Harrold one

www.amazon.co.uk/Overcome-Fear-Flying-Glenn-Harrold/dp/1901923371?tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-21

The idea sounds a bit cheesy but I found it helpful and feel similarly to you. I listened to it as much as possible and while on the plane do breathing and listen to a comedy audio book and basically try to pretend I am not flying!

[BerriesandLeaves]

My mil was prescribed something to relax her for a long flight

[tsonlyme]

Try this, what have you got to lose? I've used this technique for some of the most stressful things in my life (I am a panic sufferer). There's even a fear of flying video. Buy rescue remedy, get some propranolol from the dr, hit it from every angle.

emotional freedom tapping technique

[blueturtle6]

Second the tapping technique. Also think about destination rather than the journey

[tsonlyme]

Also don't forget that the pilot wouldn't take the plane up if he weren't very confident he could bring it back down again safely. Letting go of the control was key for me too. I used to be terrified, I love flying now.

Good luck.

[Ifailed]

OP, firstly, you are not alone, around 1 in 4 people have some fear of flying.
Secondly, and importantly, the fear and panic you feel is entirely understandable - you are in a situation you have no control over, you are flying - something humans have not evolved to do (unlike birds)- so your body and brain are telling your mind there's something wrong!

Panic is just a natural reaction we have when in a fearful situation, a fight or flight (no pun intended) reaction to save us from danger. The problem is, you cant really do either on a packed plane, so the attack continues.

There are many books on the subject, one recommended by BA on the Flying with Confidence course (which I've been on) is Living with Fear by Isaac Marks. BTW, I have no connection to him, or BA!

You may find understanding why you are having a panic attack, and what one is physically and emotionally may help you manage. There are breathing exercises you can do to help, and as others have mentioned your GP may prescribe beta-blockers, Valium, anti-depressants etc. but these many not be helpful if you have to drive at the other end, look after others etc.


PS. as I said I went on the BA course, found the lectures, talks etc very helpful, but couldn't actually get on the flight at the end. It's something I still need to address.

[Ednamoda]

I'm the same. Ask your GP for a small dose of diazepam and around 40mg of propanonol. It's a combination that works for me. I have to confess to swigging back two mini bottles of whisky last flight and that also worked.

[ILoveAGoodBrusselSprout]

I'm a horrible flyer and a few years ago bought myself the book 'Flying? No Fear!' I've read it time and time again. It begins a few hours before the flight and talks of the different checks and activities that are happening, then goes through the entire flight. What's that whirring noise as we take off? Etc. It does help calm me as I used to look at DH in terror and screech whisper "what's happening? Is hat normal?" even though I'd flown hundreds of times before!!

Also, Bachs rescue remedy helped

[Kenworthington]

I second the diazepam it's amazing just takes the edge off. I still get a bit worried beforehand but once I've taken the tablets I'm fine. All kind of woozily spaced out. Coming back from Turkey last year we were in a thunderstorm with bloody lightening and I was just gazing out. The windows at it. It's like being slightly stoned

[Honeyandfizz]

Op you have my complete sympathy, sadly I have no solution. I've tried the Virgin flying without fear course (didn't help), alcohol & diazepam. Whilst the latter were a huge help, like you it's the lead up to it & the anxiety of getting back ruins any enjoyment of a holiday. I haven't flow in 4 years and am at this moment driving through France on holiday. I had a panic attack at the tunnel earlier today which is ridiculous as in reality it was fine. I have a thing about travelling that I struggle to get over

[atomsatdawn]

Thanks all. Willing to try anything. I actually have proproponol in the drawer from when I was suffering migranes.

[PeppaPigTastesLikeBacon]

Massive flying phobia here. I had hypnotherapy for it and found it worked really well. I think you have to be kind of gullible for it to work and it's not cheap. Think it was £240. For me it was worth so much more than that as I used to dream of plane crashes and feared planes falling on my house etc. At the moment I wouldn't fly as it has kind of worn off but the guy who did it said it can happen but listening to the recording he gave me helps keep it at bay and if I need to I can just book 1 single session and it would help me get on a plane again.

Kind of a boring but about phobias, they are stored in the same part of the brain which tells you not to touch a naked flame or run into traffic. Hypnotherapy (apparently) helps by moving this memory into a different section of the brain.

[PeppaPigTastesLikeBacon]

Forgot to add, since the hypnotherapy I haven't had a plane crash dream or scared a plane would fall n my house. This went after the first session

[ny20005]

I now hate flying & take diazapham - it's wonderful ! I've taken it to fly for years so don't need to take any the night before anymore cos I know it works. Gp might prescribe low dose to take daily before you go to ease your anxiety

[happypoobum]

DB had dreadful fear of flying and no amount of valium or alcohol touched the sides of it.

Hypnotherapy worked really well for him though. He had 3 sessions and now just has a top up about two days before he flies and he is fine.

Good luck OP

[frenchfancy81]

Try hypnotherapy.

[YouBoggleMyMind]

I was prescribed diazepam and also downloaded some relaxation music. Good luck xxx

[GreenPetal94]

diazepam (valium) is your friend and a good GP should provide this for occasional use when flying. It just makes you fell totally chilled but not asleep and anxiety leaves you.

[Bugsylugs]

Rainbow so by your definition a good GP is one who gives you what you want?
Your GP may give it to you they may not our practice doesn't but that's because they are not covered by their indemnity to prescribe it in this situation.

[specialsubject]

Valium may have no effect, the right effect or stone you senseless. Like all drugs, it depends on body chemistry and it cannot be said that it will definitely help.

[honeyroar]

And on top of the above advice, tell people at the airport. Tell the checkin staff if you are checked in, they will put a note on your name. Tell the crew in the area you're sitting in. They will reassure you, they will keep an eye on you throughout the flight. It's very common and nothing to be afraid of. I've even seen crew sit with nervous flyers for take off and landing. Don't sit there in silence feeling scared.