Terrified of flying ...advice

[turquisie]

I'm going abroad in November.
Only a 5 hour flight and I'm scared already.
Haven't flown in 15 years and I absolutely hate the feeling when you first take off.
It makes me dizzy and I just feel out of control.
Once im at flying altitude im fine,it's just the turning and climbing and dropping to Land that sets me off.
Anyone have any tips ?
Im taking my headphones,always have something to chew on,have been told to clench my stomach muscles too.

I would try diazepam- I take it only for flying and my dr was happy to prescribe.

My GP has given me 2 x 2mg, one to take 3 hours before my flight and one half an hour before if I’m still nervous. I feel like I should be taking it just before the flight though not 3 hours before. What do you do?

I've heard that mentioned before actually.
If I take 1 before I fly will I be okay later that night having a cocktail ?

Hello! I feel exactly the same re take off and landing. Recently moved abroad which necessitated a 24 hour round trip with two flights. My top tip is music - I have a playlist of songs that pump me up, kind of like a workout gym vibe. I play my favourite at every take off! Then up in the air I love chill music, but those more up beat tunes get me through take off.

Also, I get a gin and tonic when the drinks come round after take off. Sounds silly but takes the edge off and is a treat I look forward to!

Finally, I like 4-4-7 breathing. While taking off and landing and any turbulence I revert to it to calm me down and give me something to think about. It is inhale for 4, hold for 4, out for 7. I do it in many uncomfortable and nerve wracking situations now and it is a game changer.

Enjoy your flight! And your G&T

my husband used to be like this he got some valium off the GP

this worked for years untik he tried a self hypnosis podcast worked a treat now hes fine

Do you live near an airport? Go and watch them take off and land. The turning and climbing feels far more dramatic in the plane than it does when watching.

I think 3 hours before is fine if you are already anxious. Last flight I went on I actually just took a herbal remedy for insomnia that was recommended to me (abroad though) and that was pretty good too!

I'm not sure about the alcohol later thing. One pharmacist told me to mix it with a glass of wine, and another said no way! You have yo take it a good while before or it doesn't kick in enough. I had a sip of dh's drink onboard and I crashed out, do now am not sure about mixing. I've always got off the plane and gone out drinking and that had always been fine.

Its strange because I love airports /planes
Love the excitement of it all but hate the feeling it gives me.

I might take one at 11pm night before (flights at 10am ) then by 9 pm following night have a cocktail
Hopefully that's okay to do

I'm about a hour from local airport
We stayed in airport hotel recently (as we went to a gig in the city ) and I loved watching them

I did the EasyJet fearless flyer course and it was the best thing I ever did to combat my fear. It really helped me to get back on a plane after years of avoiding them.
I used to take Valium and drink which wasn't the best combination.
I also love planes and watching them take off and land. Now I don't mind if I'm actually on them at the time!

I was just about to recommend the easy jet fear of flying course. They are really good and don't push you to go on the plane if you get there and realise you just can't.