Anyone flying this Week?

[MissChief001]

I’m someone who is very scared of flying…I’ve worked hard at managing this (and my anxiety) and booked a trip to Madrid, flying on Thursady. I’ve worked hard over the weeks to not cancel the trip etc…but as the days draw closer my ‘anxiety panicky’ voice is gaining traction. I’ve tried to quieten it down today by going for a walk but with all the strike action etc I feel ( by that I mean my anxious brain) something will horribly go wrong :-(

Anyone flying anywhere this week? If flying doesn’t bother you as much could you be kind enough to share how you go about the days in a positive mindset?

Oh OP I feel you! I'm also scared of flying and I think unless you have the fear it's so hard to understand because popping a movie on or thinking it's safer than a car just dosent help as our brains won't focus.

It's so easy for me to say but it will be worth it when you are there!

I find an addictive game on my phone very useful as it keeps my hands and brain busy. Something like candy crush or Tetris.

I also agree that watched the crew is a massive help to me, they are just going to work.

Have you got the app calm? Or similar! The breathing stuff really really helps my panic and worry!

You can do this !

Ex crew here. I also have really

Ex crew here. I also have really bad anxiety. I can’t work anymore because of it.
Nothing to do with flying at all .
I understand the fear of flying and I think for many people it’s different reasons why they feel scared.
My advice to you is to tell the crew that you are anxious, to wear headphones to drown out the engine sounds ( they can be scary in itself ) and to try your very best to keep distracted and calm. Be it through an app, reading or deep breathing.

You can do this op and I am rooting for you .

Flew on Monday and will fly again Monday.
I make sure I am organised for security - I have a handbag with zip pocket or small pouch around my next with passports and credit card handy. Reduces my stress
I think of the destination.
Your fear is trying to stop you enjoying something that will be lovely - a holiday with your family. Try to think of the fear as something separate to you. If it was a person what would you say to it? Maybe give it a name - Brian for example.
Brian is trying to stop you having drinks in a sunny square. Trying new ice cream flavors. Exploring a Facinating museums or seeing a beautiful painting. Nothing Brian is saying is in any way truthful. It’s it lies.
And remember to breath deeply and slowly and to consciously relax your body.
Tell Brian to do one. You deserve your holiday

I love flying but I recently read a book with a person terrified of flying but couldn't avoid it.

His tips were to create a cocoon with things you love and enjoy. He has an eye mask so he doesn't have to look around the plane. Audiobooks/podcasts to listen to instead of books, again, can be done with closed eyes. He also takes a big shawl or light blanket with him to "cocoon" himself and a travel size pot of his favourite body butter as the smell settles him.

Some snacks you really like and maybe not eat a lot because too expensive, maybe treat yourself.

I hate flying too. The first thing I thought when Covid came along was that I wouldn't have to fly for a while. Now we've booked a long haul flight with smaller internal flights this summer and I'm dreading it. The kids are so excited so I have to hide my lack of enthusiasm.
I usually set my phone to a countdown when I get on the plane (every second is a second closer to getting off) watch films and pretend I'm on a train.

Sorry for not responding to many helpful posts- I had the worst panic attack last night, only slept 40 mins- had a day of work (from home) and was in tears most of the day. I’m a mess.

I feel awful that I will let everyone down and cancel again… the panic seems to come in waves

@DiscoBeat yes as awful as lockdown was it gave me a gap from constantly panicking about the next flight.

I do a return trip every couple of weeks.

I found flying much worse when I was only doing it once every few years - it was a build up to something that felt out of the ordinary and uncomfortable.

Now I fly more than I get trains, buses, taxis or lifts anywhere and it’s fine. I don’t even think about it. I’m flying tomorrow actually, then in five days, then a week after that!

Plus my eldest is cabin crew, and both him and my DD17 are learning to become pilots. So in our house flying is just a normal every day event.

You can control your mind more than you think though - just tell yourself you aren’t scared, and everything is safe, and other positive thoughts to replace the negative ones.

and think about booking a fear of flying course, they are fantastic.

plus, WINE

@Minfilia thank you . My flight is tomorrow well but in the current state I am I’m not sure I’ll make it.

I’m not able to make my panic attacks stop

Did you get there OP?

@ohxmastreeohxmastree Thank you for thinking of me. Long story short, I got as far as getting into the flight. But I had to deboard- the flight attendants and the captain were amazing. However I could see that my anxiety was beginning to affect my daughter and the last thing I want it for her to learn this irrational fear from me. so I focussed on making her comfortable and my husband and daughter continued the journey. I don't feel a total failure as I went as far as I could instead of cancelling the trip. I'll work on this and next time I'll be able to carry on

I feel you op, well done for getting that far.

Try your GP again next time and explain what happened this time. I feel like they didn't take you seriously. Sertraline is a long term anti anxiety/depression treatment, this is a very different situation.

Oh OP I'm so sorry to hear this but well done for getting as far as you did.

You have my sympathy. I have a similar fear, unfortunately I have to travel the world for a living (oh the irony!).

I found that with flying frequently it actually got easier and I was at the point where I could fly without too much fear. While lockdown was heaven in terms of flight anxiety once I had to travel again I was back to square one.

Recently had a panic attack onboard a short haul flight and it was awful. I have a spate of long haul flights coming up.

My only tips are:

In the run up focus on the destination and try and get excited about that as much as possible.

I make a conscious effort to imagine the airport and boarding process and the flight for one minute then switch to the destination and all the nice things while really focussing on breathing exercises.

If you can fly business then do (but this only makes a difference on long haul and not a very affordable tip). But sometimes booking space in a business class lounge helps as that gives you something distracting and different ahead of the flight.

Drugs always worked in the past (I used to have a private prescription for all sorts of stuff). I'm about to explore options again.

I'm also thinking about hypnosis but am skeptical.

Sorry, not a lot that's useful there.

I'm sorry you didn't make it, OP. But well done for being brave enough to get on board. I was in the same position as you a few years ago and it was just awful. Now OH and DS go away without me so I really want to do a fear of flying course and go with them again. Could you do one?