Going out of my mind-So scared of flying that going to miss booked holiday on Tuesday

[kangers]

Don't think I can even go to airport. Three DC and DH will be devastated. I am so mad with myself. Have tried diazepam and sedatives, but not cutting it. Not sure about source of fear but I just can't face it- whole thing- check in, boarding, taking off, being up there and trapped in that little seat. Kids will take piss which makes me worse. Youngest will be saying 'what is keeping us up' as he has not flown recently. Just in turmoil. Going with friends too so making me even worse. Any PLEASE???

I hate flying and didn't fly for approx. 15 years but I knew I needed to get over it for my family. There are only so many places in Europe you can drive to in a reasonable amount of time.

I flew to Rome last February. I had diazepam with me but didn't need it. I also have 2 jack Daniels on board (its my flight ritual) when I get on. We have then flown to Copenhagen, Athens, Prague and Vienna. I can only do shorthaul. I also like to sit at the back and listen to the cabin crew prattle on - their experience and professionalism makes me calm for some reason.

My method for coping is to be organized, have your diazepam about an hour before you board. You know you have to go through certain procedures when you go to the airport. Check them off as you do it - park the car, check your bags in - make it as easy as possible - go through security, go and have breakfast and a drink in a bar/restaurant/ go buy snacks for the flight or a book etc - do things that distract you while you wait.

The more you do it the better it will get. We even had turbulence on the way to Prague and I was completely chilled about it. We have Oslo, Budapest, Milan and Venice coming up and I am really looking forward to them all.

I know it's a zombie thread after reading to the bloody end 😡 But out of interest, how did you get on @kangers?? Have you flown since??