Please help I fly in the morning and don't think I can do it.

[Dreamscared]

Utterly terrified
Constant panic attacks
Awfully claustrophobic

Have valium and been listening to hypnosis mp3.
Had a huge panic attack on last flight which has massively freaked me out.
Now doing a flight three times that and petrified.
Am in a hotel with my Mum and kids and just want to run.

I am also terrified of flying. I take 2 x 2mg of diazepam each flight. Trust that they will work, they do stop the feeling of panic. I also find that sitting in an aisle seat helps and having something to focus on, e.g. a book or kindle helps. TBH though, if you have the diazepam about an hour before you fly and shut your eyes you will hopefully nod off or at the very least feel much more relaxed. Good luck, for me it is also the lack of control and being shut in a confined space - you can do this.

Also, do tell the crew. They are fabulous with nervous passengers

I am similar to you and understand it's not a fear that can be rationalised. It's a 'lizard brain' primal response. The way I have found of handling it is to try to relax myself as much as possible and I also listened to Glenn Harrolds Fear of Flying audio meditation thing, the purpose of which is to walk you through the experience, familiarise with it and help 'install' a message that you are relaxed about flying. Once I'm on the plane I try to ignore the fact that I'm there and stay relaxed. I downloaded Michael McIntyre's autobiography on audible and that has now got me through several flights (it's long!). I close my eyes and listen to that the whole time.
Good luck. It sounds like diazepam may be a good idea.
There are so many of us who feel this way!

I feel for you.

I have always loved flying, love turbulence etc.

I have Cleithrophobia (the fear of being locked in). I get very panicky if I can't get out of somewhere, like not being able to unlock a toilet door or something & all common sense goes out of the window - fast. It's embarrassing.

However, it wasn't until a couple of years ago, mid long haul flight, that my brain went 'Fuck...I can't get out/off....PANIC'. That was a fun flight. I managed to talk myself down by reassuring myself I wasn't trapped, it just isn't wise to leave an aeroplane at cruising height 😂

I'm actually ok once I get over the initial 'panic' & can apply some logic to my situation. Maybe you can find a way of doing the same?!

Take the pills & be brave - for your DC if not for yourself.

Drugs will help.
Also get a paced breathing app on your phone. If you can control your breathing you'll be more in control and focusing on something helps.
An elastic band round your wrist that you ping when you feel stressed also works.
I did a fear of flying course. It was well worth it.
Good luck.

How did you manage?

Just wanted to thank you all.
With the help of links on this thread and valium I made it there and back.
Still terrified but no panic attacks.

Thanks everyone!

Well done!

I also have a fear of flying. I've pretty much accepted it probably won't go away completely now. I can cope with it though by telling the crew discretely and I also do relaxation breathing when I start freaking out. The BA flying with confidence book is great. X

Fantastic news and thanks for coming back to update us x

Oh I love an update, thanks! Fab news .

Well done! I used to be afraid of flying also and a tip I read on MN helped me - watch the cabin crew. I find seeing how mundane and calm they look as they go about their daily work extremely reassuring.

I'm not scared of flying but I'm like a cat on a hot plate on a plane. I just can't bear to sit still and just want to jump out. I'm the same at hairdressers too!

can you buy diazepam over the counter or will a dr perscribe for fear of flying?

Picketbow, I do that with the passports too (take control and make sure we're all there three hours before) and it hadn't occured to me that the reason I do is my fear of flying! The penny just dropped!

User you definitely can't by diazepam over the counter. It's a benzodiazepine and they are a family of highly addictive drugs. However if you suffer from anxiety or panic disorder your GP may well prescribe a small number of tablets for an upcoming flight. It's one of the more common drugs for fear of flying. I have them myself and find 1-2 mg an hour before the flight sees me right.

thank you. I need serious help, I'm considering not going on a holiday of a lifetime because of the fear