Flying in less than 12 hours and I'm a state

[cricketmum84]

Anyone got any calming methods for me? I'm on beta blockers already for anxiety so doctor wouldn't give me diazepam. I've sat alone and meditated for the last 2 hours.

I am so so so stressed. Apart from gin what can I do to calm myself? X

[NewMinouMinou]

Glad you made it with no trauma!
Enjoy the g&t!

[NewMinouMinou]

Bizarrely enough I’m not bad with turbulence. It doesn’t seem to bother me!

Apart from that flight when I had an ear infection and it was already knacking me...

[LadyRochfordsSpikedGusset]

Just re-read, glad you got there intact OP.

[LadyRochfordsSpikedGusset]

This isn't a professional thing and I don't know if it will help but I'll tell you what helped me, as a thing to focus on when I was afraid of flying (I'm not anymore);
Is look at and talk to the cabin crew, they do it every day and night, their jobs, what rational human would choose that job if there was any grave risk.

And you're far more likely to crash and die on the way to the airport- not sure if that helps - hope that helps :)

Also turbulence is normal - expected and not to be afraid of. Except when my dd spilt hot hot chocolate on my white shirt dress. Looked like I'd been mud-wrestling.

[JessieLemon]

I keep worrying that I'm going to have a panic attack in the air and the plane will have to divert

For the way back, don’t worry about that! Panic attack aren’t dangerous and attendants are well used to people having them on board a plane. The plane wouldn’t be diverted or anything :)

[cricketmum84]

Sorry meant to add...

Thank you to everyone who commented with help and suggestions. It really helped to know I had you all behind me!

[cricketmum84]

Well we have arrived safely. 3 hours late! But on the plus side the apartment is lovely and gin is €5.75 a litre!

The flight was pretty bumpy, landing very bumpy but the pilot was great and kept letting us know that it was normal.

Now to unpack and chill out then out for tea and cocktails!

[FlindersKeepers]

One thing that can really help is reduce as far as possible the things that will make you anxious before you even get to the airport.
For me that includes allowing plenty of time, not going straight from a difficult meeting if possible etc. If my anxiety is already switched onto alert, the flight can tip it into horrible.

Sadly flying is the one way to get over fear of flying.
You don't have to like it.
It is ok to be scared.
And nobody is going to laugh at you for being scared.
You cannot faint from a panic attack as your blood pressure is too high for that to happen.
Any true panic attack will not last longer than 45 minutes, that is the physical max according to my shrink (yes I have one for this).

Flying to and California in July, I had horrible fear in cycles for almost 7hrs and then got to the point of being utterly bored of the fear. Sounds funny, but that's what happened. Both directions.

Once I get to the not liking but can tolerate flying (my issue is turbulence), she'll finally hand over the sleep aids - we're heading to Australia in February so I need to crack on!
I tried working for an airline and have been on a flight which had bird strike, so facts and stats are in my favour, just have to convince my brain...

Hope all went well.

[NewMinouMinou]

Yup to flight tracker apps!
I also watch YouTube vids of flights going to our next destination (you’d be amazed at some people’s hobbies!) so I have a good landing to think about.

[kinseymilhone]

Too late for this flight but maybe helpful for the next: the thing that helped my fear the most was downloading the Flight Radar app (as suggested by a PP). I now even pay for the silver membership as I love it so much! I zoom around the app and it is absolutely incredible to see how many flights there are in the air around the world at any one time and in relation how very, very few emergency alerts ever go out. Best thing ever!

[NewMinouMinou]

You’ll be in the air now, OP! On a cushion of clouds...

It’s funny, reading everyone else’s tips and tricks - we all do the same things!

[Penguinsetpandas]

The technical checks before each flight are part of reason flying is so safe so though its frustrating to wait much better done on ground than risk a problem in the air. They are also ultra cautious on the checks. My DH also works on aircraft safety stress testing.

[mugalug]

Ask your self constantly 'is everything ok?', and the answer will always be 'yes, everything is ok'

[brizzledrizzle]

A technical issue is most likely a blocked toilet or something along those lines.

[Disneydilemma]

Oh no! Hope you’re sorted soon.
I’m another nervous flier who likes landing! I look out of the window and estimate how likely I’d be able to survive a fall from that height (rationally-not likely at all -my irrational mind-pretty good odds!)

I can just about cope with taking off now but it’s turbulence that gets me-it’s just so unpredictable and I panic that I don’t know when it will end or how much worse it will get.

[cricketmum84]

Still not on a plane. And thoroughly stressing about the private transfers we have booked that we are gonna be at least an hour late for!!!

[cricketmum84]

Yes my sister said the same when I text her. Better they found it on the ground than in the air!!

[treaclesoda]

Try to swing it round in your head. It's a good thing they are dealing with the technical issues, far far worse if they hadn't noticed it.

[cricketmum84]

Because I wasn't stressed enough as it is Ryanair decided to boost it a little.

Been sat on the plane for 40 mins and just told us there is a technical issue with this one so we are having to change!

I need more wine!!

[bubbles108]

It's about learning to be present in the now

Right now the plane hasn't crashed

Therefore right now you and your family are safe

If you can teach yourself to be in the now, there is no need for fear

PS - it is possible to do this ☺️

[Growingboys]

I'm the same re landing as you seren and OP.

Love it! Even enjoy the whooshing feeling you get! Think it's because I know I'm nearly there, the reverse being true of taking off.

Have a good holiday OP - you'll be there before I take my kids to school!

[ThroughThickAndThin01]

You’ll be fine! You’re head might be a bit woozy though after all that.

I get it too. I hate flying. My next flight is next July and that’s far too soon.

Have a great holiday.

[Growingboys]

Alicante is just down the road! You'll be fine!

[BitOfFun]

It will be fiiiiine. Enjoy your holiday, and let us know how it went x