AIBU?
Flying in less than 12 hours and I'm a state
cricketmum84 · 28/10/2018 19:41
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
kinseymilhone · 29/10/2018 09:25
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!
FlindersKeepers · 29/10/2018 12:19
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.
cricketmum84 · 29/10/2018 14:53
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!
JessieLemon · 29/10/2018 14:58
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 :)
LadyRochfordsSpikedGusset · 29/10/2018 15:14
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.
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