To be crapping myself about flying!

[FreakedOutAboutFlying]

I used to be fly quite a bit, never had a problem, no nervousness. Last time I flew was 15 years ago, since then we’ve had cheapie driving holidays in Europe due to expenses of 4 DC. I also developed an anxiety disorder which I’ve had under control for a few years but still.

I’ve got a flight coming up next week, 8 hours, and I’m actually crapping myself about it, terrified I’m going to have a panic attack and insist on getting off! Wearing a mask throughout probably won’t help. Thinking about crashes in bad weather doesn’t either. I didn’t think I’d feel like this when I booked it.

Any advice? Can’t take a Valium as worried I might be out of it if something does happen!

I hate taking flights to but the easy answer is unfortunately valium. Have you ever taken valium before? It shouldn't incapacitate you (well it doesn't for me anyway). It calms your nervous system down and can make you drowsy for a little while. You might be better off taking a dose as you're traveling to the airport so the drowsiness is as you're sitting around in departures not doing much and you should be much more alert/calm once you've got on the plane?

Just wanted to add, don't take it before driving though if you're planning to drive to the airport!!!

Valium won't make you "out of it", they just make you feel calmer. Don't make it harder for yourself - do what you can to alleviate your anxiety.

Increased anxiety due to peri-menopause? It's very, very common. Your anxiety is lying to you. You will be perfectly fine on that plane.

I promise you, it will be fine.

Try a valium before the flight so you can feel how it works. It doesn't knock you out at all. It just calms you down.

I was similar to you flew lots, then had bad experience and developed huge anxiety around flying.

I think it's about control or lack of. I had a flying lesson in an attempt to address fear. There I was in a little two seater with control in my hand (clearly pilot also had control) and I was fine. A week later on big plane and I was a mess. Anyway valium helps ... a lot.

Yes valium all the way. Just one low dose. Absolutely causes me no sleepiness . You would never know l had taken it but it calms me for that first while and l have a great flight. I find the longer flights nearly easier as l get into reading a whole book , watch a movie, eat etc so completely distracted the whole time so you will be fine. And get that valium from your doctor.
Have a good trip.

I always have a couple of glasses of champagne in the airport bar before I board. I find this helps.

Flying is incredibly safe. It’s much safer than driving but feels unfamiliar, so work on having familiar comforting things with you. Please be careful about taking Valium or drinking (definitely don’t do both) as the effects can be stronger once you’re flying. Personally, I would work on finding a comfortable mask, snuggly clothes and a good book or downloading a few good films to watch.

I hear you I’m terrified of flying, I can’t sleep days before. Before I had kids (2 year old and 3 month old) I used to holiday all the time all over the world - always took Xanax and somehow managed the flights. Haven’t been on plane since kids and for the world of me I cannot even think of brining my kids on the plane. I think I would die of a heart attack :(

That was me 5 years ago. Flown loads before i had dc then developed a massive fear of flying. I have never liked flying but this was different.
Decided after 20 odd year to bite the bullet and get on a plane. I was a bag of nerves and worried i would panic and run off the plane lol. I dont drink and dont take tablets unless i really have to so had nothing to calm my nerves but it was fine, i done it.
You'll be fine op.