Phobias - flying

[user1300]

I am petrified of flying. Of the mechanics of the plane or the safety of air travel but Of claustrophobia and having a panic attack and not being able to pace, escape etc.

I have a done a fear of flying course but I'm still paranoid.

I have three return flights between June (first one four weeks away and already not sleeping, having panic attacks), one in July and one in October. Then again next July. I book them so I don't let my husband/kids down but I just cannot articulate the level of fear.

The smell of kerosene at the terminal, the busyness of the check in queue etc all sets me off. The boarding time when there's no going back makes me want the throw up. The take off when the plane appears to pull back several times stops me breathing.

As I said, I've done a course already, with BA. I've got their book too. I've tried hypnotherapy and I have had CBT.

I've suffered with terrible anxiety (health related mainly but panic disorder) since my dd2 (4) was born. I've never been medicated and refuse to start now.

Prior to this anxiety, I flew long haul and regularly on my own - Canada, SA, USA. Now just the idea of a 1.5-2.5 hr flight sends me into full panic.

Drink won't help - I'm t total!!

Speak to your GP and get some Valium / diezepam. It’s a little miracle cure for these feelings.

I really don't want to be medicated. I want to be in control.

The problem with flying is that you cannot be in control. You have to put yourself in someone else's hands.
If you can't calm yourself (and it sounds like you have really tried to achieve that) then maybe it's worth trying a small dose of valium just to get you through.
Have you tried it in the past? I wondered if you had a bad experience.
I do sympathise. I hate flying. I worry for weeks before the flight and the airport is awful, it just makes me worse.
I have had hypnotherapy which hasn't stopped the stress before the flight but seems to kind of kick in when I'm on the plane. I also find I am better without my DH as he stresses me out more.
I hope you find something that helps and you are not alone.

I have the same phobia but it doesn’t affect me on airplanes but on the tube and in concerts etc where I’m in the middle of a row.
What helped me was CBT but it wasn’t enough on its own. I also needed medication.
Beta blockers work very well in situational anxiety like this, have you considered them?

I have experienced a p.attack on a plane and it has mentally scarred me. However, I have not let it hold me back. I would not be able to get on a plane without diazepam and it certainally helps me, in part I am sure just knowing I have diazepam eases the anxiety some what.
One hour before take off and one once on the plane works for me.

Sorry, just read you don't want medication.

I want to control the anxiety. I don't want it to control me. I don't think taking medication will let me do that.