Phobia of flying - Panic Attacks

[roava]

As of last year I had not flown for 10 years due to a literally crippling fear of flying. I've had occasions where I've left the air craft before take off, where ive got to the gate and bottled it and also times when I've not even got to the airport.

Over the years I have done hypnotherapy x 3, read countless self help books, done a fear of flying course, seen 2 x private psychotherapists.

Finally last year I got on a plane and flew to Spain for my first holiday with my kids! However, a year has now passed and the fear has crept back. We fly in 36 hours (yes I am counting the hours) I really do not want to cancel again but I am just finding the anxiety so powerful all rational thought disappears.

My biggest fear is not being able to escape and having a panic attack on board with nowhere to go. Particularly freaking out in a confined space. The fact I managed it last year is forgotten by my brain. I

I just wanted to vent into cyberspace in the hope that I can draw some strength from someone or somwhere. I really want to go abroad with my family

Can you get some Valium from the GP?

I like lavender when i feel panicky, the airport sell lavender night sleep sprays

I used to have this but managed to break the fear cycle with diazepam and now I’m only a little nervous.

Stop trying to counter irrational fears with rational ‘calm down’ thinking as it stresses you out more. Yeah you might have a panic attack. So what? You’re not going to die. You’ll get over it and carry on. Tbh the best thing I ever learnt re panic attacks is to tell yourself ‘bring it on’ as once you accept it the fear goes away. It’s just body chemistry. Nothing else.

and wine. Lots of wine

I sympathise.

Have you ever tried visualising your anxiety as like an invader in your body and then getting FURIOUS with it, and then visualise it shrinking. I mean really angry. How dare this stupid thing try to ruin your life! How dare itttttttt! Your will not let this thing stop you ever again. Get back in your box and stay there. Scowl at it. Imagine how ever you would be angry if one of your kids did something really naughty. Just sit on that chair while I ring your father! You are the adult! No, stay there. BE QUIET.

Noise cancelling headphones. They help me as it means I can hear the noises which trigger my panic. I loved the diazepam I used to be given, sadly this is no longer prescribed.It really used to just take enough of the edge off so that I could cope.

@QueenofLouisiana i get prescribed it for flying. Not sure if you’re USA but we can get in uk

Get some phenergan from the pharmacist, take it an hour before your flight. Also rescue remedy spray.

I hope you've managed to go on your holiday OP? I really feel for you, I'm exactly the same. I'm encouraged by you managing to go away, that's my dream

I did get away, I'm in sunny sardinia! Trust me if I can do it anyone can, tbh the thing that actually got me there was hubby going berserk at me for saying I'm not going followed closely by diazepam and propanalol and mobile games. I tried to watch some films on my phone but didn't feel it was enough of a distraction for my brain whilst on board. I found colouring helped with distraction too. Good luck it's so so tough

So pleased for you. Well done you. Have a lovely holiday!