Plane phobia - I refuse to be medicated

[duckyfuzzz]

What else can I do? I've done the course with BA, I've got a word search book to do, I don't drink and refuse to take diazepam but I'm still petrified. Anyone else who suffers, what helps you?

A shitload of alcohol and, I'm afraid, a handful of diazepam too. There is literally nothing else that can persuade me to get onto a plane!

My DH used to be a nervous flyer, what really helped him was me pointing out (repeatedly when he was scared as he wasn’t listening) was to watch the cabin crew. If they are going about their job, there is nothing to be scared of, just as you go about your job. Also chat to them and tell them you are scared, they will put your mind at ease and seek you out if turbulence is about to hit

I've had cognitive behavioural therapy for anxiety, that was for going on any form of public transport. I had really debilitating panic attacks.

Have you tried diazepam in any situation? You could try a low dose to see how it makes you feel while at home.

Very large planes are the best for little turbulence etc but are only long haul flights usually!

Have you tried mindfulness? I like the Headspace app, it has lots of different options. I’ve found the sleep series helpful for insomnia.

I'm terrified of flying. Hold someone's hand, that's what helps me. It's never as awkward as other people imagine. I once sat next to a man who ended up holding his DW's and my hand during take off. I obviously asked her permission first And thankfully managed to laugh about out fear.

Also I keep telling myself surely not all pilots and cabin crew can be suicidal if flying was THAT dangerous. Because it really isn't.

Your safer in a plane than you are in a car but if it's really that bad then just don't fly

Have you tried any flights? What about the likes of London-Glasgow/Edinburgh (depending on where you live). Prebook the front seats for more room and you’ll be first off the plane. If you really hate it then you can get the train home.

What specifically scares you?

Do you need something to help you before the flight or is it just when you are on the plane?

I find if I don't have a window seat and have headphones on, watching or listening to something, I almost forget I'm even on a plane. It's a smoother ride than going on a bus

I just don't ever go on planes any more. Works brilliantly.

Have you tried hypnotherapy?

Why do you refuse to be medicated? Diazepam helps. You want help!

Puppy monkey wins the prize for the least helpful suggestion.

Noselimit because that'll put me out of control and not myself. I want to be in control of the anxiety, not the anxiety in control of me.

It won't put you out of control.

Your mind is preventing you from a solution. That's being out of control.

Needing to rely on drugs gives the anxiety it doesn't deserve.

*power

I see what you are saying, but turn it around. It has so much power it is stopping you from trying a single small tablet that hundreds of people take for flying. Your anxiety is what's making that seem like a big deal to you. Anxiety is winning now. I think taking a diazepam would be a win for you.

I use Bach rescue remedy lozenges to help, listen to soothing music, wear eyemask, try to distract myself and tell myself it will be ok and well be there soon. Have you tried hypnosis. I find the whole experience a bit stressful now, the airport, queue, noise, flying, where possible and if I have time I go by train or boat.

I sympathise with your anxiety. I'm fine on planes (after a few brandies) but I'm currently really scared of driving my car. It started as a panic attack one day on the M3. Now it's spread to A roads, then all roads. I currently can't face driving, and I'm starting to get really scared of going in anyone else's car.

A therapist told me that anxiety spreads.

What about counselling/therapy/CBT?

Sitting at the front and in an aisle seat really helps me.

Not flying is also good

Well I’m just telling you what worked for me.

Why do you have to fly? There are plenty of other places to go that don't need flights to get to.

Try the DARE book/app. There is a specific audio for flights and talking to you and guiding you through the anxiety/panic. The only way to 'control' your anxiety is to accept it as best you can and the feelings/thoughts. They won't kill you, they won't harm you. The reaction was designed to do the complete opposite, which is keep you safe - as unpleasant as it may feel. So just allow the sensations, tell the anxiety in you that you allow it do what it needs, this puts you back in the position of hunter and not the hunted.

I don't give a hoot about giving my anxiety power. I posted the same earlier today on another thread but I take 10 mg diazepam on two occasions per year (there and back) I actively look forward to my flights now. I hate taking medication and worry about dependency but it really doesn't do any harm on my annual trip abroad.

Diazepam
Book an aisle seat
I board last so I don't have to cope with everyone faffing about with the overhead lockers
Download TV/radio programmes to listen to (did this for the first time last year - really helpful)
Have a "comfort" snack with me