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Flying Anxiety

14 replies

GC70 · 16/04/2015 07:48

Not sure if this is the right place to post but...
Since having kids I'm a lot more anxious flying, dunno why.
Already worrying about the summer holidays so been thinking of trying hypnotherapy.
Has anyone has used a good hypnotherapist or can recommend any other methods that help.
TIA

OP posts:
mummymeister · 16/04/2015 15:39

I had a "major incident" whilst flying when I was in my 20's. my phobia got so bad I couldn't watch planes on films and then even seeing them overhead made me anxious. I went to see a hypnotherapist which helped tremendously. However, I do also take pills - originally ones to calm my breathing plus diazepam and now just diazepam but I do take a hefty dose of it. Last couple of flights I have reduced the usage but still its what makes me do it. My GP was incredibly supportive and knows I only take them for the fear of flying, nothing else. the minute we land and get to the terminal I usually doze off but because of the anxiety remain highly alert throughout the flight. Might be worth a chat with your GP as well.

Allinafankle · 18/04/2015 23:12

No real help I'm afraid but you're not alone. Let the staff know you're afraid and they'll do their best to look after you. I'm 42 and despite going abroad 2-3 times every year of my life I'd never flown until I got married 4 years ago. I was - and still am - terrified. I'd had no intention of ever flying and our honeymoon was by train. However on the way home there were strikes all over Europe and our sleeper was cancelled. DH had to get back to work so I had no choice but to fly (didn't think it was the done thing to come home separately Grin ). I can't tell you what a state I was in, especially having the decision flung on me. Since then I've forced myself to do it again for fear of going backwards, but I still get tearful, panicky, feel sick, and need DH talking me through everything that will happen. I did get Valium from my GP but I didn't use it as I don't like taking things unnecessarily. Good luck!

Millymollymama · 20/04/2015 13:28

I think having your children with you heightens your awareness of the extra-ordinarily low risks associated with flying. There is a "what if" factor that creeps in and trumps your rational thought - which is that flying is very, very safe! We had a near miss 25 years ago in Zimbabwe and that did put me off for a bit, but we had to get home! I have no specific advice but I think the advice above looks very sound to me.

LollipopViolet · 25/04/2015 11:27

Agree with telling the airline - most airline Passenger Assistance lines will make a note if you're a nervous flyer. I tried Neurolinguistic Programming for something unrelated to flying and found it works for me, so will be using the same techniques soon.

I'm flying on my own for the very first time in June, I've always had a friend or family with me. I'm going to the USA to work for 3 months, and I'm already nervous!

I can't even drink Wine as I'm going from the airport to my workplace :(

kissmyheathenass · 25/04/2015 11:32

Diazepam for me too plus a large Wine. Works a treat.

Ocho · 25/04/2015 11:36

I know a couple of people who've done Fear of Flying courses at Manchester Airport and they were amazed at how successful it was for them!

I think it was a two day course run by therapists and flight staff. They were taught about how planes work and safety features, risk management etc. There was some CBT type stuff to manage anxious thoughts and it ended with them taking a short flight.

Honestly, it's not a cheap option (£180?) but well worth the investment.

A quick google tells me that these courses are all over the country.

Ohhelpohnoitsa · 01/05/2015 20:35

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

mummymeister · 02/05/2015 15:45

the liquids would be restricted to the small bottles as all liquids are. you need to have them in original labelled containers. plus there is always the risk that you will not be able to take them. this is just me so ignore me if you want, but my fear of flying is so severe that a couple of sniffs of some dodgy liquid/herbal remedy would make bugger all difference. if you have a real fear such that you cant bear to walk on the plane, reduced to tears, panic attacks, cant even abide the smell of the airport then the only answer is proper drugs to calm you down. By all means try it, but have some diazepam to hand for when it doesn't work !!!

Ohhelpohnoitsa · 02/05/2015 18:30

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Thisissomething · 02/05/2015 18:39

I am scared as well, and it's now at the stage that it affecting my life. Doctor gave me some anxiety pills and good advice on when to take them ( before I was taking them about half an hour before boarding and it was too late). They do help but I still have to a have a couple of glasses of wine. I am doing the fearless flying course with easyjet in bristol in a few weeks so can let you know how I get on.

mummymeister · 03/05/2015 17:28

thisissomething - my fear of flying is not illogical since I know what can and does happen. I went on the course. it didn't make me feel any better. I also tried hypnosis which helped a bit because at that stage I couldn't even watch a film with a plane in or hear one go over head without anxiety. It might work for you though so good luck with it.

FinnJuhl · 03/05/2015 17:43

Having kids has made me start flying again, after avoiding it for 7 years or so. I don't want them to miss out on experiences because of my phobia, so have to pull myself together and put on a brave face.

When I was made to fly for work I was given Allen Carr's book by a friend, and it definitely helped in the short term.

LollipopViolet · 11/05/2015 19:25

I'm having a minor worry - I've discovered that my trip to the US will involve an internal connecting flight. I'll be flying on my own for the first time, and I've NEVER been on anything other than non-stop flights.

The 2nd leg will be on one of these

I've flown in single engine private propeller planes before, but the idea of them being used on commercial routes is a new one to me!

Hippopotamousse · 12/05/2015 16:41

Hi OP, you are definitely not alone! I love travelling but absolutely dread flying. I did one of the airline fear of flying courses about 10 years ago and I found the found the best bit of advice they gave was to let a flight attendant know you're anxious when you get on the plane. Generally when I've done this the crew have gone out of their way to check how I'm doing throughout the flight and a few times I've had flight attendants sit with me during take-off. I spend a lot of time on flights watching the flight attendants - they probably think I'm nuts but I am just checking that they don't look panicked because I tell myself if they look calm I have no reason to panic. I usually try and book a seat where I know I will be able to see the crew on take-off and landing for this reason.

I still get myself in an absolute state during take-off but on the whole the course helped, I still make myself fly and I do get to a stage where I can feel calmer once I'm up in the air.

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