Scared of flying

[lb24]

Help, i have to fly to the US next week and am scared of flying. I've got a hypnotherapy CD which i'm listening to but is there anything else i can do on the place to stop myself panicking? I've heard taking sleeping tablets is dangerous...

[jno]

people run courses, though it's maybe a bit late now

http://www.aviatours.co.uk/

My recipe is gin and temazepam; I've never had any trouble with sleeping pills (except once on a 12-hour flight when they didn't work and left me feeling like death warmed up; but not actually dangerous)

[spudqueen]

My friend goes to her doctors who gives her tranquillizers for the journey, I think she takes one the morning of the flight, another one half an hour before the flight and then there's a spare for half way through if she needs it. On a flight to the US though I think that boredom is going to be more of a problem than being scared!

[lb24]

Thanks, i may try the docs...

[KARL]

This must be a debilitating condition - in an awful lot of flights I have come across at most a handful of people who were uncomfortable with flying but still flew. I once saw a documentary on irrational fears (their definition, not necessarily mine). I take it you happily travel by road and rational reasoning, along the lines that on average ten people die daily on UK roads alone, does not help (much). The programme showed different ways of suspending fear, it seemed the most consistently successful one was gradual approach to the object/concept of fear. For example, the object was placed in the next room and discussed, then at the far side of the room, then a metre or two away, then within reach, and finally touched - each taking one or more separate sessions. With flying it was first discussion, visit to an airport, visit into an open aircraft, visit to an aircraft and doors closed with engine start-up, next visit to a simulator, then taxi-ing only and finally take-off. Crucial in every case seemed to be thorough de-briefing about which aspect causes discomfort or fear. If you have flown before you possibly know what is the cause, if not you should do what you can to understand it and concentrate on desensitising yourself. Personally, I would not try to knock my brain (and whatever else) out with chemicals over just this - but then I do not suffer the problem.

[JoolsTwo]

I find the relaxantion CD's help me or Hypnotheropy CD's. I take them with me and listen to them on the flight. Tablets just make me feel ill so don't help and actually make it worse for me if I'm feeling bad anyway. I fly to Vancouver, because my daughter lives there. And I do find they help me a lot. Good luck and have a good trip, I'm sure you'll be fine. If I can do it so can you. :-)

[Dee Sa]

this may sound daft but helps me, close your eyes for take off and take deep breaths,dont open your eyes until the plane levels off, truly it helps. do not attempt to look out of the window, in fact request an aisle seat.
Sleeping pills not a good idea and definately not with booze, a drink might relax you, take something to read and take your mind off things.
Your GP will probably prescribe something for you, ask him exactly when you should take them, as you set out for the airport or in the departure lounge[ your plane could be delayed].Tell the hostess so she is aware you dont like flying, your not the only one.
Have a good holiday anyway.

[lb24]

Thanks for all the info. I've been to the docs and he's given me some mild sedatives. I've got my hypnotherapy CD to listen to so hopefully i won't need them but it's nice to have them there in case.

I don't mind taking off or landing, it's being up in the air i don't like...the feeling of not being able to get off whenever i like. I know it's irrational but i'm doing my best and have spent loads of money on this holiday so am gonna go!

That gradual approach sounds great Karl. I can just about handle short flights to Spain, etc., it's just long flights.