Hi moms, I need some help. I have major anxiety about flying and I have to fly for work. I am not worried about the plane falling or fear hieghts. My issue is I don't like being in the plane and not having any control about it taking off or landing. I hate feeling trapped or stuck or whatever you want to call it. I have no choice about going, I have to go, so what can I do about my anxiety, other than taking a Valium or Xanax. Not to mention, I don't want fear to rule my life. I plan to talk with one of the people I am travelling with so that someone can help me/hold my hand. I know when I get there I'll be fine, it just the getting there that is freaking me out. Thanks for all your help!
Have you tried listening to soothing music or bringing a movie to watch. My ipod usually helps me a lot. Good Luck- have a drink. www.discoverytoyslink.com.lisaryan L.
L.,
So sorry to hear about your anxiety. I would really encourage you to try not to focus on your fears. It's kind of like a self fulfilling prophecy...if you keep acknowledging and talking about your fears, you WILL have them. Also, I would recommend that you do some vizualization and imagine yourself driving to the airport, getting checked in, getting on the plane, fastening your seatbelt, and taking off (all the steps involved) in a positive manner. Visualize yourself as relaxed and in control. Do this a lot before you leave and hopefully it will ease your fears.
Good luck!
Head for the book store and find the self-help aisle - fast! Or ask a sales associate. I had tremendous anxiety crossing bridges, or heights, when I was driving and I was furious it was ruling my life! I love to travel, drive, explore......it was getting worse as I got older and I had enough! I did not want to take drugs! A pyschologist friend suggested I start with Barnes and Noble. I copied several pages that applied to my specific fears, and I was home free after just one evening of reading! I read and re-read how to overcome these fears (basically by just facing them head on, and following the suggested tactics). Two days later I found myself crossing one of the bridges that always made my knees weak and palms sweat - nearly forcing me to pull over, or get someone else to drive! I went over and over in my head how the chapters explained my fears, and with a better understanding, I was able to get over the bridge with minimal issues. I haven't had much of a problem since, but when I do, I just rehearse the tactics, and I'm okay. It takes some perseverance, but you can do it! I know you can! And remember, no matter how much some people love to fly, take-off and landing always causes some sort of anxiety - it's perfectly normal! My husband (who couldn't get on a plane without two-three strong drinks years ago), flies every week now for work! Good Luck! We're pulling for you!!
Sandy
Hi L., My mom had the same problem (she is agoraphobic) and did not fly until my neice was born...she was 52 for her first flight!! she took Bach flower essences "Rescue Remedy" natural stress relief, a few drops in her water and it calmed her right down. she uses it every time she flies now! You can get Bach products at Wholefoods or Publix Green wise markets. Good Luck!
Dear L.,
Have you thought about using a resource like hypnotherapy for easing your fears? If flying is something you'll be doing on a regular basis, and you'd like to avoid taking drugs to calm your nerves, then it might be an alternative for you to explore. It would probably only take you one or two visits with a licensed hypnotherapist to get over the fear.
I've used hypnosis to help me with fears of my own and it has been very effective. If you'd like more info about it, let me know and I'll get back to you.
Hello L., Pray and trust God that He will see you through all of your anxieties. Better to have faith in God, which will move mountains than to get addicted to pills, which is only temporary. I will add your name to our prayer list for your deliverance from fear, which is only FALSE EVIDENCE APPEARING REAL. My prayers are with you for victory. Have a blessed day.
Hello L.,
Great advice already. here are are a couple of more ideas. get some essential oils -- Lavender. if you get the 1 oz or 1/2 ounce bottle you can keep it in your purse. you can put a few drops on a tissue and smell it. you can also put a couple of drops on the inside of your wrists that way you can enjoy that relaxing scent whenever you want. you can drink camomile tea. if you're taking any prescription meds, do not mix w/ herbs. if not Rx meds, you can try valerian capsules or st. john's wort capsules/caplets you can find those at the health store like wholefoods. do you have a gameboy or nintendo ds that you could play while in the plane? that could keep you distracted. have a picture of your baby were you could look at it often. plan a special dinner/outing, activity to celebrate when you come back from the trip. those are just some random thought that I hope will give you ideas that will work for you. oh, and ofcourse, pray! Good luck! ~C.~
I know how u feel and i work for the airlines.There are flying schools that help u.One i think is here in Miami,I'am sorry i cant remember the number.Also there is a book out that has lots of tips,like flying first thing in the morning and sitting by the wing.Check out your local book store.I hope i helped a little.Good Luck!!!
That same fear has kept me from traveling for years. Last year I had no option since my dearest grandaughter asked me to travel with her. She said SHE wanted to show me Disney. So I went to my general physician, who by the way, loves flying, and he prescribed some anty-anxiety meds. They worked fine, although I did have a hand-holder, my son, for the little tenser moments. Therapists are very good at this kind of treatments, and you can manage your fear of flying permanently. Don't let it limit your life. Get help.
