Ill with fear at the thought of flying!

CompletelyLost

Hi,

I'm going on a long flight in precisely 36 hours... I'm making myself ill worrying about it, I'm that scared.

I hear that doctors can prescribe medication for one off things like flights, but am just wondering if I may have left it too late?

I've never asked the doctor for anything like this before and fear I won't be able to get an appointment tomorrow. Is it worth calling tomorrow to see if I can be prescribed anything or will I not be given anything without being seen first?

littlestar1981

Ring them first, and early as you might get an on-the-day appointment.

I'm not a bad flyer but when I had to fly for 19 hours on my own I was certainly apprehensive! I bought Bachs Rescue Remedy Flower Pastilles from Holland & Barrett and they certainly calmed me down. Tasted nice too!

Jojo_the_Tightfisted

You could offer to turn up and wait as it is so urgent - after all, you didn't know you were going to be like this,

Otherwise, see if you have an NHS drop in clinic - or, I think there may be private clinics at the airport, where, if you explain you're feeling very anxious, you can be directed to them. Heathrow, for example, has a medical centre between terminal 1 and 2: +44 (0)20 8745 7047 is one of the phone numbers for advice. They also have a chemist in each terminal for picking up the prescription (presumably it's private, but it's still cheaper than not going on holiday or freaking out at 25,000 ft)

But stay off the alcohol - I am sure some of the emergencies caused by drunks are people self medicating for anxiety and ending up steaming drunk instead.

Good luck - don't forget, you're going on holiday or going home - both of which are goals to focus upon, rather than worry about the bit in the middle.

CompletelyLost

Thank you both for replying. I feel like such an idiot... I flew to Dublin a few months ago and wasn't this bad, I guess because it was only 40 minutes (though it was 40 minutes of PURE PANIC). I'm scared that the stress of it will give me a panic attack midair. I keep feeling like I'm going to throw up whenever I think about it, so god knows what I will be like on the day.

I will definitely call tomorrow morning and hope they have a cancellation. Thank you.

Oh, and I have tried Bach remedies, Kalms, all those sort of things, but guess they just aren't strong enough for me! I was thinking about drinking before I board (terrible I know) but I know it will only make me feel worse.

Jojo_the_Tightfisted

Sometimes, your family will be able to notice a difference with medication - possibly because you're not rocking in your seat, muttering 'Hail Mary, full of grace, The Lord is with thee, blessed art thou....'.

It's not stupid - I feel the same way.

I worked in Travel Insurance for a number of years and have stood in an empty 747, as my boss thought it might help me to see what one looked like inside and called in a few favours - it didn't help. I still haven't got any higher off the ground than the average cherry tree.

Proper meds will decrease your anxiety/adrenaline level - booze screws up your impulse control and makes it harder to cope - oh, and flight crew can refuse boarding to a drunk, but are generally OK with unhappy fliers who have taken prescription meds.

Silly to say, but don't worry!

CompletelyLost

Well I called the doctor, and they said that I cannot be seen today as they are fully booked. I offered to sit and wait to see if there was a cancellation but she said sorry, there's only one doctor on today. I asked if there was anything else I could do or anywhere else I could be seen, and she said to try a pharmacy and they may be able to help.

So I went to a pharmacy and explained the situation. He said 'no sorry' in a very stern voice as if to say 'pathetic, go away'... He and his assistant looked at me like I was some drugged up idiot trying to cadge drugs for my next fix.

I went outside and burst into tears. I have no idea what to do, I'm sat here in an absolute panic. There were people in the queue waiting for their weekly methadone prescriptions... yet I pay my taxes, all my healthcare, you name it - and I feel like they don't want to know or help.

absolutebounder

See if you can find a good hypnotist
Wont be cheap though

vik6525

CompletelyLost wrote: »

Well I called the doctor, and they said that I cannot be seen today as they are fully booked. I offered to sit and wait to see if there was a cancellation but she said sorry, there's only one doctor on today. I asked if there was anything else I could do or anywhere else I could be seen, and she said to try a pharmacy and they may be able to help.

So I went to a pharmacy and explained the situation. He said 'no sorry' in a very stern voice as if to say 'pathetic, go away'... He and his assistant looked at me like I was some drugged up idiot trying to cadge drugs for my next fix.

I went outside and burst into tears. I have no idea what to do, I'm sat here in an absolute panic. There were people in the queue waiting for their weekly methadone prescriptions... yet I pay my taxes, all my healthcare, you name it - and I feel like they don't want to know or help.

Oh hun.... Ive no advice at all, but I just wanted to send you a (hug)... I know exactlly how you feel. Last year, I went on the eurostar for the first time. Im pathalogically petrified of being underground, and was physically sick with fear. But I managed it. I'd NEVER do it again, but as others have said, if you 'focus' on your destination, and the wonderful things you're going to do when you get there, then it CAN take the edge off it somewhat.....

Amber_Sunshine

I agree about trying a hypnotist. Worked for me, thanks to just ONE session I have been able to start a new life in Spain and have lost my fear of flying. If you haven't already tried ringing any, someone should be able and willing o squeeze you in this evening. Go for it!!

*max*

Oh poor you...I used to be like you, although having HAD to fly numerous times since, I'm sort of getting used to it now...

If I were you, I'd try every single pharmacy in town until someone is willing to give me something. Even try different surgeries? Surely there will be someone compassionate enough? I'd help you if I could, I know what it's like! xxx

CompletelyLost

Thanks for all the posts, glad I'm not the only one who gets like this when flying.

I managed the flight... and came back in one piece, thank God! Can't say it was a pleasant experience (could have been a nicer flight... quite turbulent) but never mind. Bloody anxiety!!