I'm so scared...

lisyloo

I was terrified at one point in my life. I am actually a qualified balloon pilot - but it was being a passenger that terrified me.

I did my own desensitisation course.
I've read lots of factual books about air crashes
I know the chances of being in a crash (about 16 million to 1) and the chances of surviving a crash (a surprising 50%).
For me the information really helped.

I think I've also got to an age where I've generally stopped worrying about things beyond my control.
Not sure it'll help you in a 3 week timescale but it worked for me. I can now sleep like a baby (if I can get comfy) and I've even slept through a landing.

Keen_Young_Learner

lisyloo wrote: »

I know the chances of being in a crash (about 16 million to 1) and the chances of surviving a crash (a surprising 50%).
For me the information really helped.

That's actually really helpful info, thank you!

I genuinely don't know what causes the problem, I know the causes of turbulence and I KNOW that it's not harmful to the plane, I think I don't BELIEVE it though. There's a part of me that genuinely believes that I'm going to be in a plane crash, it's kind of a "that'd be just my luck" type thing. I know that's not logical but I don't seem to be able to challenge that belief.

domRavioli, thanks for the thought. I'm on CBT at the moment for other anxiety problems and while it's helpful for me in sorting out my life balance I'm finding that it's not working as well with my fear of flying. Maybe because there aren't enough opportunities to practice dealing with the fear? I tried though challenging on my last flight but it did little to help with the physical responses I was having. There was terrible turbulence and I ended up sobbing hysterically for the entire final hour of the flight I didn't seem able to control it from there. Will keep trying the techniques though!

It's actually an interesting thought about upgrading, (although I definitely can't afford it) I do get very tense about missing flights and security etc. I'd always thought it was my general organised nature but I can see that it could actually be contributing to my anxiety once on board. I did get a free upgrade from a certain Finnish airline last year, when I told them I'm a fearful flier. That was brilliant, being able to lie down on a flat bed (it was long haul from China) really helped me to sleep so I wasn't exhausted on top of being scared. The attendants checked up on me hourly too. Not doable for me in general though...and I've not had such good service since!

I don't expect an upgrade at all but I will ask BA about the possibility of boarding early. I've read online that meeting the pilot can be helpful (anyone done that?) so I might ask if that's possible. Doesn't sound like the kind of thing that happens in a post 9/11 world, though!

Keen_Young_Learner

Also, please excuse any typos! I'm on my phone and the screen won't scroll properly...

Ganga

I used to be the worlds worst flyer/passenger,the first time we took off the plane banked to the side and i was convinced we were going to crash! of course it did not.What i do now is remind myself that the pilot and his co-pilot would not take off it was unsafe afterall they are in the front if it went wrong.The other thing i do if we hit a bit of turbulance is watch the air hostess if they are still serving/laughing etc then there is nothing to worry about as they often fly about 4 journeys a day if on short haul and they would know.
Go and enjoy your holiday, a good tip is book the inflight meal or a snack and a drink by the time that is served and you are busy sorting out your table etc 15-20 mins have gone

Regards
Ganga

missbiggles1

I'd also suggest going back to the doctor to ask for a different tranquillizer, there are others, like Xanax, that can be more effective than Valium.

eDicky

Keen_Young_Learner wrote: »

I genuinely don't know what causes the problem,

The problem is the mind and it's inventions (of danger in this case) being in control of you, instead of the other way around - a problem we all have to varying degrees. In reality the danger of flying is so minimal that there is absolutely nothing to fear. Simple meditation techniques are probably the best long term solution to help put you in charge of your mind.

Nodding_Donkey

I'd suggest that if anyone is nervous of flying they take one long distance coach trip. After a few hours of purgatory, with 8 or 9 left to go, you can think to yourself "If I'd flown I'd have been there by now"

It will put a much more positive spin on the thought of flying.

selloptape

I'm not a brill flyer and have to take travel sickness pills. These are a strong anti histamine and just knock me out for the journey, might be worth a try? Good luck x

missbiggles1

Nodding_Donkey wrote: »

I'd suggest that if anyone is nervous of flying they take one long distance coach trip. After a few hours of purgatory, with 8 or 9 left to go, you can think to yourself "If I'd flown I'd have been there by now"

It will put a much more positive spin on the thought of flying.

Nope, sorry.

Been to both Southern Spain and the Algarve by coach and still better than getting on a plane for me.:o

Horizon81

Ganga wrote: »

The other thing i do if we hit a bit of turbulance is watch the air hostess if they are still serving/laughing etc then there is nothing to worry about as they often fly about 4 journeys a day if on short haul and they would know.

Cabin crew are naturally calm people and highly trained to remain relaxed regardless of the situation. Do you think airlines would employ staff who are jumpy and look scared at a bit of turbulence?! There could be a whole host of bad stuff going on and the cabin crew would be as calm and relaxed as usual.