Help with being a nervous flyer

Giraffe76

Hi all,

Not sure if this post is in the right place but if not then please move it.

I'm a nervous flyer and we are trying to book a holiday abroad but I wanted to know if anyone could suggest anything (sensible) I could do to try and alleviate my anxiety about it.
I've already tried hypnotherapy twice with different people (including someone trained by Paul McKenna) and for a time I was ok but I've reverted back to a nervous wreck. It's the turbulence I don't like.

If anyone can suggest something I'd appreciate it alot

Kind regards Mark 

Emmia

Personally I find a small alcoholic beverage just before the flight can help (just one, and a small one) but the truth is you avoid most turbulence by only flying in clear calm weather. And you do get used to it, the more you fly.

I've been on some pretty rough flights, including ones where they refused to serve any food or drink as the cabin crew were having difficulties keeping themselves upright and on the floor of the plane... That was less flight more rollercoaster and I was glad it was a short one from London to Edinburgh. (It was a winter flight in terrible weather)

No one likes turbulence though.

El_Torro

I know people who are nervous flyers who take a sedative when they fly. Nothing too strong, just enough to take the edge off. 

mebu60

I don't know if it's helpful but planes are designed to cope with turbulence far more extreme than you are ever likely to experience. Pilots also endeavour to avoid it, more for your comfort than any worries. Something to distract your brain might help, music, reading, conversation with neighbour, imagining your arrival at destination / back home, happy thoughts. 

eskbanker

Giraffe76 said:

I'm a nervous flyer and we are trying to book a holiday abroad but I wanted to know if anyone could suggest anything (sensible) I could do to try and alleviate my anxiety about it.

The likes of https://www.fearlessflyer.easyjet.com/ may be an option?

Or even consider destinations that don't involve flying - for example, the south of France is reachable from London in less than 7 hours by train?

daveyjp

One way is to understand what is happening.  Read a basic book, I read the first edition of this book about 30 years ago, still in print and updated.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/How-Airliners-Fly-Passengers-Guide-dp-1785004859/dp/1785004859/ref=dp_ob_image_bk

Giraffe76

El_Torro said:

I know people who are nervous flyers who take a sedative when they fly. Nothing too strong, just enough to take the edge off. 

Hi, thanks for your reply. Do you know or could you find out what sedative it was as I did get something from my doctor a few years ago but it made no difference I'm afraid

silvercar

Giraffe76 said:

El_Torro said:

I know people who are nervous flyers who take a sedative when they fly. Nothing too strong, just enough to take the edge off. 

Hi, thanks for your reply. Do you know or could you find out what sedative it was as I did get something from my doctor a few years ago but it made no difference I'm afraid

My son was given diazepam from his doctor. It helped to the point where he no longer needs to take anything.

[Deleted User]

Might be worth trying talking therapy. Chances are there is a local and often free service providing it. If you can't find one, ask your GP.

eDicky

Emmia said:

No one likes turbulence though.

I actually quite enjoy the sensation of being tossed around by the elements, in the knowledge of course that there's no danger, even on rare occasions when the order is issued from the cockpit, "Crew be seated". A bit inconvenient when you were about to head for the loo, though...

DullGreyGuy

eDicky said:

Emmia said:

No one likes turbulence though.

I actually quite enjoy the sensation of being tossed around by the elements, in the knowledge of course that there's no danger, even on rare occasions when the order is issued from the cockpit, "Crew be seated". A bit inconvenient when you were about to head for the loo, though...

Likewise, it's not too dissimilar to rollercoasters or "drop" theme park rides.