Anyone done the Virgin "fear of flying course"?

[silver apple]

I have just booked this for march prior to our april trip to Florida, and was just wondering if anyone out there had already completed it and if so, with success???

I used to fly lots with no problem at all, but over the last 5-10years I have developed quite a disabling fear. I have no idea why but I am desperate to get over it.

I would also love to hear from anyone with a history of "apprehension" regarding flying and to hear what you do, medication etc to make it bearable?

Many thanks xx

[jen_uk]

I haven't done it so can't somment but I hope it works for you, fingers crossed! :wizard:

[orangetiggs]

I am terrible at flying!! I was going to do the course when I worked for them but didnt get round to it.

I thinkm y fear is *** I'm not in control over it! Its only really take off I have a problem with and I used to love visiting the cockpit (cant now thought). My dad was a trained pilot yet I still panic over flying!

The morning of our flights I get really bad tummy and really start to panic! Just thinking about it now makes me feel funny!

I went to the doctors last year when I flew to antigua and he gave me a tablet that I had to have just half off, it was meant to calm my nerves but i think it made me worse!

[Jets fan]

I used to be terrible and as I do quite a bit of flying for work it was a huge problem, I even got diazapan (not sure of the spelling) from the docs. I then sat down and read up on panic attacks and found that contrary to what I believed when panicking, you cannot die from a panic attack and it will not cause a heart attack. I started with a routine that I still do to this day:

On day of flight no food and very little water
Extra strong mints - have plenty as mint has a calming effect

One thing I did start doing which works well is reverse psychology. When I felt the panic rising I told my mind to panic more, and said 'is that all you can' etc, come on panic. This apparently has the reverse effect your mind thinks, 'oh god it's not working' and the panic slowly receeds. Sounds weird but it worked and still does. I knew it was all in my mind as I used to fly with no problem.

Good luck, I am proof that this terrible panic cycle can be broken.

[silver apple]

Many thanks to you both, It's nice to know that I'm not alone. I think because my fear is irrational it is hard to cure as I don't really know why I'm frightened.

I have high hopes for my course and am so hoping that it works!!

p.s Has anyone tried beta-blockers for anxiety?

[MorningGlory]

One thing I did start doing which works well is reverse psychology. When I felt the panic rising I told my mind to panic more, and said 'is that all you can' etc, come on panic. This apparently has the reverse effect your mind thinks, 'oh god it's not working' and the panic slowly receeds. Sounds weird but it worked and still does. I knew it was all in my mind as I used to fly with no problem.


Definitely not weird :thumbsup2

Reverse psychology will work better than any medication you can take. I've used it for various things just like you described - toothache and vertigo it worked best with.

I still suffer vertigo badly if something is sprung upon me, but a few minutes to regain my composure and i'm fine :)

[babystar]

I have not done the course but can give you some info! A captain will come and chat to the group, they should go over a model aircaraft roughly telling you what each bit does, They will also go through noises that you are likely to hear and the reason for them, they should explain the reason of turbulence, basically they will go through all the things that people are normally worried about. I think that once you know the what the noises are and what is going on it will but you're mind at rest. When you get on the flight tell the crew that you are a nervous flyer, they will also be able to give you reassurance if something that you've not experienced before happens. Most of all just think how proud you will be and the fun you can have when you get off the plane at the other end!!!!!:cheer2:

[Pinklepurr361]

I don't enjoy flying either but i force myself to do it as my desire to travel is greater. I take a Stugeron travel sickness pill 2 hours before flying. These are available at any chemist. This makes me slightly sleepy and less panicy and once take off is out the way I relax. I think it is the sudden drops in altitude that I don't like. A little turbulance is OK but a lot makes me panic.

I remember (when I used to work in the travel industry) getting a letter from a client who'd flown on Garuda Indonesia. The plane hit an air pocket and dropped several thousand feet. The cabin crew apparently dropped to their knees and started praying! I always remember that and will check the expressions of the crew if I am worried. If they look calm then I am OK!

[Disneyday]

Try www.fearofflyinghelp.com.
I had a real phobia of flying and spent most of the flight with hands gripped to the armrest. After doing this short (and free!) online course I feel alot better although not completely worry free.
It explains how the plane works, different noises and what happens in turbulence etc. It also helps with feeling positive .
Give it a go, I revisit the site every time I fly

[silver apple]

Thanks everyone. Hearing from others really does help me feel more reasseured.

I will definately try the website Disneyday, though I have already paid for my Virgin course £230, so not cheap but hopefully worth it!!

[Natasha&Matt]

I go on holiday in May and i have been worrying about lots of things since i booked it in September, sometimes i find it hard to sleep at night *** all i do is think bad things i.e dying?
I get so worried about the flight before we go but once i am on it i am fine i was given a tablet last time i went but i decided not to take it.
I had a few panic attacks a few months ago as i was worryin too much and thinking stupid things =S am i crazy???

[OrlandoMagic]

I go on holiday in May and i have been worrying about lots of things since i booked it in September, sometimes i find it hard to sleep at night *** all i do is think bad things i.e dying?
I get so worried about the flight before we go but once i am on it i am fine i was given a tablet last time i went but i decided not to take it.
I had a few panic attacks a few months ago as i was worryin too much and thinking stupid things =S am i crazy???

No your not crazy, my girlfriend is just the same! You just think about stuff to much! A little bit in all of us thinks what if this or that happened. Its pretty normal.

I do think its funny that people always say they have a fear of 'flying', when you think about it, while the plane is flying you are pretty safe. Its just when it isn't flying you have a problem! :scared1:

[angel659]

My husband was the same. He had a terrible fear of flying. Recently he has been fine. I think its the extra entertainment that helps. I am not sure about beta blockers. I dont think I would want to take these. Beta blockers with known heart problems definately not. These can slow your heart rate and lower your blood pressure. Not something I would take just before a flight. Under medical supervision yes, but certainly not on a plane. Talk to your GP with regards to any other medication. Diazapam has been known to help, but there are others. It all depends on the severity of the anxiety. I would try some hypnosis or something like that. See if thats helps too.

Good luck.

[rock angel]

I am going to wdw in april with my family and a friends family who is aprehensive about flying she wants to do the fear course but would rather spend the money on holiday (She likes chips) she plans to use diversion therapy to be honest the kids will be hyper so she probably will not notice where she is she also likes a drink to help her relax so try these things also
good luck have a fab holiday.