Fear of flying

[mrsaumock]

Hello! Is anyone else afraid if flying? I hate it!! I think it's a lack of control issue for me. I usually spend my flights saying a continual prayer (to myself of course). We leave for Disney on 10/9 and return home 10/16. Both times we have layovers. I'm trying Xanax for the first time and I'm hoping it works. Anyone else out there afraid of flying? What have you tried to alleviate anxiety? Has anyone found success using Xanax?

PS I hope this is the right spot for this thread - I wasn't sure where to post it.

 

[Amunet]

I don't have anxiety flying but sometimes I get motion sickness during take off and landing. I usually just put my head down with my hands on my head/eyes and keep them closed while breathing regularly. It usually helps

Just wanted to show support and send good vibes your way ^_^

 

[ArwenMarie]

Hello! Is anyone else afraid if flying? I hate it!! I think it's a lack of control issue for me. I usually spend my flights saying a continual prayer (to myself of course). We leave for Disney on 10/9 and return home 10/16. Both times we have layovers. I'm trying Xanax for the first time and I'm hoping it works. Anyone else out there afraid of flying? What have you tried to alleviate anxiety? Has anyone found success using Xanax?

PS I hope this is the right spot for this thread - I wasn't sure where to post it.

Yes I was afraid of flying. I didn't fly for years. I have found much success with Xanax (well a drug just like Xanax.) If you decide to go that route, I would recommend that you test it out at home first on a day when someone is home with you so you can make sure it doesn't make you too sleepy and don't drive on it if you aren't used to it, or drink obviously.

Xanax is a fast-acting drug, so you can even wait to take it once you are past security, it should kick in 30 minutes or so later by the time you board. Of course, ask your doctor all the details and all of that, specifically how to dose and time it with your layovers. You might want a dose for each flight. Good luck HTH

 

[ShayBells]

I have severe anxiety when I go to the dentist. I'm weird but the last time I went they prescribed me Xanax to take before I went. It did nothing. My anxiety was so bad that the Xanax couldn't touch it.

Can you order a drink or get a portable DVD player to watch a movie and keep your mind off it. Or a book works good for me. A real good one to lose myself in so the time flies.

Also my therapist says to picture your journey. If your afraid of crashing this helps me calm down. Before you go to take off breathe with you stomach three big breathes than close your eyes and picture the take off picture you flying than picture your landing and picture your safety getting off the plane. This works for me.

As well concentrate on breathing according to my therapist you can't panic and concentrate at the same time so if you concentrate on breathing it helps to ease the panic.

Hopefully I helped :good vibes:

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[ArwenMarie]

I have severe anxiety when I go to the dentist. I'm weird but the last time I went they prescribed me Xanax to take before I went. It did nothing. My anxiety was so bad that the Xanax couldn't touch it.

Your dose might not have been high enough. They usually start people out low, which is good. But it should work at some dosage, but it might mean you need someone to drive you there, etc.

I agree about distractions though! I buy a bunch of crummy tabloids, I have games on my phone, a playlist that I love, etc. All good stuff

 

[jjl181]

I absolutely hate to fly! Having a tv on the plane, or my kindle, helps distract me a bit, but takeoff and landing are the worst. I tried Xanax for the first time last year and within an hour of taking it I fell asleep for the entire flight. I agree to try it before you leave to check for possible side effects, and hope it helps!

 

[ShayBells]

Your dose probably wasn't high enough. They usually start people out very low, which is good. But it should work at some dosage, but it might mean you need someone to drive you there, etc.

I agree about distractions though! I buy a bunch of crummy tabloids, I have games on my phone, a playlist that I love, etc. All good stuff

Well after the Xanax didn't work I took Valium and that didn't work so I took something else something my mom gave me. I should have been strung out (I am against drug use but I was getting serious dental work and was panicking bad never mix drugs people!!) but I wasn't at all I continued to panic until they gave me the gas. I really think my anxiety was so bad that my brain wouldn't accept the drugs but who knows.

A couple years back I had bad cramps and had to go to work so my mom gave me a half a loratab. They sent me home cause I was basically high. It was awful. Haven't touched anything since I just deal with pain and panic (haha Hercules)

But my point is be careful with pills they sometimes don't work or work to well I definitely agree with trying at home first but you get a different feeling from when you have anxiety and when you don't. I'm diagnosed with extreme anxiety and panic disorder so I have experience with it.

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[North of Mouse]

Hello! Is anyone else afraid if flying? I hate it!! I think it's a lack of control issue for me. I usually spend my flights saying a continual prayer (to myself of course). We leave for Disney on 10/9 and return home 10/16. Both times we have layovers. I'm trying Xanax for the first time and I'm hoping it works. Anyone else out there afraid of flying? What have you tried to alleviate anxiety? Has anyone found success using Xanax?

PS I hope this is the right spot for this thread - I wasn't sure where to post it.

I used to fly when necessary, but have decided 'no more' except emergencies. We drive, or we don't go. My anxiety goes beyond what pills can cover, so not worth it to us. Good luck to you!

 

[Freezing Cold B]

I have a fear of flying. I actually have a severe anxiety disorder and was prescribed alprazolam (which I guess is Xanax) for panic attacks and Lexapro for daily use. I can't remember the dosage, but I would take 1/2 an alprazolam if I had an attack. My doctor upped my Lexapro dosage and told me to take 3 alprazolam before getting on the plane. She told me it should knock me out. Because of my fear being so strong it didn't do anything for me. My adrenaline was going so much, the meds just went through me. I drive everywhere in the United States. The ONLY time I fly is if I'm going international, and I spend the whole time freaked out. The funny thing is I actually am trained as a pilot and have several pilots in my family.

One of my professors in college said she had luck with hypnosis. Also, I've heard good things about the SOAR program.

 

[Allison]

Probably fits better on the transportation board.

 

[benji2012]

I hate flying, but I love to travel. (I actually settle down after an hour or so...so long flights are actually easier for me.). I do a few things. I take an anti-anxiety med. I actually take a low dose right before I leave the house, and another right before boarding. I've learned that if my anxiety level is high before I take the meds it's too late.

I have also used a fear of flying meditation on my iPod. Listen to it once a day about a week before my flight. ( I actually don't do this anymore, typically, but if a flight is rough or bumpy I listen to other relaxation meditations during the flight.)

I also have a virgin airlines app that I use day of. One of the biggest reasons for anxiety is not understanding why the plane makes certain noises or makes you feel a certain way. The VA app has videos that talk you through the weird sounds and sensations.

My best advice is , don't let your anxiety control you; control your anxiety to the best of your ability.

 

[DisneyLover0610]

I also hate flying due to lack of control - so I once took a Xanax and rather than relax me, it gave me all the confidence in the world! I was helping console those who were nervous on the flight - totally not me!
So, test it out first

Now, I take a Dramamine because it relaxes me enough so I can nap a little. I also always wear a hoodie, hood on, leave my headphones in and try to fall asleep. DH and I will also pay more if necessary for direct flights.

We also fly southwest, which calms me a little because we can pick where we sit. I do early bird as well so I can be one of the first ones on board.

Good luck!

 

[Gumbo4x4]

I won't fly unless absolutely necessary. My wife won't at all. I used to fly about 15 times a year. DW 4 times total. Turbulance - hate it. Every time the plane dips a bit, I think we're crashing. Pure torture. To heck with that.

 

[Sandysbuddy]

I too hate to fly and avoid it if at all possible. The last time we flew, I did try Xanax and it worked wonderfully! I had the best luck taking it about 45 minutes before boarding. I was actually able to enjoy my kids' first flight and watching out the window with them!

Hope it works as well for you!

 

[TinkGirl28]

I too have an extreme fear of flying. My anxiety starts the moment I book my Disney trip and lasts until the return flight home. I only fly to Disney because it is only about a 2 1/2 hour flight. My fear of flying is so great that I actually feel sick to my stomach if I see a plane flying over head while I'm on the ground. I have used Xanax for years only when I fly but every year it works less and less. I wear a jacket with a hood which goes on one onboard. Typically I just cover my ears and put my head in my lap and fight like hell not to go crazy until we land. I'm glad to know there are so many others out there with this same fear. I'm going to Disney in Dec and have anxiety everyday about how I'm gonna get on that plane.

 

[kandb]

I am not fond of flying but have started to after realizing a 17 hour car ride with 3 children would be torturous. I just don't like taking off but deal with it. I don't like the turbulence but I never remember hearing about a plane crashing due to turbulence, so you have to rationalize everything. Also, we take JetBlue because we love flying with them, they give drinks, snacks and everyone has their own television. If your still anxious, just use some medication.

 

[ArwenMarie]

Well after the Xanax didn't work I took Valium and that didn't work so I took something else something my mom gave me. I should have been strung out (I am against drug use but I was getting serious dental work and was panicking bad never mix drugs people!!) but I wasn't at all I continued to panic until they gave me the gas. I really think my anxiety was so bad that my brain wouldn't accept the drugs but who knows.

A couple years back I had bad cramps and had to go to work so my mom gave me a half a loratab. They sent me home cause I was basically high. It was awful. Haven't touched anything since I just deal with pain and panic (haha Hercules)

But my point is be careful with pills they sometimes don't work or work to well I definitely agree with trying at home first but you get a different feeling from when you have anxiety and when you don't. I'm diagnosed with extreme anxiety and panic disorder so I have experience with it.

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

I believe that. Sorry, didnt mean to sound dismissive. Meds do work different for everyone.

 

[kappyfamily]

Just wanted to say I feel your pain too. As much as I hate flying I won't EVER not fly because of my fear. I love traveling too much and experience new places! Good luck, take a deep breath and think about how great your trip is going to be.

 

[mrsaumock]

Oh thank you so much everyone!! I had no idea there were so many others who fear flying as much as I do!! I'm sorry for all of you - but it is nice to know I'm not alone. I think I'm going to try the Xanax next weekend and see how I do. I'm trying hard not to let my fear control me, but the closer the trip gets the more my anxiety increases (30 days away). Last year we drove. It's 22 hours and seemed to take forever. It makes SOOO much more sense to fly, but I despise it. Oh and I have read quite a bit on the SOAR website. It's pretty helpful in that it normalizes everything. My favorite tidbit is "the plane is perfectly happy in turbulence". It's makes me smile - but all I can think is, "glad the plane is happy, but I'm sure not!" Lol. Thanks again everyone. And if anyone else has additional tips, please keep them coming

 

[dec2901]

I used to be terrified to fly and I still have anxiety just not as severe. One thing that helped me was a website I found called fearofflying . com. It is designed by a pilot and has free lessons that explain to you different parts of the flight. I really appreciated the info on turbulence. There are also tips for dealing with your fear while on the flight. One of the best ones I got off the website was to let a flight attendant know if you were really terrified. They are trained to help you and talk you through your fear.

One time while flying by myself, I was sitting by a kind lady who could tell I was scared. She turned out to be a counselor and told me that she always visualized God's hands picking up the plane when it took off and placing it down when it landed. That visual has helped me numerous times.

Xanax helps too.

Best of luck.