Help...major FEAR of flying!!!!!

[tlbwriter]

Heather, you might just need a stronger dose. My doctor gave me the lowest dose and told me to take *one*, and it did nothing. I had to increase the dose up to four pills, I think, before it took effect (and no, I didn't just do this on my own. ) And once it did, what a difference!

My fear of flying has nothing to do with claustrophobia (which I do not have) or a fear of flights (which I do have). It's not a fear of flying, it's a fear of crashing. And honestly, saying "there's nothing to worry about, because if it's your time to go, you'll go, and if it's not, you won't" just makes me laugh. Because what if it's the pilot's time to go?

 

[Anastasia]

I too have a bad fear of flying. We have driven to Florida and didn't mind it too much untill my husband drove us there. Now I have to say that I rather fly afraid for 3 hours than drive afraid for 20 hours!!! (he drives too fast and tailgates the whole way) I too will be going and getting a prescription to get me through it. We go next month!

This is hysterical!!

I am not afraid of flying, in fact I enjoy it. However I can understand having a fear of flying. These are my rationalizations:

1)I refuse to limit my life experiences by not getting on a plane.

2)Once I am in the air, I am no longer in control. Whatever happens, happens. (I am a control freak!!)

3)I have sinus problem, and descent can be difficult for me. I have found what works for me, and I make sure that I do these things. (Decongestants for a few days before, nasal sprays before and during the flight).

4)Xanax - I have never felt the need for medication on a flight, however I think there is nothing wrong with doing what you need to get through the flight.

Just think about the fact that this flight is getting you to Disneyworld!!

Good Luck - I know you will be fine!

 

[DISUNC]

Fear of Flying has NOTHING to do with LOGIC...it just is!!!!

I use to fly ALL the time, I was a Travel Agent...never had a problem....UNTIL they stopped allowing you to smoke on the planes......My first flight without a cigarette was Beyond horrid

Every since then, I only fly when I absolutely positvely must...and then I am loaded on Xanax. The panic seeps in loooooong before you get on the plane!

 

[elmo2wdw]

Thank you all again...I booked our flight! So I am going to fly ... but I am not sure about the Xanax. I am going to talk to my doctor about my options because I do not want to be zonked just relaxed.

 

[CleveRocks]

2)Once I am in the air, I am no longer in control. Whatever happens, happens. (I am a control freak!!)

If you're NOT interested in losing sleep, stop reading this post NOW!

Think you're in control when you're driving??? YOU'RE NOT! Next time you're driving down a two-way street going 40 or 50 miles perhour, realize that YOU are not in control of whether or not you and your family arrive home safely and in one piece -- THE PEOPLE DRIVING IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION ARE IN CONTROL. One accidental swerver, one sleepy head, one person who swears drinking doesn't affect their driving, one parent distracted by kids fighting in the back seat, and BOOM, Game Over.

A lot less traffic up in the friendly skies. You're putting your faith in basically two people, a pilot and an air traffic controller. When you drive, you're putting your faith in EVERY person behind every pair of headlights you see.

In a really terrible air travel year, like 2001, about 200-300 people die in plane crashes in the USA. In a NORMAL driving year, about 50,000 people die in car crashes in the USA. I'm not scared of flying, but I am scared of driving to the airport.

-- Eric

 

[NewEnglandDisney]

OH GREAT! Now I have a fear of driving!!!!!!

Well, think about this : how often do you hear about plane crashes? Not very often. Do you even know anyone who has ever been in one?

How often do you know people who have been in car accidents? Most of us know people who have actually passed in a car accident, let alone been in one (as I'll think you find most people have at one time or another).

To me, it's just rational. I believe dying in a plan crash is still up there with getting hit by lightning in the "chances of happening" department. Millions of people fly every day without having an issue, so I assume I won't either.

Fear is just a feeling that you can't let run your life - especially when there is such little danger. It's okay to be scared, but don't let it run your life.

Good luck!

N.E.D.

 

[dizkidz2]

I get really nervous with flying. I have gotten better I think, because I try to keep myself busy with the kids. Word search, card games whatever it take to get my mind off it. And I also place myself in the seat between my kids (17 & 13 yrs old), they are always bickering about something. teleport:

 

[triplee&c]

I fly alot. I don't bother with the drugs because of the sluggish feeling after you land. I mean, its not like the effect will disappear as soon as the wheels touch down in Orlando. Personally, I like to stay up late the night before and pack. I found my procrastination had an unintended benefit; I could snooze on the plane and not feel a thing. Also, try to get a seat up front. The crew will control the aircraft from their perspective, making a smoother flight. Let the flight attendants know of your fear, a kind word from them can go a long way. If you are afraid of crashing, remember this: the pilots don't want to die either.

 

[Tarpon]

I am scared of flying now. In the past I wasn't but I was on a flight from Singapore that had to return to airport after having lost hydraulic controls. Landing was not too bad but the sight of ambulances and fire trucks on the runway along with crying from some passengers scared me. This was in the same year that a United plane crashed in Souix City, Iowa after losing all hydraulics.

I am pertified of any turbulence, even the slightest. If there is no turbulence I am just fine. Thinking of getting Xanax as we will be off to Disney on Song in August. The TV and Xanax should do it for me. I was surpirsed to read you may go to sleep and feel groggy after taking Xanax. I hope not.

 

[MermaidsMom]

I too have a bad fear of flying. We have driven to Florida and didn't mind it too much untill my husband drove us there. Now I have to say that I rather fly afraid for 3 hours than drive afraid for 20 hours!!! (he drives too fast and tailgates the whole way) I too will be going and getting a prescription to get me through it. We go next month!

I understand completely!! I have sat frozen in the passenger seat many times praying to get there alive . Flying is my friend these days, and I used to be terrified to fly.

 

[CarolynNC]

I've flown many times in my life but still get panicky when I board a plane. I'm not a medicator and won't let fear stop me from going where I want to go. What works for me is square breathing. It's a great stress reliever at any time and works wonders when you start to get anxious. Here's a link to a web site with an explanation of the technique.

http://www.womans-work.com/stress_busters.htm

Give it a try any time you're feeling overwhelmed. I sometimes use it at work when I feel pulled ten different directions. It helps me center myself.

 

[janice1234]

what is bach rescue remedy spray?

 

[bridget8822]

The biggest fearful flyer (me) will be flying Thursday. I'll be back on Aug 3rd. I'm taking Xanax for the first time to overcome my fear. If it helps I will let you know my experience when I get back.

Wish me luck!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[inkkognito]

Whether or not you feel groggy with Xanax depends a lot on how your system handles it. If I take a "regular" dose, I don't feel groggy at all, but it's not always enough to make a difference on a very turbulent flight. If I take a "horse dose," I'm fine but totally zoned. The dose it takes to have any effect for me would put my brother under the table, even though he is much taller than me.
I generally avoid taking it unless I know the flight will be very rocky. I don't have a fear of fly, or even crashing...it's the thought of those last few minutes KNOWING you are going to crash that freaks me out!
Barb

 

[OzFan]

XANAX!! Love those little white pills!
I take 1 before I leave and 1 before I board the palne i'm asleep before the drink cart arrives, wake up as we are landing in Orlando, and feel refeshed. I have tried valium befrore and I feel alittle hung over, Xanax is the real way. "TO REALLY FLY!"

 

[Debbie Jean]

The biggest fearful flyer (me) will be flying Thursday. I'll be back on Aug 3rd. I'm taking Xanax for the first time to overcome my fear. If it helps I will let you know my experience when I get back.

Wish me luck!!!!!!!!!!!!

I also take Xanax when I fly. Timing is important for me... I take a small dose about 1/2 hour before boarding and that is usually enough to relax me for the whole trip. The nice thing is that it's not a long acting drug, so if you take the right amount, you really shouldn't feel "doped up" and "out of it" for the rest of the day. I actually arrive feeling relaxed, refreshed and ready to go!

Good luck on Thursday! :thewave:
Pixie dust and a big hug !!

 

[nordkin]

As someone who takes Xanax XR daily to control panic attacks I was at a loss as to what to take for the anxiety of being in a percieved confined space before boarding a plane. This proved to be a real problem for me because I travel by air several times a month for business. My doctor prescribed Clonapin to take in addition to the Xanax XR and I have no problems at all. I just need half the minimum dose and I am fine. I even went through an emergency crash landing in Pittsburg a few months ago and did not blink an eye. Some of these drugs are wonderful.