Scared of flying, please help

[Gumbo4x4]

We just drive

 

[KrazeeK120]

... but flying is safer than driving. By deciding to fly you've made the safe decision.

Hope that doesn't put you off driving.

OP here. Thanks for all of the reassurance, everyone. It's actually helpful for me to know that I'm not alone.

And to the poster I quoted...we did drive once. ALLLLLL the way from Illinois. I won't say I hated it, but it ate up a lot of our vacation time. Plus, statistically, I'm sure that wasn't the "safe" decision (even though being on the ground FEELS safer than being in the air).

 

[MEK]

This is awesome!!!!!

That's what its supposed to do. Make you laugh so your brain becomes less afraid. I swear to you - its the best technique on earth. It got me through some serious panic attacks and anxiety issues without taking a single dose of medication. It's much more powerful than medication and its just a shame that using techniques like this is basically a secret.

It's a technique that is used to treat people with Obsessive compulsive disorder and other phobias.

 

[DJT]

I don't like flying either but what I really HATE more than the take off or anything else, is the turbulence. I just can't stand it when it gets bumpy and the plane shakes. That's when I really "hang on." It has almost grounded me for good.

 

[LovesTimone]

I like to fly but just for a moment at take off and landing, I get a bit jittery. Now Dh does not like to fly but with his job he does often so.
We always bring something to do while waiting to board, books, I-pad, lap top, a few times we have a had a glass of wine, only one glass. Trying to stay busy is helpful so that you don't dwell on the flight.

I say this with the most respect for whatever your personal belief's are, I am just stating what works for me. I always say a prayer, before take off and landing. I find this to be the most helpful and reassuring for me.

Have fun on your trip.

 

[lylone]

That's what its supposed to do. Make you laugh so your brain becomes less afraid. I swear to you - its the best technique on earth. It got me through some serious panic attacks and anxiety issues without taking a single dose of medication. It's much more powerful than medication and its just a shame that using techniques like this is basically a secret.

It's a technique that is used to treat people with Obsessive compulsive disorder and other phobias.

I'd be afraid to laugh to think the people around me thought I was a terrorist or had a bomb on me...

 

[dis-happy]

If you don't have time to go the doctor for an rx, I find that regular old Dramamine works great--- kind of knocks me out. Don't get the non-drowsy formula by mistake.

 

[schoen]

If you don't have time to go the doctor for an rx, I find that regular old Dramamine works great--- kind of knocks me out. Don't get the non-drowsy formula by mistake.

I was on the Disney Fantasy when she sailed through Hurricane Sandy. It was exceptionally rocky, and I was TERRIFIED! I have a few Valium at home, but it never occurred to me that I would need it on a Disney Cruise! I was considering going to the Dr. on the ship to get something to calm me down, but I didn't want to pay an arm and a leg, plus i figured they would be busy with minor injuries and people who were actually having full blown panic attacks.

I did have some benedryl, so i took 2 of those, and i went to guest services and got some generic Dramamine and took the recommended dose for adults. It really DID help! It wasn't like a prescription, but I calmed down enough to not go into a full blown panic attack.

This was overnight though, I don't know if I would take that much medicine for an hour-long flight. I was TRYING to sleep! I took the meds at about 11:30 pm and we didn't get off the ship until about noon the next day. They were not powerful enough to actually make me fall asleep, the ship was just moving too much, but i was much more calm.

 

[njmom47]

I don't really have issues with flying (I actually enjoy the solitude because you can't really talk) but I second a chunk of Xanax and/or a good distraction. I bring a book, my IPod, and usually end up taking a short nap as well.
OP, you're probaby in the air or even at WDW by now...check back in and let us know how you did!

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

We also hate to fly. Fortunately, we also hate taking two days to travel somewhere via car that we can get to in 2.5 HOURS via airplane, so we muddle through. After driving from Ontario to Wisconsin two summers ago (if I *ever* see another Trivial Pursuit question, it will be too soon! ) we vowed to learn to tolerate air travel.

We take Gravol 1 hour before, which helps us relax and calms my motion sickness (I've been known to need a barf bag on occasion ) . We also swear by Jetblue, as the TV's on each seat give us something to occupy our minds, instead of simply sitting and wondering if our plane will make it to our destination without issue. Nothing like a couple of episodes of Law & Order to help the hours pass quickly .

Consider flying with an airline that has onboard entertainment. It really does help.

 

[KrazeeK120]

OP here, and I want to report that I did safely get to WDW and back.

On our outbound flight, I closed my eyes and grabbed DH's arm. After a minute, he encouraged me to open my eyes. So I did. We had an evening flight and I have to admit, it was fun to look out on our city on takeoff and try to identify the buildings as we ascended.

On our inbound flight, I reminded myself how well I actually did on the first flight. I closed my eyes, but left DH alone. Poor DH does such a good job putting up with me!

We had an excellent crew on both of our flights, and I think that helped as well.

 

[budafam]

I'm the same way. I hated taking off but once I'm in the air, I'm okay. Just tell yourself that you'll be in Disney soon. That's the only reason I ever got on an airplane again and now I'm willing to do it anytime. I still get a little nervous but not as bad as I used to be. Also, bring something along to do... crossword, word search, book... something that can help take your mind off what's going on when you take off. It doesn't do the job completely but it will help. If all else fails, transfer your ticket to me so I can go... lol. Enjoy!