[Almeera]

I have to fly to Denmark next month, so that'll be 4 flights (2 each way). When I try to think about it, I'm terrified. My mind shuts down and I want to curl up in a little ball on the floor and nope. Even though I was forced by circumstances to take several trans-atlantic flights in the past, it's never gotten any easier.

Ever since I was a kid, I've been terrified of the image of "things/objects falling from the sky", whether it's meteors, planes, spaceships, or random objects. I've dreamt of this more times than I care to count.

Does anyone have *any* tips at all of coping? Resources? Websites? I can't take a heavy sedative or drink because once I'm off the plane I'm meeting with a few very important people for the gig I'm attending and I have to be up to par... Help

[kaliope]

I take klonopin or Haldol for flights cause I tend to get so anxious I hallucinate. I don't consider either of them so sedating that you wouldn't be able to manage a meeting afterward. I had to fly to japan and I kept myself busy by watching movie after movie and that seemed to help to distract me. take care.

[iScottM]

In the past I have taken Xanax - it was a small enough dose to take the edge off without clobbering me.
Another thing I found useful is de-sensitization exercises.
I can't find the link now, but there are some online sites that have video and audio of all of the sights and sounds of take off and landing, etc...
You can find these on YouTube as well.

[live2ski66]

Almeera, I too am TERRIFIED of flying. My family who thank goodness I don't see that often insists on me going there. They never share the burden even though they know how much it affects me. As a little girl I used to get violently I'll, vomit, high fever, I would always miss the first flight.
As an adult I proceeded to self medicate with alcohol until TSA changed the rules and a pair of flight attendants had to pry me from the chair.
Now I have a service animal (cat) that travels with me. He has his own travel litter box and travel food bowls. He stays calm for me and I stay calm for him. Best thing I ever did for my fear of flying. I still miss my first flight, but it doesn't take an army of people to get me on and off the plane. My flights go from Aspen, CO, Denver, CO (45min) 3 hr layover, Denver, Houston, about 4 hrs then 2 hr layover and Houston Bogota 5.5hrs. Bugsy has never had a problem. My vet has pre filled all the forms so when I go in it is a quick (but expensive) visit. For me the cost is irrelevant if I'm cursed and have to get into a flying tin can.
I don't know if you have time to bond with a dog or cat, or hamster, but it is worth looking into it for next time.

[(JD)]

Air Travel Assistance - First Time Flyers and Fear of Flying

Check with the airlines there... here we have free courses given by the airlines for those afraid to fly...

Let the steward/stewardesses know when you check in and when you board.

I have, at times, had this great fear... I did some virtual reality (under a hood) sessions and was able to weather a flight I had to take soon after.

Fill your mind with FACTS about the act of flying and how safe it really is (you might not want to get into an automobile to get to the airport though...)

When you get on the airplane, put the air vent directly on you, and if you can steal the person's next to you too (at least until they realize it) that's good too...lots of air helps you breathe..and breathing slowly and deeply helps limit the feelings of anxiety.

Have something to take your mind off the flight. I like SouthWest Airlines here because you turn on your tablet and visually track the flight... I became so engrossed in watching us fly over cities and try to find them out the window...and then see the air speed etc... that I forgot I was actually flying! But of course, I had my service dog with me who comforted me greatly. Not any more. But a movie to watch, or a good book you've been wanting to read... or take a prescription from your doctor to let you sleep for a short time. Don't drink! Alcohol and lower oxygen levels can really do a number on you.

Anyway, visualize yourself inside the plane...where do you want to sit...on the aisle or near the window, in the middle? Take photoes of those you are flying to see... or such... that comfort you.. and focus on that. Don't allow yourself to dwell on just where you are and what you are doing.

The main things are: breathe (people tend to hold their breath when anxious, making the feelings worse); stop the thoughts about actually flying

Good wishes.

[Almeera]

Thanks so much for the replies, everyone. In a small way it's comforting to read messages from people who know what it's like to go through something like this.

Right now I'm doing all I can to educate myself on flying - how a plane works, what happens during take off, etc. I also found this website: Fear of Flying: FREE Online Fear of Flying Self Help Course that's been helpful. Thanks also for your link, JD - very informative.

Only 24 days to go... *cringe*