Fear of flying. Need help.
Feb 21st, 2002, 04:35 AM
#43
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I had the same problem with flying - a fear that the plane would crash - until I realised that if it was going to happen then there wasn't a heck of a lot I could do about it, and that if it happened the effect on me would be almost certain (ie dead.)<BR><BR>I realise this is probably of no help to anyone else, but I find it strangely reassuring in a way - maybe I'm just really wierd!
Feb 21st, 2002, 09:51 AM
#44
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Dear Db,<BR>Please know that although I do not personally have a fear of flying I have some experience with those who do and totally sympathise with you. My husband is an airline pilot and has flown commercial jets, business jets, air ambulance, etc for as long as I have known him - he is also a flight instructor and for many years when he was teaching he had so many students whose significant others had horrible fears of flying so he (and myself occasionally) did a lot of talking and flying with those people. As you said, you think every noise the plane makes is the beginning of the end. That is not uncommon! It is the fear of the unknown - "what's that noise? did something just fall off the plane?" Many times my husband spent hours with friends just explaining to them what each of those noises were and explaining to them what makes an airplane fly - I can tell you from experience that this seemed to help so many people with their fears! Know that there is help out there and that you can conquer this and that you are very brave to muster up the courage each time you travel and should be proud of yourself.
Feb 21st, 2002, 10:06 AM
#45
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Just thought I'd re-post the link I posted above, to an article from from the Minneapolis StarTribune, entitled "Knowing the noises helps fear fly away."<BR> http://www.startribune.com/stories/1631/857547.html<BR><BR>Keith, Re: "...and that if it [a crash] happened the effect on me would be almost certain (ie dead.)"<BR><BR>Interestingly, a program I saw a few years ago, about people who survived various disasters, said that plane crashes can definitely be survivable. As I noted in a post above, the program talked about a guy in the music business who flew a lot and who had been on a plane that crashed on takeoff from the Taipei (Taiwan) airport. He was injured but he, as well as many others, survived.
Feb 21st, 2002, 10:14 AM
#46
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I have been a flight attendent for over two years and it is safer to fly now than it was 6 months ago. All airlines have retrained crews on how to handle difficult situations. Put it this way no one will ever be able to hijack another aircraft. If it helps take a tylenol pm 30 minutes before take off, arrive at least 3 hours early and request an aisle seat. the aisle will help you feel less clausterphobic and will allow you to have easier mobility. LAstly talk with the f/a and pilots before takeoff.
Feb 21st, 2002, 03:14 PM
#47
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I have been told the same thing before, that is, talking to the flight crew upon boarding and explaining this fear. I have always hesitated, not wanting to bother them with my ridiculousness. I would think they have enough to do without having to deal with a pain in the neck like me. Having said that, I do get some comfort out of speaking to flight attendants...I'm amazed by them actually, that they go up in planes everyday and don't seem a bit bothered by any ouf it. During the flight I always look at their faces...if they're calm, I'm ever-so-slightly reassured.
Feb 22nd, 2002, 10:26 AM
#49
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Another book recommendation:<BR><BR>The Fearful Flyers Handbook. <BR><BR>I can't recall the author's name. I found it quite helpful is overcoming my nervousness about flying. The book takes two approachs: one to explain the mechanics of flying, how planes work, why they fly, the training of pilots, what the bumps or clanks may mean, etc. The second approach is to teach cognitive (things you can tell yourself and recognizing errors in your thinking ala Dr. Burns and Dr. Becks mentioned in earlier posts) and behavioral stratagies (e.g. diaphragmatic breathing, desensitization, etc.) to cope with the anxiety.<BR><BR>Its a D.I.Y. approach - if the anxiety is severe or you'd be more comfortable with professional assistance than certainly contacting a program for frearful flyers (the airlines might be able to tell you who runs some programs in your area) or a counselor of some sort would be a good idea too.<BR><BR>Good luck - it is certainly possible to resumme flying comfortably.
Feb 22nd, 2002, 10:45 AM
#50
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If a fear of hijacking is what ails you, not to worry, I doubt anyone will be able to get away with a Sep 11 type of hijacking ever again. With the vigilante mentality of airline passengers these days, nobody will sit back and allow these low-lifes to take over a plane with nailclippers and a book of matches. Unless they can smuggle an arsenal into the cabin, terrorists will never succeed again.
Feb 22nd, 2002, 11:19 AM
#52
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For myself, it takes an extreme force of will to overcome my discomfort and actually book a flight. If I'm not sufficiently excited about the destination, the thought of flying there is a huge road block. Whether it's an actual fear of flying (or more specifically, failing to fly), or just a feeling of torturous claustrophobia in a tiny seat designed by the Marquis de Sade, I've yet to determine. Whichever, the attack on the WTC, which I witnessed from my office across the street, did not help things at all.<BR><BR>It does help a bit just knowing that I'm not the only one out there.<BR><BR>Thanks.<BR><BR><BR>
Feb 22nd, 2002, 11:30 AM
#54
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I just keep thinking about the length of time the terror would last. The last 30 seconds or the last 10 minutes or whatever. What would I do? The thought of it is overwhelming. The thought the thoughts of any people on planes getting ready to crash is too much for me. I am trying to fight it though, so far it isn't working.
Feb 24th, 2002, 05:43 PM
#55
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hi all, seems like I've found a lot of others who share my fear. A note:<BR>I recently heard that some people with a fear of flying benefit from a drug called Paxil, an antianxiety/anti-depression drug. it needs time to kick in, like 4-6 weeks...anyone have any experience with this drug?
Mar 2nd, 2002, 01:41 AM
#58
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interesting how vocal the anons are these days.<BR><BR>I myself usually fall promptly asleep once I get on a plane. unless I am reading or there is an interesting movie on..<BR><BR>of course I am also in the early processes of taking flying lessons so maybe I am not part of the first anon's 'everyone'...
