learning to cease my fear of flying...?

Question

do you have any tips for getting over a fear of flying in airplanes? I have to get on a plane is about a month, and as always, i'm terrified. do you know things that can possibly take my mind off the plane when i'm on it? the scariest part is takeoff, because i'm afraid that the plane will crash and blow up. yah, i have a vivid imagination!! my whole family htinks i'm crazy, because they're not afraid. but i get hysterical, and i can't eat or sit still in a plane, i'm constantly worrying!!! any tips??

everyone says that flying is sooo safe, but just yesterday a plane crashed in siberia killing 200 people!!!

Answer 1

I was the same way. What really helped me was learning about airplanes. How they work, what sounds I should expect to hear, what turbulence is, safety precautions, etc. All that good stuff. Once you learn that turbulence doesn't mean that the plane is going to crash, or that the engines cutting back once you take off isn't a big deal, your mind will be a lot more at ease. I also recommend taking lots of things with you to distract you from thinking too much about the flight. Listen to music, and look through some magazines. Fill your mind with images and sounds so that you aren't thinking too much about the flight itself. By the way, takeoff still scares me a bit too, but it's actually quite safe. Go to www.flightlevel350.com and check out all their videos of planes taking off, including views from inside the plane. The more you see it, the more you'll get used to it, so when you're actually on the plane it won't be that big of a deal.

I really recommend www.fearofflying.com to help answer any questions you might have about flying.

Here's a final idea: ask someone to think about you while you're on your flight. Sometimes it helps to know that there is someone on the ground who has you in mind so that you have more of a connection with "the real world" and don't just feel like you're alone flying through the air in some big tube. I know that sounds kind of crazy, but personally I think it's kind of a comforting idea.

I'll be flying next Wednesday evening (nine hour flight!) but if you want me to keep you and your flight in mind, or if you need to talk, just let me know. Relax, and good luck. I'm sure you'll be fine :)

Answer 2

Don't worry about it. I know that seems hard not to, but the more you worry, the scarier it'll be.

When you taxi, you barely feel the plane move at all. At this point the cabin crew will tell you all you need to know about what to do in case of emergencies and such.

When the plane prepares for liftoff, it starts to go really fast down the runway, and then within 45 seconds you are up in the air. Things may seem a little wobbly at first, but that's just because of moving through the different altitudes. Your ears will pop as you climb through the altitudes also.

Once you are in the air, things will feel smooth. You will hear the humm of the engines, but that's normal, nothing to worry about. I actually find it relaxing. If there is turbulance, you might feel the plane wobble a little bit, but rememeber, planes are designed to withstand this, so take a deep breath and try not to think about it.

When you are approaching landing, your ears will pop as you descend through the altitudes. You will feel the plane slow down and the cabin crew will prepare you for landing. When the plane touches down it kind of feels like a short jolt, and then you hear them cut the engines off and the plane slows down pretty fast.

From there, the plane will taxi to either the gate or the designation where a bus will pick you up. You wait for the plane to decompressurize a few moments before they start letting the passengers out. That was your flight.

During take-off and landing, try to make yourself swallow, or yawn, chew gum, suck on candy, or drink something to relieve the pressure.

Bring along an iPod, MP3 player, a book, magazine(s), or somthing else to help keep you occupied and your mind off the flight.

And remember the pilots creed: I believe in flying, man's noble inheritance from the Supreme Being which enables me to view the wonders of the Universe from a high vantage point, exceeded only by infinity. Through this experience I learn humility in the knowledge that I am but one of insignificance among so many who are truly great.

I know that the upper tradewinds, as they blow, may slow my progress through the sky while they enhance the groundspeed of another on the opposite heading, but, that I may benefit, on the return flight.

I believe that man was destined to fly and I have wings. May these wings chart the course toward an unclouded horizon and the betterment of generations yet to come.

Answer 3

" Steps:
1. Accept that it is unlikely you can conquer your fear of flying without help.

2. Get counseling or join a group. Since fear of flying is such a common phobia, many excellent clinics are available to help you. Look in the yellow pages under 'Clinics,' 'Mental Health Services' or 'Psychologists.'

3. Read a book. Countless books are devoted to overcoming the fear of flying. Most include instructions on special breathing and relaxation methods and other helpful techniques.

4. Buy a tape. Some fear-of-flying programs are on tape so you can listen to instructions for relaxation and breathing.

5. Have confidence that you can succeed. Even the most serious fears about flying can be conquered with proper treatment and hard work.

6. Ask your physician for a prescription drug to relax you when you must fly, if all else fails. Keep in mind, however, that most professionals believe you can conquer this fear without medication."

A lot more information at the source URL below.

Answer 4

I travelled for work for years, sometimes flying as much as 3 times a week and was always on the edge of my seat. Now not even a massive shaking of the plane can rattle me. The simple solution: take flying lessions. Even for a few weeks. From it you'll learn just how safe planes are and you'll realise just how experienced the people in the cockpit are. For the plane to go down requires a massive series of failures that are beyond the likelihood of occuring for you. No logic, no study of statistics could replace what I learned in 20 hours of flight lessons.

Answer 5

I only know of two ways to over come the fear of flying.
And you might have to do both methods, for best results.
1. Do it anyway.
2. Take motion sickness pills.
But whatever you do, pray and relax! Go on a flight with family or even friends a few times, and then some time, fly alone to see a relative.

Answer 6

Many people have a fear of flying. I really can not tell you how to relax, I can tell you it is very safe. More people are killed in vehicles each year, than by aircraft.

Answer 7

You shouldn't fear death! Check the plane for rust e.t.c. when you get on it then check for any suspicious looking people that might be terrorists, if both checks prove OK, then the plane won't crash!

Answer 8

just try to sits on a steady plane, then after a week try flying for a few minutes. they say that the only way to overcome is to do it.

Answer 9

bring a book,A CD player, a case full of CD's (take them out of the original cases)and the ride will go very fast
and you'll get over your fears quickly

Answer 10

there's always "treatment by exposure".. which effectively means that u need to start flying.. gradually.. start with less time.. increase slowly... will help u a lot..