The last time I flew was 10 years ago. I recall the last few flights, my palms got sweaty and felt sick. I remember putting my head on my mom's lap and prayed for that last hour to pass so we landed soon. I recall other flights with a lot of turbulence coming back from the east coast to the west coast.
Now I'm 31 and a single parent. I want to make a promise to my child that I'll take her to Walt Disney World in FL and Hawaii. I'm in CA. My child has made a couple of trips on the airplane with her dad for visitation and is a good traveler from my understanding.
I guess I could try small plane trips from L.A. to Vegas, but the more I think of it, the more I dread it. I recall when I saw a psychologist, he advised me that I could take Xanax. I just hope that doesn't "drug" me up too much and/or is a mind controlling drug and/or addictive. I don't like taking pills, but I guess I'll have to be willing to do it. What does Dramamine do?
Any helpful advice is greatly appreciated!
2006-08-09 06:27:50 · 11 answers · asked by Cathy 2 in Social Science ➔ Psychology
don't take Xanax. taking a drug to get on a plane is inexcusable and not something a mom should do.
get on the plane and take deep breaths and know inside that everything will be OK.
As you are in California, where auto accidents is a serious problem due to people who drive like psychopaths, remind yourself that you were brave enough to drive to the airport where the odd of something bad happening is higher than when being on an airplane.
Remember that the pilot has a family and that he would never put his life or the life of his passengers in danger because he realizes that he would never see his family again.
Deep breaths; positive thoughts; deep breaths positive thoughts.
2006-08-09 06:34:49 · answer #1 · answered by Tones 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Paxil or Xanax can help but you need to take them for a several weeks before the anit-anxiety effect kicks in.
Also, ask your doctor about Busbupar (not sure of the spelling) - its more of a quick acting anti-anxiety.
Without both of these I could not fly. And I've visitied scuba diving sites all over the world, and I travel 4 to 6 times a year for work.
Anxiety is a *****. But remember its the build up and anticipation that is the worst - the actual flying is easy. Some tricks: distract your mind with puzzles, books, games, etc., wait for the unease to pass - it usually only last ten minutes or so, anxiety is not harmful - it is only annoying and it will pass. Lastly, laugh out loud - it really works to ease your embarassment.
2006-08-09 06:42:14 · answer #2 · answered by PourOneForMe 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The way I overcame this fear was to really wish the plane would crash. I would keep hoping during the flight that I would witness an engine falling off or a wing falling off, maybe a flock of birds smashing through the window etc. Well it didnt happen so then I knew that it wasnt meant to be and from then on I actually started to enjoy it. I still wish for turbulence to make the ride more interesting, and have since then drove a aerobatic stunt airplane and even did loops, hammerheads and even passed out from 6.5 g's. Also remember you are 95 times more likely to die on your way to the airport, than to be in a wreck.
2006-08-09 06:41:44 · answer #3 · answered by Mike S 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Learn as much as you can about how planes fly! It is a very intresting subject! Once you understand how a plane stays in the air, you should feel more confident. Look up aeronautics and read all about it! It really isn't that hard to understand.
Have fun!
2006-08-09 06:35:50 · answer #4 · answered by luv2share 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Look this up: "Thought Field Therapy"
It is perfect for phobias such as yours, and once you learn the technique, you can do it yourself.
It sounds bogus at first but it really works. Just find a practitioner in your area. They used this therapy for the professionals helping in the Katrina Disaster-it works. In moments.
I re read and saw you are in cali too. Twp practitoners I know of are in San Diego and Los Angeles. E-mail me for their contact info. San Diego is Robert Bray, I forgot the name of the one in LA but I liked her better she was great. I'll look her up for you if you want.
2006-08-09 06:41:28 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take your boyfriend along, and plan to have sex when you are free to get out of your seat. The anticipation of an erotic sex act should over power your fear of flying.
2006-08-09 06:37:10 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
I was told that if you go to your airport,they offer help there for people who fear flying.
2006-08-09 09:03:24 · answer #7 · answered by Sherry H 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
anyone will tell you in order to overcome your fears you have to face them head on
2006-08-09 06:51:07 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've heard that hypnotherapy works.
2006-08-09 06:31:48 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
get married with the pilot
2006-08-09 14:42:24 · answer #10 · answered by frankomty 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋