What can you take for fear of flying?

Question

My boyfriend has developed a terrible fear of flying, it gets worse everytime we fly. Does anyone know of anything he can take to calm his nerves? We go to cyprus in 3 weeks time.

Answer 1

the boat

Answer 2

Ask your boyfriend to go to the doctor and get something calming. It is very common for people who are afraid of flying to get some calming tablets and it doesn't mean he's a raving lunatic. It's just a phobia. The doctor might also recommend that your boyfriend gets some cognitive behavioral therapy in order to get to the bottom of the problem.

Also, he might feel more comfortable in an isle seat instead of a middle or window seat, because there is more space so he won't feel so crammed in. If the plane is not full, you might find there is an empty row of seats that you can move to.. it's more comfortable to have your 'own space'.

There might be things to bring on the plane, which can help him get his mind of flying - cross words, a magazine, music - and you might find that talking to him on the plane, asking questions help too.

There are books about flying which helps explain the sounds and movements, turbulence etc. - a handy read before departure so you know what is happening during the flight.

On a deeper level, maybe talk about what frightens him. Is it the thought of being in a confined space for so long? The thought of being in a confined, crammed in space? The thought of hights or the fear that the plane could fall down (although we all know it's one of the safest ways to travel). Talk about it so you know what is going on - it's easier to deal with fear when you have an idea of where it stems from.

Finally, deep breathing exercises help too - especially just before departure / during take-off.

Good luck!

Answer 3

Hello,
Yes! pre-boarding the aircraft and on board during the flight. he could try RESUE REMEDY!! this can be bought from a good whole food shop, or some natural food stores or natural therpists sell it too. (you definately WONT find it in boots chemist though!).

**rescue remedy, comes as a almost colourless liquid in a very small bottle, its effect are based on homoepatic principles so it has 100% safe & no side effects (unlike other treatments). He will only require 3-4 drops under the tongue per dose. And it can be safely taken often if he has ALOT of fear.

**It really does work (yes! I have taken this myself for the same reasons. I always get stressed and very anxious before & during flights).

**NOTE: It shouldnt be thought of as 100% cure, because its NOT but it definately makes the whole experience far far more managable. Without feeling or being doped up like some drugs I can think of.

**The only other suggestion I can think of, especially if his fear is VERY disabling (acute fear) is to going and do one of the various overcoming your fear of flying courses, I know one of the major airline companies runs these quite frequently during the year. I think it is British Airways? (but dont quote me on that), if your interested I'm sure you would find the details via Yahoo or Google.

Have a look at British Airways you might find information about this on their website.

Best Regards
IR

Answer 4

I used to fly without a problem, but then I started to get really panicky, couldn't cope with being shut in the plane, was worried I'd get uncontrollable panic attacks etc. Also being stuck in lifts, and in crowds of people. I took Bach flower remedies, Kalms etc. which were OK but didn't really help that feeling of dread - then I tried a hypnotism CD. You know Paul McKenna, the hypnotist? I got it off his website. It worked for me! Now, I am no more anxious about getting on a plane than I am on a bus. I still don't like lifts, but I go in them, and this summer I went to a festival and was in a big crowd with no bad feelings.

You have to listen to it five times, (before bed is easiest), his voice tells you how secure you felt as a baby etc. but basically he puts you into that relaxed state where you accept what you're told. He tells you that from now on you'll enjoy it - and you do!

I've heard about day courses at airports which cost £300 & they explain the mechanics of flying, and why there's nothing to fear; well, try the CD for £15, it'll reprogramme him and have the same result, more cheaply and with less hassle.

Please try it. It definately helped me - but you have to listen to it a few times. I hope you have a lovely holiday.

If you try it, and it helps, I'd love to hear from you. I'm trying to get a friend to try it, but he won't. It'd be nice to be able to tell him about another success story.

Answer 5

Whenever I get a rare twinge of fear of flying, I concentrate on David Frost (who commuted thrice weekly to NY from London for years) and Elizabeth Taylor, who has flown an awful lot, and I reckon if they are both alive why should I worry?
I also envision all the planes I see leaving from my window, and think "They all made it safely, so will I!"

If this won't work, surely he could take a mild tranquilliser.
For the really bad cases, there is hypnotism and courses to make you feel more comfortable and safe..

Answer 6

A good stiff drink and a sleeping tablet! If i was going to Cyprus in 3 weeks id be delighted and well over the fear?

Answer 7

My boss takes Xanex - it is available by perscription

You can try some homeopathic stuff called "rescue remedy" made by the Bach Flower Essence company that is great for panic attacks

Answer 8

a brand new parachute maybe .......

seriously though
get him to visit the doctor and ask for a suitable tranquiliser
to numb those fears of flying ,
He should have time for them to take effect and help him ,
calm down for the trip

let us know how it was when you return
Good luck and a safe care free journey

>^,,^<

Answer 9

Bach rescue remedy - seems to take the edge off
Can get it from Boots and heath food shops

Answer 10

the only thing you can do for your fear of flying is to get out and fly. It is the only way to conquer it!!!!!!!!

Answer 11

In the short term Valium (aka diazapam) will help. In the long term he can take short courses of therapy that will help him get over his fear