Any helping techniques for dealing with a flying/loss of control phobia?

Question

I have a severe flying phobia. It's not of heights or airplanes themselves, but rather of being in an enclosed space with no control over whether I get to leave. Essentially, my brain panics because I can't get off the plane (even though I don't want or need to get off).

Help, please? I've flown in the past few years under heavy sedation, but it never gets any easier. Is it impossible to panic when you're sedated? How can I assert control over the panic attack?

I've had it recommended that I let the panic attack happen, and rather than try to repress it, recognize it and allow myself to be scared. I don't know how to do this.

At this point all I've got are drugs and prayer.

Answer 1

There may be various forms of therapy that could help. There is a kind of therapy that gradually gets you used to the feared experience in degrees. Cognitive behavioural therapy in general could help. Some people also experience some relief with hypnotherapy or even meditation techniques. Trying more than one approach could be helpful. Just make sure if you go to any sort of therapist that they are licensed and that you feel comfortable with them. I wish you all the best!

Answer 2

Hi there!

I have a couple of suggestions that I believe will be helpful for you in dealing with your extreme anxieties.

But they will require a true desire to take charge of your own health and wellness... (and it sounds like you are sick of the drugs)

The first suggestion is to check out the rather amazing energy psychology techniques that look at your anxiety as an "energy block" and treat it as such (not as a major psychiatric disorder, necessarily). Go to http://tinyurl.com/yegzpe and read more about it. You can download a free manual, or purchase a reasonably-priced set of video/training CDs, and/or contract with a practitioner in your area -- many are registered psychologists, hypnotherapists, etc. The technique is easily acquired and easy to perform. It does require commitment and practice, of course. But I am here to say that you will see amazing changes in your anxiety level if you learn this technique.

There is another technique that is similar that you can learn by going to http://ca.groups.yahoo.com/group/My_Monday_Miracles/ and scrolling down the page.

All the best!

Healthia Cynthia
Certified Comprehensive Coach
Moderator for My Monday Miracles
http://ca.groups.yahoo.com/group/My_Monday_Miracles/

Answer 3

Well anything you do is pretty much a risk, and you can't be in control of everything. Just keep in mind that when it is your time to die, it's your time to die. It's 22 times safer flying in a commercial jet than traveling by car. Also you could look for other methods of transportation like train which you aren't in control of either.

Answer 4

You sound like you need some pretty heavy treatment and professional counselling. See a physician who deals with phobias.

Good luck!