How can i get over my fear of flying?

Question

As soon as i hear the engine flare up, i panic, sweat, cry hysterically and cant controll myself. I live in Kuwait but go home to the US alot. Thats a 14hr flight! I'm scared that i'll loose it. I did once before on a flight from Perth Australia, to Hong Kong! I had to be handled and sedated by the crew. My husband tells me to get over it? What should i do?

Answer 1

You need a reason why you are getting this way... Something you saw on TV; a movie of an airplane crash, perhaps. Well, one thing is to check statistics! A plane ride on a commercial airline is safer than being in an auto! Look on the internet for stats on airline crashes and see! I assume it is just mind effecting and not tummy too. Is it the length of time you are enclosed in the plane? I get impatient when flying from US to the Philippines or back.. LONG trip.. It is hard on the legs so I get up sometimes and look out a window where no seats are. It is more open. I love to fly but the length of time makes me wish I was in a super jet at supersonic speeds! I have flown ultralight and radio control planes but it always seems the total time is very important. I always limited the time in the air. Maybe you can get a layover of several hours two or more places and this would help. I am sure of it. Get a two or 3 stop over with change of planes! You get off and eventually get on another.. Ha.. Get over it sounds harsh but that means you have been married for a time.. HA. I am sure he still loves you but our language does change as we grow together. God bless.. Earl

Answer 2

I used to be paranoid about flying, but not to the degree you are, so I hope this is helpful.

Don't worry about anything--pretend it is a bus you are boarding. Distract yourself with headphones. Try to sleep, read, or otherwise keep your mind from wandering.

When I was worried about flying, I made sure to drink lots of caffeine so I'd be awake and alert if anything went wrong--thinking that active preparedness would make me feel more involved and less scared. I also read a book that included advice for what to do if the plane went down, and so on. I think that was the wrong route to go--now I just let the pilot worry about everything and I just sit in my chair and wait until we get there. Hey, we all gotta die sometime.

Answer 3

Learn some relaxation and self calming techniques, like deep breathings, mental imagery, ie going to a "safe" place in your mind, etc.

After learning and practicing these skills, take small, incremental steps such as watching movies about planes, then going to the airport and watching planes in person. then walking into the airport.....etc etc.

During each of these progressive steps, practice the relaxation skills you have learned. Progress step by step until you are able to get on a plane and fly.....

Answer 4

xanax

Answer 5

FLY

Answer 6

do it