It's a long story but I've flown all over the world and was never scared and then I had a terrible flight with turbulence and in the middle of it, we descended very fast, downwards. The pilot didn't come on the PA system so I thought we were crashing. I flew a few times after that but it was always horrific for me. I can't breath, my heart races and I just want off the plane, even out the door, if I could. The last time I flew, I had a AZ layover and didn't get back on the plane. It took me a train and 2 rental cars to get back to DC. My question..Is this fixable? Talking to people doesn't work because they can't promise the plane I'm on won't crash. Drugs, No, I'm afraid if I'm out of it when the plane crashes, I won't be able to get off safely. Meditation, No. Nothing works. The thing people don't understand is that *I'm not afraid the plane will crash, when I'm on a plane, in my mind, it is crashing.* I'm just waiting for the impact. I missed my own brother's wedding in CA! Help!
2007-02-19 16:00:39 · 4 answers · asked by Just me near dc 3 in Social Science ➔ Psychology
I'm a logical person and know that planes are safer than cars but if you someone said fly to CA and back or give up one year of your life. I would lose the year. It's an irrational fear. This much I know, I just don't know how to fix it.
2007-02-19 16:09:58 · update #1
There is a technique called NLP (NeuroLinguistic Programming) that really, really helps with things like this. It can completely remove it sometimes with the first session sometimes several but you can even do it at home once you learn how NLP works. Call some therapists and ask if they use this technique or have a treatment for severe phobias.
2007-02-19 16:32:51 · answer #1 · answered by MissWong 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Funny thing about this whole thing is that when you refused to take a plane from AZ, you took trains and cars back to DC. Correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't those both statistically MORE dangerous than planes?
I'd suggest hypnosis because trying to reason with your fears will not work, as I'm sure you would like to just look at this logically and "get over it." But that's a reasonable response to an irrational fear. I don't know where to start, perhaps the internet or yellow pages will help you find a therapist or hypnotherapist.
2007-02-20 00:03:23 · answer #2 · answered by Thegustaffa 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Chill. Lots of clinical techniques (desensitization, hypnosis, etc), but behavioral ones are usually the most effective. although they take time and money. I've used what are called beta blockers, they relieve the nervous response of panic attacks (heart racing, etc) and are pretty safe and non-addictive; they used to be used for high blood pressure. Honestly, your only quick fix is a drug.
2007-02-20 00:23:21 · answer #3 · answered by Henry B. 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Whats wrong with flying?
I think its been the safest time ever to fly in U.S. history, no major commerical crashes since late 2001
2007-02-20 00:10:47 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋