Flying Fears

[Sammy]

I live on the opposite coast from my family. I need to go help with my father and I have been in a panic about how I travel 3,000 miles. I finally decided to rent a vehicle and drive rather than fly. It will cost more but I was having a panic attack just looking at flights. I can't believe I am trying to deal with divorce and I am running off to help my family. I have been in near panic mode since I found out I need to go.

So, does anyone else have a trouble with flying? To airplanes make you anxious?

 

[Deleted member 12723]

I have a fear of flying. Before I got sober I would drink quite alot. I haven't flown sober yet. I understand about driving instead of flying. But now I have a problem with driving as well. I do not have any suggestions.

It sounds like your plate is full. To overflowing. Is there anyone else who can help with your father? It is hard to have to deal with alot of things at once. My mom was killed in a plane crash, so that is the root of my fears and anxieties. How long would the light take? As opposed to how many hours of driving?

Take good care of yourself. You have alot going on.

 

[Tessa]

I have a fear of flying and travel thousands of kilometers by road instead. At least you get to see different places up close. I sympathise. My family are about 6000 klm away and it will be difficult if I have to go to them.

 

[Belle]

I hate flying, my friend went on a course run by local airport to reduce her fear of flying and she is much improved.

 

[Sammy]

For me, it isn't so much flying. It is being in a closed space with a lot of people. I used to be able to fly all the time and I love to travel.Right now, I just can't manage being around so many people.

My family is 3000 miles away. I actually like driving and in a car is one of my "safe" places. I only managed to get a day away and between the pup that was too crazed in the hotel room and trying to sleep in a different place, I had a panic attack. Huge panic attack. Throw in a hand injury that has gotten much worse trying to manage the pup, I ended up going back home. I feel rotten and seem to have one more thing I am not able to do. I called family and was able to get them to work together a bit. I think they appreciated my effort and were understanding about my limitations.

I keep telling myself that once the divorce is settled, the dog trained, I will be able to do the things I have loved again. I don't know. Right now it is all I can do to get through any given day. I hate it.

 

[Deleted member 12723]

Sammy, I hope your hand feels better soon. I wish the car was a safe place for me. I'm sorry you had a panic attack. Good job on getting your family to work together. You accomplished that. Thinking of you.

<edited - removed full quote of post above>

 

[Jimmy V.]

I also have a small phobia of flying. When my wife and went on our honey moon in Europe I had a small panic attack. This happened to me when we were about 4 hours into the flight. I woke up and became disoriented. I looked out the window and all I could see was black. I couldn't see the ocean or stars in the sky. Sounds odd but it felt like the plane was upside down. I immediately closed my shade and started panting and looking at the ground. I couldn't lift up my head and look around. This made me feel trapped. I started thinking that I had nowhere to go. Right about this time my wife caught onto what was going on. She started telling me to take deep breathes and calm down. But it wasn't helping. She happened to have an anxiety pill that I immediately took and after 10 minutes I began to calm myself.

I'm ok and have flown since then with no problems. I thought about it a little bit but I just had to talk myself down and began thinking about other things. Sounds like you have a touch of this as well. I know you will get over this. The only way to get over it is to conquer your fears and face it. Challenge yourself to read a book the entire time or just entertain yourself. Its all about being able to control your mind. Practice it.

 

[Deleted member 12723]

Jimmy V.
I'm glad you wote about being able to control my mind. And to practice it About talking myself down and thinking about other things. It was a great thing to read today, it is very helpful.

After all is in the mind that is the source of all of these symptoms. I needed to read this today, thanks.

 

[intothelight]

I used to be afraid of flying, but I found that the extra cost of First Class was well worth the elimination of the panic I felt in enclosed spaces. I also don't have a problem if I bring a good book, or another electronic device to get lost into.

Just remember if you end up taking an anti-anxiety med to have a back up plan for travel when you land.

Just my .02.
Deb