flying anxiety

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misfitinmn

New member
So we are leaving for our vacation in just a touch over 2 weeks now, and my anxiety about flying is already through the ROOF! It's not my first time flying, and in fact, I have flown overseas before. I swear since having my kids (I haven't flown since either of them were born), I am even more anxious than ever about it. The kids are not coming with us on this vacation.

Does anyone have any good coping strategies? Or can just relate to being a nervous flyer? Because my husband is not nervous AT ALL, he is just a really laid back traveler. I'm afraid I won't be able to enjoy my vacation because I'll be so worried about the flying part.

Anyone else like this?
 
Oh, I hear ya!! We just got back from Hawaii! We flew 8 1/2 hours on the way there and it was split on the way back. That was what I was most afraid of! I too hadn't flown since before I had kids(I think even before being pregnant--- it's probably been almost 9 years since I last flew!). Anyway, I was terrified. I LOVE flying, but my fear was of something happening.

So, I will say that once we were on the plane, my fears went away. I didn't even think about it (okay, maybe once or twice)... but it wasn't nearly as bad as I thought. I think I was also more excited about our trip than I realized (I was really scared to leave my babies!). Hopefully you'll have a similar experience and be totally fine once you're in the moment!
 
I am not a super big fan of flying either. And, the anxiety definitely gets worse if you haven't flown for a while. I try to bring a lot to occupy both my mind and my hands. I bring my laptop so I can scrap while airborne and also while in the airport (waiting for the flight can be stressful too!), and I bring a book or magazine for take-off and landing. Also, if it's a night flight I usually have a cocktail, which helps relax me. Good luck. I would give you the old "it's the safest form of travel" mantra, but that one never works for me either.
 
I have an intense fear of flying that stems from my 9/11 experiences. It's so bad that it's already consuming me and I don't fly again until Feb.

The best coping mechanism I can suggest is valium. I'm serious. I coulnd't take something last year because I was nursing and it was just awful. The valium just takes the edge off, you don't act drugged.

HUGS, I so understand.
 
I'm so with you on this! We recently flew to Idaho and back... Flew out on a Saturday and returned Tuesday. A 12 hour trip both ways including taking off and landing on 3 different airplanes each way... that's 6 planes, 12 take-offs and 12 landings. Also, two times on little hopper jets (I hate them!!!). I won't mention the delays, running through the airport and "little bit of" turbulence. :eek:

Despite anxiety about it for weeks beforehand, I did OK. Pray, pray, pray.... that's what I did! I also bring a journal with me and journal while I'm waiting for the plane to take off. It keeps my mind off things to have a "conversation" with myself via the journal. It helps to listen to music, too. Make a special soundtrack for yourself on your ipod or burn it to a CD, with music that eases your anxiety and listen to it! I also pack a big jumbo book of Sudoku games. While we're flying I play that almost the whole time. I'm not one of those people that can sleep on an airplane!!! Um, no! ;)

Lastly, do whatever makes you feel good... and don't feel guilty. We all have vices and we all self-medicate in some way. For me it's food. For some, it's having a drink, wearing a new outfit, or shopping for gifts for your kids in the airport. I'm not saying use meth, get wasted, or join the mile high club... but treating yourself to your "thing" will help keep your blood pressure low. For me, I like to get myself a fancy coffee at the Starbucks (or whatever coffee shop) past security. Then I go to the nearest news stand and treat myself to a candy of some kind... last time it was a roll of sweet tarts that I sucked on. During layovers we eat at nice places and get yummy comfort food. :)

Also, on one flight I started getting an allergic reaction (someone must have had cat hair on them?) and took a couple Benedryl. Believe it or not, I felt so drowsy in SUCH a good way. It was almost like it calmed me down.
 
My sister and mother hate flying! She got a little xanex perscription from the Dr. for the last flight we took to Disneyland. I think it helped her feel a little more at ease.

For me, I'm usually a little bit nervous, but can get through it with a distration to keep me busy. I was on a really scary flight through thunderstorms in the Atlanta area about 10 years ago. I bought a book at the airport bookstore to keep me occupied. What I thought was an adventure novel turned out to be one of the most 'steamiest' collection of short stories I had ever read. My eyes were popping out of my head. :w00t:I didn't pay much attention to the thunderstorm! :thumbup: That was one of the best distrations ever!! :D
 
My mom takes xanex, and it helps her stay calm without making her {too} incoherent.

I hate flying, and I have lived the last 10 years on islands in SE Asia. I fly a LOT. My personal coping strategy is to remember that commercial planes almost NEVER crash, and my eye is always on the stewardesses when it gets bumpy. In all my years of flying, I've never seen one of htem even look panicked, so if I ever do, I will promptly FREAK OUT.
 
Oh my... YES! I am totally there with you... I use to travel 70% of the time for business, all over the USA and UK... but since having J, I'm totally freaked out! I swore to hubby that we wouldn't go on a plain until J was old enough to put on his own mask, if need be! I was so freaked out... DH didn't get it because of the fact that I've flown just as much as he has, if not more...

Then came this past June where DH had an all paid trip to Orlando to present at a conference, and which would make a super cheap vacation for us... I had to come to head with my fears. And I have to say that once that first leg was done, I was okay.. not totally, "okay - when is our next vacation?" But I am now considering that we could fly other places - maybe to Seattle to visit, DH's brother.

I'm not sure that I have any words of wisdom... deep breathing... praying... and keep in mind that it is way safer in the air than it is driving...

:hugs:
 
Some great suggestions here and hope you do well on your flight.

The only thing I dislike about flying is the jet lag. Never had a problem otherwise - in my college years, I used to fly back and forth from AZ to Boston. Usually I bring a good book to read to take my mind off the long flight - maybe that will work for you as well?
 
Thanks, you guys. I am usually okay once I am in the air (though I don't remember having this fear of plunging right out of the sky before, so apparently my fears have changed a bit). And I don't really have another choice - we're going to Hawaii so flying is it! I'm excited to go, I really am, I'm just afraid I'll never get there! :crying:

I have been doing a lot of praying, because I'm not ready to leave my sweet boys behind, and the statistics help me. I need to STOP reading about all of these random crashes that have happened in the past though. That is definitely NOT helping me. If I could survive it, I'd cut myself off internet access for the next few weeks!
 
It's natural to have some anxiety, even though statistics clearly show that you have a much higher probability of getting injured in a car than a plane (as in, way higher). I'd probably just order a drink or two to help with nerves ;)
 
I have no ideas for you but I can totally relate. I'm going to be flying across the country soon with my girls. I always cry when I fly - like a lot. I've flown quite a few times and i'm always so terrified I just can't help it. Last time I flew Chloe puked the whole way, and while it sucked horribly (girls were 2) it was a great distraction. Now that they're 7 and don't remember flying, Chloe is excited and Cait is terrified. I've spent the last few weeks trying to tell Cait how awesome it is to fly :/ I have a feling shes going to freak when I start to cry lol. I'm going to have to probably convince her theyre tears of joy and I'm hoping she doesn't freak out! I'm glad I'm no the only one who gets nervous!

I hope you have a great time in Hawaii though. Sounds like an awesome vacation!!!
 
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