How do I get over my fear of flying?

[RaistlinZ]

I've found that over the last few years I've developed a bad fear of flying, which sucks since I have to do a lot of international flying for work. I can never sleep on a plane, no matter how much I try. I try reading a book to take my mind off it but it doesn't really help the anxiousness.

Has anyone conquered their fear of flying or have any suggestions on what I can do? It's at the point where I'm having nightmares about it now. Thanks.

 

[Scouzer]

I work in the air traffic system, and yes flying is that dangerous. Hang on.

I'm kidding btw don't get even more scurred

 

[Whitecloak]

i get tense during take-offs and landings. I usually close my eyes and try to doze off.

 

[Red Irish]

Compare traffic accident statistics with airplane accident statistics, you can then shift the focus of your fear to crossing the street or driving your car.

 

[keird]

Self medicate with alcohol and pills.

 

[geno]

Force yourself to rationalize the thought that flying is statistically safer than other common methods of travel. Realize that even though the accidents are much more catastrophic, that 10's of thousands of planes are flying every day without incident. Good luck

 

[nerp]

Watch plane crash videos until you're desensitized.

 

[IronWing]

Fly smaller planes. You'll feel more connected to the sky. The only planes I have any hesitation about are 747s. They're just too damn big to fly. Try a helicopter ride. They're great.

I worry a lot more about all those sickos in the cabin with me, coughing, sneezing, wiping germs all over everything. When you fly, you're breathing recycled sneeze juice.

 

[Sealy]

Go to your dr. and get some sleeping pills...

 

[RaistlinZ]

Originally posted by: nerp
Watch plane crash videos until you're desensitized.

Heh, somehow I think that'll make it worse. If I could sleep during the flight it'd be no problem. I've even tried staying up all night before boarding but that didn't work, and just made the flight more miserable because now I was nervious and tired.

 

[SilentZero]

Just get some xanax from your Dr.

 

[MixMasterTang]

Originally posted by: Sealy
Go to your dr. and get some sleeping pills...

That definately works for helping me sleep! I think if you are flying internationally all of the time you'd be getting over your fear. I used to be a little scared of flying but 2 years ago I got a job that required a lot of travel, so 2 years and 250,000 flight miles later I'm pretty much over it.

 

[Pliablemoose]

Just realize that you're statistically safer in a plane than in your bathroom at home

 

[shortylickens]

Originally posted by: Red Irish
Compare traffic accident statistics with airplane accident statistics, you can then shift the focus of your fear to crossing the street or driving your car.

If I spent 50 hours a week in a plane I'm sure it would average out.

 

[waffleironhead]

If I have learned anything from watching the A-TEAM, you must be sedated.

 

[Arcadio]

Seriously, OP: you can't even imagine the amount of airplanes in the air at any given moment. Thousands of thousands of flights every day around the world. Once in a while there is a major catastrophe, but remember that if there is a problem with the airplane, there is a good probability of landing safely somewhere anyways....

 

[Red Irish]

Originally posted by: waffleironhead
If I have learned anything from watching the A-TEAM, you must be sedated.

That applies to any activity, not just flying.

 

[skyking]

there are treatment programs for it, and I suggest googling up one in your area. It sounds like it would be worthwhile in your case.

 

[dbk]

get hammered before you board

 

[Farang]

jump off a tall building

 

[ibex333]

Originally posted by: RaistlinZ
I've found that over the last few years I've developed a bad fear of flying, which sucks since I have to do a lot of international flying for work. I can never sleep on a plane, no matter how much I try. I try reading a book to take my mind off it but it doesn't really help the anxiousness.

Has anyone conquered their fear of flying or have any suggestions on what I can do? It's at the point where I'm having nightmares about it now. Thanks.

Unless you want to start taking medication in a progression from light to heavy, I suggest you take a break. Yes, I know it sounds crazy, but you might want to consider getting a different job that does not require flying. Sometimes, the best way of conquering your fears is to just face them, but in this case, it is probably not a good idea.

As you describe, your nervous system is so worn out from all this, that you are now having nightmares. If you push yourself further there is a chance that a simple flying phobia will turn into something more serious like "panic attacks", and you don't want that. Note, I said "CHANCE" I am not trying to scare you or put ideas into your head. You should know better what is good for you. I am merely giving my 2c.

 

[Fenixgoon]

Originally posted by: geno
Force yourself to rationalize the thought that flying is statistically safer than other common methods of travel. Realize that even though the accidents are much more catastrophic, that 10's of thousands of planes are flying every day without incident. Good luck

 

[CaptTom]

Hi fellow Tar Heels (I grew up in Raleigh; used to work for WPTF). But about fear of flying. This is my specialty, as an airline captain and licensed therapist. Fear of flying develops because, when flying, we cannot use the strategies we normally use on the ground to control feelings: control of the situation (so it works out OK) and a way to escape if it doesn't.

Drugs and alcohol are not going to help a severe case because the number one problem is terror that comes when imagination that the plane is in trouble becomes something you really believe. Drugs and alcohol shut down "reflective function", the ability to examine your own thinking and critique it, and recognize what is imagination and what is real. Research shows that Xanax (which one person suggested) makes the problem worse.

Ordinary therapy won't help. Dr. Reed Wilson Ph.D. in Chapel Hill is well-trained to deal with this specialty, if you want to see someone locally. My suggestion is that you first learn everything you can about it. I have a free library on fear of flying at http://www.fearofflying.com/relief that will help. We also have free group counseling every Wednesday night.

It can be fixed, but only if you get help from someone who has specialized in it and has years of experience.

 

[IceBergSLiM]

+1 for get drunk.

 

[Tsaico]

Originally posted by: RaistlinZ
I've found that over the last few years I've developed a bad fear of flying, which sucks since I have to do a lot of international flying for work. I can never sleep on a plane, no matter how much I try. I try reading a book to take my mind off it but it doesn't really help the anxiousness.

Has anyone conquered their fear of flying or have any suggestions on what I can do? It's at the point where I'm having nightmares about it now. Thanks.

I drink a moderate amount before I fly. I still have problems though, and I am one of the chinese type that turn bright red when I drink, so while I make it, it does sometimes make trouble for me. Security often selects me for "random security checks".

If you find something that works, send me a PM, I need some help too...