Very scared of flying and no one really understand because Im a frequent flyer

[JohnK]

Welcome to AFF robinyoung!

I have been in a similar situation but my fear is part panic attacks and part claustrophobia. For many years I took Valium before each flight and the past 3-4 years I have been taking Xanax. It makes me feel relaxed without knocking me out. I will do 100+ flights for the second year in a row this year.

Given the extent of your frequent travel I think this greeting is appropriate

Did I miss the Greek greeting?

 

[Neeraj]

I think something that has not been mentioned is a fear of flying can also be because a sense of losing control. When you are not in charge or in control of a situation you feel like everything will go wrong.

I had a chronic fear of flying about 10 yrs ago, but a few years into flying i discovered a fear of not being in control was more the issue..and that stemmed from my actual personalty of managing staff and a large division of a business.

My advice for what it is worth, look at your day to day life and how you can trust others more ..you will notice a dramatic change in your flying.

I now can't wait to fly as soon as a trip is over!

Good luck!

 

[robinyoung]

I think something that has not been mentioned is a fear of flying can also be because a sense of losing control. When you are not in charge or in control of a situation you feel like everything will go wrong.

I had a chronic fear of flying about 10 yrs ago, but a few years into flying i discovered a fear of not being in control was more the issue..and that stemmed from my actual personalty of managing staff and a large division of a business.

My advice for what it is worth, look at your day to day life and how you can trust others more ..you will notice a dramatic change in your flying.

I now can't wait to fly as soon as a trip is over!

Good luck!

Yes, I know mine is a control issue. I only realized this in the last week. I dont like to not be the driver of the car (I trust my driving totally, but worry about the other persons ability, and yes that is crazy I know). That doesn't almost cripple me though. Just realized on a long train trip, I do feel a little anxious, but nevr really an issue. I do recall many years ago when somewhere in Africa being in the back of this unstable truck going down a very steep road, I did panic, cried, carried on like a real silly gal.... only just remembered that. So, yes you are right....my fear is lack of faith in the person in control, and losing that control myself. Interesting insight I am discovering.

 

[nzdiver]

Accident statistics
It's only one calculation of chance of dying on a flight, but even the worst case scenario is about 1 in 1.7 million.
So if you flew 100 times a year, you'd have to live to around 17,000 years old to have a 50% chance of dying on a flight.
I realise statistics don't always help with irrational fear, but maybe know it will at least help the rational part of you.

You're in a big piece of metal with a large surface area, a bit of shaking about is normal with wind, but it doesn't mean the plane is anywhere close to out of control. If you're hanging upside down or falling for more than a second, you can worry, but there's about 99.99995% chance that it won't happen

 

[robinyoung]

Thanks nzdiver. Yes, I know statistically the chances show I am totally safe, so I do remember that when I board. Well, I try too.

Interestingly,I just returned from a short flight just local (sydney to perth) something I would avoid normally. I decided to go economy..... and decided to be seated where ever I am put. If in economy, I always feel safer up front. So, this was an experiement.
I decided to fly alone, so I couldnt express my fear in aim of trying to settle it quicker.

So, here I am...flying economy syd-perth, in almost back seat (this is my WORSE scenerio) alone with no one to tell I feel like I am about to die. I decided to watch peoples faces, listen to sounds and believe I was safe. I did cope....felt kinda good having to deal with this surge of fear as I boarded.

I did fly business back...but Im proud I dealt with a fear, back seat in economy LOL

I do like statistics however!!

 

[yohy?!]

Thanks nzdiver. Yes, I know statistically the chances show I am totally safe, so I do remember that when I board. Well, I try too.

Interestingly,I just returned from a short flight just local (sydney to perth) something I would avoid normally. I decided to go economy..... and decided to be seated where ever I am put. If in economy, I always feel safer up front. So, this was an experiement.
I decided to fly alone, so I couldnt express my fear in aim of trying to settle it quicker.

So, here I am...flying economy syd-perth, in almost back seat (this is my WORSE scenerio) alone with no one to tell I feel like I am about to die. I decided to watch peoples faces, listen to sounds and believe I was safe. I did cope....felt kinda good having to deal with this surge of fear as I boarded.

I did fly business back...but Im proud I dealt with a fear, back seat in economy LOL

I do like statistics however!!

Business is always a good idea too, easier to keep yourself busy chatting to the crew/enjoying the food & drink/stretching out

 

[Dee Thom]

Of late I find a good movie/T.V.series that keeps you totally enthralled is a perfect foil for fear. I have recently downloaded "Prime Suspect" series 1,3,and 4, staring the delightfully beautifully and fantastic actress Helen Mirren, thru I-tunes. I watch the first 10mins in the QP (or similar) then I'm hooked for the next 3/4 hours. Last time I talked to her, I offered to paint her in the nude, but she insisted I wear clothes !!!!

Cheers,
Dee