jess4eva
26-04-05, 09:55 AM
HI...
i have a really big problem. Everytime when i get on an airplane (especially taking off and landing) it really kills me. i feel like my heart is sinking (like when ur on a rollercoaster) and im just really really scared. im just worried one day i can't control myself and go crazy on the plane. This sometimes happens not only on planes..but also on elevators....am i going through panic attacks?? how am i gonna get help????
thanks alot....
Hi jess4eva,
You are not alone in this fear; it is very common. I have the same fear, and condider it one of my biggest phobias (refuse to fly ever again).
I'm not sure what you are experiencing is panic, anxiety, or phobias...depends on the severvity and duration of the symptoms.
Do you happen to be claustrophobic too? If so, that could be a major contributing factor.
There's a lot of helpful threads on this board, whether you choose to take medication, therapy, or a more holistic approach. Browse through the threads, I believe there is even one on fear of flying in the phobias section.
Best of luck to you, and let us know how you are doing.
Hi,
You will NOT loose control!!!What you are experiencing is a normal response to fear!!! Many people sitting on the plane with you are experiencing the same fear to take off and landing, the difference maybe they aren't worried about it. They realized the symptoms are there response to their fear and get off the plane and worry no more about it. You are not in any danger, it is only a feeling, the same on an elevator. Before take off to do some deep breathing this slows the sensations down. Tell yourself you will not loose control there is no danger, it's just a feeling not a fact!!
Keep on practicing this and you'll will one day fly without so much intensity to your sensations.
Lisa
Hi jess4eva,
Having been through many panic attacks on planes, I can totally relate to what you are experiencing. I had some minor problems with elevators (am claustrophobic), but was able to overcome that particular problem. I still won't get on planes though, unless I have absolutely no other options.
It is not easy to just do the deep-breathing and then totally immerse yourself in what you consider a dangerous situation. Lisa is right when she says that it's just a feeling, but you have to learn to deal with the feelings before you can feel safe flying again. A lot of therapists suggest a cognitive behavioral approach, where you slowly immerse yourself into the situation that causes you aniety and panic, and allows you to stop when you feel you cannot handle the situation anymore. You may want to look into that approach, and see if it helps.
I'm not sure where you live, but here in the USA, there are a lot of airports who offer free "fear of flying" classes, and I've heard they're quite good. I'm not sure if they offer them worldwide.
You will be able to overcome this fear, and you will choose what you feel what is the best method for you. There are a lot of great threads on this forum, browse them and see what piques your interest.
Take care, and hope this has helped in some small way.
