How do you deal with your anxiety before getting on a plane?

Question

Do you have a TON of anxiety the day that you know you have to fly? How do you cope with your feelings? I fly very regularly, and I keep thinking that it will get easier the more I fly, it's been 20 years and I'm still as nervous as ever. I'm not even sure why--my guess is that it's a control issue, and I'm terrified of being in a plane crash.

Is there anything that you do to clam yourself down and ease your mind before you get on the flight? (please don't suggest 'getting high' or abusing drugs, I'm not into either)

Thanks for the help.

Answer 1

Deep breathing,yoga,relaxing music,prayer...You'll be fine,relax.Enjoy your flight.

Answer 2

Smoke a joint before going to the airport

Answer 3

You could try meditation it might help, just sit in a comfortable position with your back straight and your eyes closed, try and clear your mind, don't think of anything.

Try and find a quiet spot, although it can be difficult in an airport.

It may be difficult at first but it will become easier. Its ok if your mind gets distracted but just try and clear it again.

You could try it before you leave, while waiting for the plane and while your on the plane. Do it for along as you can maybe 10 minutes maybe 30, just do whatever feels right.

Hope that helps =)

Answer 4

Exercise, eat healthfully, stay away from caffeine and take a Xanax- seriously, if it's that bad, it can be prescribed to you.

Answer 5

You have to breathe and think of the odds of a plane crashing, I am sure you get into a car or a bus everyday and those things crash every day.

I have that same problem, I hear ya, but you just have to put things in perspective and not let your mind go nuts and take over.

Breath and Relax, you will do fine, Good Luck and Best Regards,

Scott

Answer 6

If it's an 8hour flight or more...I'd suggest having a doctor prescribe an Ambien.  Just one, to get you through the flight.  I've heard from alot of people who travel that taking one helps them relax and they sleep through the flight.  And Ambien doesn't make you groggy, so it's worth looking into.  They also say that you should keep yourself occupied.  Take an electronic video game with you and put all your focus into that.  This way, you're focusing on using your mind to problem solve rather than worrying.

Answer 7

I do not.  I take Amtrak or drive.

I'm not saying this to be snarky - I simply accept my limitations and adjust.  This is an acceptable choice.  It's a choice that helps me deal with my anxiety.  

I've tried flying about 8 or 9 times and it doesn't get better.

Answer 8

I used to be absolutely petrified, but i've come to enjoy flying now. I know it sounds cliche, but I just try to immerse myself in other things. Distracting yourself with music, books, anything you like to do, really helps to take the edge off. I don't think there is a simple way to get rid of the anxiety completely (I, like you, was afraid due to the lack of control you have over everything) but you can control it.

I have a little roller ball applicator that I fill with lavender and chamomile oil. I roll this onto my pulse points when the plane takes off and I find the smell is really calming. Make sure you don't fell too crowded in your seat. Take off any restrictive clothing and get really comfy. i always take a few pampering treats on a long hall flight. Doing things like giving yourself a facial or buffing your nails really passes the time and helps to keep you calm.

The main thing I always tell myself (I am a big believer in fate) that there is no point panicking about things that may never happen or are way beyond your control. If things are meant to be, they will be.

I wish I could give you a straight simple answer but i hope this helps!

Answer 9

I grip everyone's hands really tight, and read or listen to my i-pod.

just anything to take my mind off it, good luck!

Answer 10

Bach's Rescue Remedy.  It works for my mother who is scared every time she flies and she has been flying since the 1950s.  It is not a drug nor illegal it is a herbal remedy.

Answer 11

I just don't fly.

Answer 12

I am a big fan of having a drink or two (tops) prior to getting on the plane.  It takes the edge off, but doesn't make you drunk, which is a horrible feeling on a plane (for me anyways, I am terrified of the plane crashing too).  I always joke about the fact that if I was able to have a parachute on my back during the flight I would feel better :) For me it's a control issue and it hasn't gotten much easier to fly.

Answer 13

go "whee i get to fly" and think about how flying is the safest way to travel.

Answer 14

i guess just know you could die in it, and if there are terrorist on the plane get ready to beat them up

Answer 15

take sleeping pix and when you get on your be dead a sleep

Answer 16

I would bring a book.. read it while your waiting to get on the plane. Drink some coffee, or a hot chocolate. THat always calms my nerves. Bring some relaxing music to listen to on the flight. Even though u may not like it.. bring some classical music, its soothing.

Answer 17

I have just one drink at the airport bar.

Answer 18

Go to the airport bar and tie one on.  

Answer 19

They sell special bracelets for flying for motion sickness, and bring a CD player for on the plane to play relaxing music, food to munch on, a camera, if you can, to take pics out the window, stuff to do, remind yourself that you'll be find.

Answer 20

I also had that problem...i know wat it feels like...i started watching these series about plane crash investigations..and they actually helped i started to understand that these planes are built to last and that they have been tested and they have flown thousand of miles)try watching maybe it will help..smth like on national geographic..or try being in a good mood on the day...talking to people also helps)and of course flying with someone close to you will give a some comfort))wish you luck)  

Answer 21

Xanax. If you have severe anxiety your doctor will probably prescribe something to help alleviate your symptoms, like valium or xanax.

I'm not suggesting "drug abuse" It would be under a physicians care.