terrible fear of flying - Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Message Board

natema · 01-21-2002, 02:40 PM

I have a terrible fear of flying. I am afraid of heights and am claustorphobic. At the end of February I am supposed to take a 3 hour flight for business reasons. I am terrified, but there's no way out of it. I have to do it and by myself. Anyone have any ideas on how to get through this easier? How to cope? Any advice?

Absolutely terrified
Natema

HelloKitty · 01-24-2002, 07:23 PM

Hi,
I had never flown before (Im 26) until last year. I was VERY nervous. I remained nervous through the takeoff. Thing is, once you reach the height your flying and and level off, it feels like absoultely nothing. You can have a glass of water on the tray in front of you and the water dosent even move. As for the claustrophobic part, if you are flying in a decent sized plane it really allows you quite a bit of space. I knew a girl who was very terrified of flying and she went to the doctor and explained her situation and they gave her some pills to relax. you could check into that so you will feel better about the whole thing.

natema · 01-25-2002, 03:11 PM

Thanks Kitty. That's a good idea. Maybe some sort of sedative could relax me more.

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Participating in real life is not so hard. Ceasing to
pretend that there is something better we could be doing is a
little harder.
-Tao of Enlightenment

Lori A · 01-26-2002, 07:51 PM

Hi Natema
Flying is not that bad at all. I am very claustrophobic and it was not as bad as I thought(or worried about)..I tried to think of something else. think about the next day and what you will be doing. If they offer you a glass of wine. take it. I would recommend sitting closer to the front by the exit door and sit by the isle. the worse part of the claustrophobia is when everyone is standing up waiting for the doors to open when you land. good luck

Molly M · 02-02-2002, 09:43 PM

I totally understand where you are coming from. I fear flying too, and I am supposed to be going to the United Kingdom in May. I can't stop visualizing the worst. I have flown many times and this fear has gotten worse as I've grown older. I will be flying with my whole family, my mom,dad, brother, husband, and 3 year old daughter. And I will be 6 months pregnant. I know flying is really safe, but why do I fear it so much. It's not because of 911. Although that has definately made it even worse. Good luck on your trip and remember that flying really is statistically safe. I will try to remember my own words, but it will be hard. Luckily I will have my whole family by my side.

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Molly H.