https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Tue, 14 Apr 2026 10:44:31 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anxieties-with-flying#post-2763406 Mon, 31 Jul 2017 09:47:57 +0000 snowjewelz 2763406@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@pachamama: Thank you! I will hoard all the facts I can. It's really nothing to do with facts... It's completely in my head! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anxieties-with-flying#post-2762844 Fri, 28 Jul 2017 18:47:24 +0000 pachamama 2762844@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Fwiw, I just read the US hasn't had a major commercial airline crash in 15 years in like millions of flights. It's just about the safest way you can move. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anxieties-with-flying#post-2762682 Fri, 28 Jul 2017 11:17:56 +0000 snowjewelz 2762682@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@math.nerd: Thank you! I will! Because I seriously want to chicken out of this trip because of all my anxieties :sad: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anxieties-with-flying#post-2762677 Fri, 28 Jul 2017 11:13:21 +0000 math.nerd 2762677@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@snowjewelz: I just sent you my email address. Let's chat! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anxieties-with-flying#post-2762675 Fri, 28 Jul 2017 11:12:10 +0000 snowjewelz 2762675@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@math.nerd: Can you go more into details? How long did the whole process take? And that is a great point that def makes me feel better! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anxieties-with-flying#post-2762673 Fri, 28 Jul 2017 11:08:54 +0000 math.nerd 2762673@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I haven't read through all the replies so, forgive me if I repeat someone else's comment:</p> <p>I have a LONG history with flying and anxiety and I'm so pleased to say I've come out the other end of it - I'm a jet setter now! I still get apprehensive, but I've learned to manage it. </p> <p>The thing I ALWAYS think about during any turbulence is what a good friend who is an aircraft engineer (he literally fixes planes) told me. He said that turbulence is actually a sign that the plane is working properly - it's like driving down a bumpy road. If the plane didn't bump along with the weather and was too rigid then the pilot would have less control. It's like how buildings are supposed to sway in an earthquake or driving down a bumpy road. That's what I think about if I start to feel uncomfortable. </p> <p>Good luck - the whole world opened up to me (literally) as I took on my fear of flying! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anxieties-with-flying#post-2762669 Fri, 28 Jul 2017 10:56:36 +0000 snowjewelz 2762669@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ElbieKay: Hahaha! I totally researched about taking trains before. Tho now I also started to have slight anxiety about cruise ships lol!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anxieties-with-flying#post-2762648 Fri, 28 Jul 2017 10:07:59 +0000 ElbieKay 2762648@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>You can do what my MIL does: Takes a cruise every time she goes to Europe! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anxieties-with-flying#post-2761660 Tue, 25 Jul 2017 14:13:07 +0000 snowjewelz 2761660@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@lioneyes: Oh, I am totally going to use that website and see if I can listen to radio chatter! Those are great tips!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anxieties-with-flying#post-2761655 Tue, 25 Jul 2017 14:03:37 +0000 lioneyes 2761655@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have horrible flight anxiety. I used to take xanax but now take a low dose of Ativan and it really helps. Other things that help include:<br /> -checking turbulenceforecast.com so I am prepared for where we MIGHT hit turbulence (good to cross check with the map they have on the screens)<br /> -leaning alllll the way forward during takeoff (helps with the weird sensation of instability<br /> -On some airlines, they have a radio channel where you can listen to air traffic control. this helps bc you hear them say, oh i hear there's some light turbulence ahead, can I go up to 37,000 feet to skip it? Helps me feel like I'm in control and that turbulence is just a bumpy road. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anxieties-with-flying#post-2761641 Tue, 25 Jul 2017 13:37:04 +0000 2littlepumpkins 2761641@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@snowjewelz: The route I usually fly I kind of know where the turbulence tends to start so if it happens then, which is in the last 1-1.5 hours, I kind of expect it, but it's when it happens in the middle or completely out of nowhere the plane drops/rattles I get nervous. Sometimes I think it makes it worse that I'm so used to a certain route! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anxieties-with-flying#post-2761496 Tue, 25 Jul 2017 09:04:09 +0000 snowjewelz 2761496@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@2littlepumpkins: I hate the kind of turbulence that kind of throws you up and down a little (like that roller coaster feeling). I had that once and just about died and couldn't fathom why people around me were okay :bummed: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anxieties-with-flying#post-2761411 Mon, 24 Jul 2017 23:45:52 +0000 2littlepumpkins 2761411@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@littlejoy: When I was doing my googling I came across a video of a guy who was in the kind of turbulence where EVERYTHING is flying across the plane, and he was narrating what was happening and laughing. He was in first class and must have had a drink or two, but I always think to myself during turbulence of how not phased he was! For me it helps though. Sort of.</p> <p>Part of my issue is that I fly so much I figure I'm sort of upping my odds. I know that % wise my math is not great on that though. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anxieties-with-flying#post-2761291 Mon, 24 Jul 2017 15:37:42 +0000 snowjewelz 2761291@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@lamariniere: That's great to hear! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anxieties-with-flying#post-2761279 Mon, 24 Jul 2017 15:09:52 +0000 lamariniere 2761279@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I actually went to therapy for flight-related anxiety two years ago (I literally had panic attacks in planes/airports). It worked wonders and I've felt mostly calm every time we've flown since. I've never needed to medicate, but I can see how it could be a good short term solution. We just flew today, and other than getting a little anxious during some turbulence, I was fine. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anxieties-with-flying#post-2761266 Mon, 24 Jul 2017 14:04:15 +0000 travelgirl1 2761266@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I used to love it but these days I hate it! Having kids has really heightened my anxiety, I spend most of the flight thinking please don't let us die, they didn't choose to get in this plane, they're so young, what have we done? Ha ha. I watch the cabin crew like a hawk too. I'm thinking of taking one of those fear of flying courses before I fly again because each flight makes it worse. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anxieties-with-flying#post-2761262 Mon, 24 Jul 2017 13:56:13 +0000 2littlepumpkins 2761262@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@snowjewelz: yeah. :( I usually am less anxious when preoccupied with the kids though. I've never been on a flight that had an emergency landing and thank goodness because most of my flights are over the ocean. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anxieties-with-flying#post-2761241 Mon, 24 Jul 2017 13:16:44 +0000 snowjewelz 2761241@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@littlejoy: At the same time I am so "happy" that it's not just me. I swear I never ever ever see anyone else freaking out and I'm like really?! Not that I fly a lot, but still! </p> <p>@Tanjowen: Oh yeah I am like on the verge of a breakdown at take-off. Then after it's just when there's turbulence. I basically try to reason with myself that just like driving, there're bumps on the road (aka air) so I can't expect it to just be still (and actually when it's totally still it's also scary to me)... Oh man, the internal convo I have is completely nuts. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anxieties-with-flying#post-2761240 Mon, 24 Jul 2017 13:15:17 +0000 littlejoy 2761240@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Tanjowen: Haha. Yeah, I hate take-off and landing, because I just remember the stats that most accidents happen during this time. </p> <p>Turbulence is the worst. Someone sent me a video of a plane's wings in a turbulence test. It was horrible to see how much they could bend. I understand it was meant to calm my fears, but really, just made me think THIS COULD HAPPEN TO MEEEE!!! ;) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anxieties-with-flying#post-2761238 Mon, 24 Jul 2017 13:13:37 +0000 littlejoy 2761238@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@snowjewelz: Hahaha. I hate this thread so much, lol. I am sweating! :) </p> <p>Yeah, I saw "bird strike" and so did my husband. He was probably thinking, "Oh shit! She's going to lose it!", but I was totally okay. </p> <p>The crying situation was a hot mess ... I ended up drinking 2 mixed drinks (they were still serving drinks, obviously it wasn't an issue, but I couldn't process that), and fell asleep. But it was so dramatic, and I am still embarrassed. ;) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anxieties-with-flying#post-2761237 Mon, 24 Jul 2017 13:10:41 +0000 Tanjowen 2761237@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@snowjewelz: I ask him what the noises I hear are all the time when we fly together, so it is nice to have some insider knowledge. </p> <p>And you are not alone with the craziness over turbulence! Last year we flew into an airport on the tail end of a tornado and we had to do a go around in terrible turbulence. I was folded up on the seat, holding our son and sobbing my heart out saying, "It's not okay" over and over to DH. And I wanted to drive home too. He had the nerve to say it was all fine but I think he has more sympathy for his passengers after seeing my reaction.</p> <p>ETA: Helpful maybe (or not) but I am only anxious over take-off because DH says that is the most dangerous part for him. Once we get up in the air and going, I'm pretty settled and okay. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anxieties-with-flying#post-2761236 Mon, 24 Jul 2017 13:08:53 +0000 helloperidot 2761236@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Tanjowen: I watch the flight attendants like a hawk too! On my last flight we had horrible horrible turbulence during take off and my brain was screaming at me that it was the end while the flight attendant was just, like, getting the cups ready on the drink cart. So I was able to breathe then, at least. :shocked: :grin: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anxieties-with-flying#post-2761235 Mon, 24 Jul 2017 13:08:50 +0000 snowjewelz 2761235@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@littlejoy: Thank you!! I'm totally sweating reading this. But I totally understand now how you can process something with meds and without. I can't believe you made out bird strike from their mouth, hahaha! And I am totally that person too.... I've def cried, hyperventilated, etc. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anxieties-with-flying#post-2761234 Mon, 24 Jul 2017 13:06:09 +0000 littlejoy 2761234@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@snowjewelz: Ok, so I'll give you 2 real life examples (because I am SO AFRAID of flying). </p> <p>1 - Our plane hit a bird ... ya know, the infamous bird strikes that bring planes down. I noticed something was wonky with the flight pattern, flight attendants, etc., so I was watching them. I saw the one attendant's mouth when she was talking with another, and saw her say "bird strike". Because of the Xanax, I was able to process this as, "Ya know what? We're doing an emergency landing, but it's ok. The flight attendants are still calm. I can be calm. Everything is good."</p> <p>and </p> <p>2 - Someone left a bag next to me in the waiting area. Within a few minutes, someone reported it, and a bomb squad came up and cleared the area. That would have TOTALLY rattled me if I hadn't been medicated. Instead, I was just like, "Okay, we'll move along. It'll be ok. The airport is equipped to handle this."</p> <p>Meanwhile, last time I flew without Xanax, I thought about how high up in the air we were the whole time ... and when we had an air conditioning issue and had to be re-routed, I started crying (I was THAT PERSON), and insisting the plane was going down. </p> <p>So yeah, it works. :) </p> <p>I just had to fly without medication (pregnant), and it was not the best.</p> <p>ETA: I also find myself thinking, "I'm really high up here. I would usually be so nervous. This is ok!" - so it's like you can totally still be rational and think clearly ... just takes the irrational fear part out. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anxieties-with-flying#post-2761231 Mon, 24 Jul 2017 13:04:17 +0000 snowjewelz 2761231@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Tanjowen: Ahh how do you deal with your husband as a pilot! But I think he is probably able to really assure you. So many times I look around me and see that no one even flinches at a turbulence so I know I am crazy but at the same time I can't control it! </p> <p>@2littlepumpkins: I know! Either I fly alone and will think that they will loose me, or we fly together and we all go down together, just can't win! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anxieties-with-flying#post-2761229 Mon, 24 Jul 2017 13:01:50 +0000 2littlepumpkins 2761229@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@snowjewelz: I fly often and still get anxious that something will happen and my kids will be left motherless. But I talk myself down (I learned a lot just googling about how planes work, etc.) and when I'm not pregnant I have a drink!! Haha. Doesn't hurt that the airlines I usually fly has one free drink with your meal. 😝 </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anxieties-with-flying#post-2761228 Mon, 24 Jul 2017 13:01:33 +0000 Tanjowen 2761228@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@snowjewelz: I have terrible anxiety during take-off. I take a 5-HTP before I board, which helps ease the anxiety some, and the best thing I have learned from flying (and from DH who is a pilot) is to watch the flight attendants when you are anxious! If they act okay, it means you are okay. They probably think I'm a crazy person because I watch them like a hawk during take-off all the time. :happy: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anxieties-with-flying#post-2761227 Mon, 24 Jul 2017 13:00:04 +0000 snowjewelz 2761227@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@littlejoy: So it really does stop your brain from going places and lets you ride a plane like you do in a car or something? </p> <p>@Msglass: That's great. Yeah the thing is I know about all the FACTS of flying and how unlikely it's gonna crash. I also do note how often people travel and all of them are okay, etc. </p> <p>@muffinsmuffins: That's a great idea to go to my dr and try something first to make sure I'm okay with side effects if any. Seriously, I don't even want to go but I really do want my girls to meet their great grandmother and her time is limited, tho she has been "fine"... </p> <p>@helloperidot: Hahaha I agree! I think if I'm forced to fly often it wouldn't be so bad! </p> <p>@FaithFertility: Uggggh I know. My stomach sinks just reading and replying to this thread! I was supposed to take K1 already but b/c I kept chickening out, then I got pregnant again, so I was able to just table it but we would be booking flights in the near future so now I'm starting to really freak out. Ahhhh. </p> <p>@Silva: Interesting! I did a search and there are tons of therapist in my area; I will def keep that in mind! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anxieties-with-flying#post-2761219 Mon, 24 Jul 2017 12:44:10 +0000 Silva 2761219@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Medication is a great option. If you are looking for an alternative, A friend of mind did EMDR therapy and it REALLY helped her with her fear of flying </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anxieties-with-flying#post-2761216 Mon, 24 Jul 2017 12:42:38 +0000 FaithFertility 2761216@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@snowjewelz: girl medicate I have anxiety just reading this!<br /> I'm flying to DC in the next year for a friends wedding just me and the thought makes me sick </p>