I know it's irrational but whenever I fly (usually 3-4 trips/year) I sort of mourn the morning of and a part of me wonders if I will die that day. Not to the point where I avoid flying or freak out on the plane, I just sort of entertain the thought that I will die thinking what if this is my last morning with LO? What if I don't see my DH again? On and on. I know it nuts and I am more likely to die in a car accident, but I still have these thoughts. I guess if I flew more I would get used to it. I am generally a pretty rational girl... Anyone else harbor a fear of flying?
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Yes, very much so. Last time I flew, it was the beginning of a blizzard on the East coast and I just kept hoping and hoping and hoping that our flight would get cancelled. It didn't and I was convinced I was going to die - which happens pretty much every time I fly. I didn't have my trusty Xanax, so I had a bloody Mary instead. And luckily I sat with a good friend, so we distracted each other with conversation.
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Yes! I've always been a little nervous/excited about flying in equal measures, but a couple of years ago I started becoming more and more scared. Basically I prepare to die everytime I step foot on a plane! I flew a lot between September and December last year and it got to the point where I was shaking uncontrollably before take off and for most of the flight. When it gets turbulent I usually start crying! Now that I don't have to fly in the near future, I can't see myself choosing to do it for a long while. I know it's irrational and I'm more likely to die on the way to the airport, but I can't help it. Even watching planes take off on tv makes me nervous!!
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I do the exact same thing.
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I have always been this way too - its crazy I used to actually eat whatever I wanted (I am usually good at watching what I eat) on the way to or at the airport because I was thinking of it as my last meal!
Now I fly all the time for work (80K miles last year alone) and I still have the thoughts I just find that a glass of wine makes it easier to deal with the flight!
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@illumina: @Amelieisme:
Same here. Until LO, I used to fly 5-6 times a year and I freak out!I work in the aircraft industry, so I know what parts go into what planes, and how much testing and maintenance they go through. Aircraft safety is literally my job, and I *know* how safe it is and how irrational I am.
I think my anxiety appeared around 9-11, because I used to travel a lot before then and don't recall it bothering me.
I'm booking my flight back the the UK today, and the thought of my fear of flying, traveling alone with LO and the price is making my heart race uncontrollably.
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@wheres_c: Maybe having LO with you will distract you? I'm marginally better if I'm with someone else and actually don't do too badly if I'm sat next to someone I don't know but can get into a good conversation with.
Are you British then? Is this a permanent move?
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I used to be totally fine with flying. I loved it! And now I cant do it at all. My 2nd to last flying experience ended with me in the back with the flight attendants hyperventilating and crying and sick to my stomach. It was so horrible and now very inconvienent because I can only drive.
I can't help you because I haven't gotten over my fear
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Yes. I always think I'm going to die. I must sit on the aisle, I hold onto the armrest like it's going to save me. Any sign of turbulence and I'm done. I've tried alcohol, Xanax, and OTC sleeping pills and none of that works. Meditation helps a little.
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Oh and I am not worried I will die, I am worried a passenger will throw up and that is why I get anxious.
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Thank you all for commiserating with me and at least letting me know I'm not the only "crazy" one. @wheres_c: it makes me even more nervous that YOU are scared with your job. Makes me think there is something to be afraid of ; )
My flight is at 340 ET. Wish me luck! At least (if I survive!) I am going to a little warmth (Miami) since its snowing here.
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Not for myself, but whenever DH leaves on a trip (he's a pilot) I always make sure everything is in order and will say good bye a couple times the night before he leaves in case he crashes. Now I know that's pretty irrational!
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I hate flying. I do it enough where I can handle the anxiety and when I travel with the girls, I "pretend" it's fun, but I really don't enjoy it at all. The only saving grace is the frequent flier miles which paid for this trip!
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@Amelieisme: Seriously don't be scared because of me! I'm not right in the head! Every little part that goes into a plane, including the screws, etc are tested over and over to make sure they meet specs. A single screw will be checked at least 3 times before it makes it into a plane. Then the plane as a whole has 3 types of maintenance checks. That's why I know my fear is ridiculously irrational....
@illumina: I agree, I do better when I'm either with someone I care about or a stranger that I'm able to talk to.
I'm thinking that I will need to be strong for the baby. He doesnt need a scaredy cat momma.I am from the UK but not a permanent move (yet). My grandfather passed away while I was too pregnant to travel, so using the money he left me to take LO to meet his great grandma and great aunts/uncles/cousins etc. They are in Dunstable.
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@Amelieisme: PS I hope our cold front passes before you get here! It's chilly today!
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@wheres_c: Yup! Already checked the weather and a little disappointed that it isn't a bit warmer! But still its much warmer than here (high of 32 today!)
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I have panic attacks on planes. It sucks.
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Hellobeeing from the air now! Flight is nice and smooth. I'm always fine once I'm here, just morbid thoughts during the lead up
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If it makes you feel better, I have a fear of driving. Luckily, I live in a place where I can walk and take public transportation everywhere. I love traveling, especially internationally, so I endure what I need to do that. That said, I understand.
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@Amelieisme: glad everything is ok! I trust you arrived safely
How are you able to get the Internet on a plane?!@bkcaribbaby: I'm also a little scared of driving! I'm ok on routes that I've done before or if DH is with me, but I get nervous driving somewhere unfamiliar, especially if it involves city driving
How are you able to get the Internet on a plane?!Reply
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