Loosing my confidence...

[smiths7]

So I just finished reading Ray's book which was very good. I also have bought many online programs, books, cd's. I have tried many other online resources also. The only thing I have left is my appointment with a psychologist in about a week and half.

I am begining to feel discouraged. I feel like with all of the work I have done, I should be booking flights all over the place, BUT i'm far from that.

I have not flown since my night before freak out this past January so I obviously do not know how much the work I have put in will do for me but I still feel like I should be more confident.

Don't get me wrong, I do feel more knowledgable and somewhat more comfortable, but I guess I have expected more by now.

I wish there was more about claustophobia and planes, that a big problem for me, funny how when I flew the first and only time I did, it didn't phase me...I think I create this crap in my head!

Also, the idea of being away from what I know kind of worries me...but if I was driving to wherever it doesn't phase me.

Any ideas?

[AZO-FA]

Rome wasn't built in a day! Just take it a little at a time.

Try making yourself more familiar with the places you are going to go. My mom tends to feel very uncomfortable in unknown places. Go online, check out maps, read reviews of what to do in the town.

[smiths7]

Thanks for the advice!

[cshollingsworth]

Don't ever give up because I came a long way to get to the point where I am right now.

Prior to boarind, I do still get nervous. But, for me...that is GREAT from where I started from. Before, if I looked at a plane, I cried! Really! I could not force myself to work on the thing. I even got off a plane one time...just got my flight bag and walked right off before they shut the door. I couldn't do it.

After that, I made myself fly because, well...I kind of felt like a horses butt for not flying when so many people do everyday.

Now, I've stopped crying when I look at a plane, and kind of find them to be interesting pieces of technology. Kind of like a big Blackberry with wings if you will. :lol:

I've even gone from the point of burying my head under my husband's arm when the plane takes off to actively looking out the window and sitting up like a normal person and not balling up into the fetal position. This is all such a huge step for me and if I can come from the place I was...anybody can do it! So, don't give up!

[smiths7]

I won't give up just getting annoyed I guess.

Thanks for the personal story, puts things in perspective.

[Gutknot]

I hear ya Smith, it is annoying in itself to have uncontrollable fear over something that you should not. I am right there with you! I have done/seen much more dangerous things than flying that did not scare me half as much. It is silly, but just know since we know this that means we are the ones broken, not the plane!

[smiths7]

I fear getting on the plane to battle this with the faith I have and then freaking or not being able to get back on the plane from wherever I am.

[buckshot86]

There is a world of options to get past that. I've pursued many of the same options you have, but I am feeling less nervous about my flight next month after reading Capt Rays book. I'll humbly admit I do plan to get a Xanax prescription, but only to take it if I'm freaking at the airport. For me, the book and breathing techniques are working. Also try visiting a local airport just to get a feel for it. I never thought I'd get on a plane again and now I have all these destinations I'd like to see. You can do it!!:hug:

[PositiveAgain]

I fear getting on the plane to battle this with the faith I have and then freaking or not being able to get back on the plane from wherever I am.


Hi Smiths -

Just wanted you to know that I can SOOOOOOO relate to your fear. I consistently have a more difficult time flying home than when I fly out. I don't have a fear of crashing (at least not any more than the "average" person on a plane). Mine is a fear of being on that plane enclosed for x number of hours with NO way to get off when I want. Does this sound like you?

[smiths7]

You must be my twin LOL I do not fear crashing more than anyone else either. I do not like being stuck. Also, I fear getting on the plane obviously can't back out then and then getting to my destination realizing I can not do it againa nd being stuck whereever I am.

[PositiveAgain]

Hi Smiths -

Yup, sorry to say we've got the same issue(s). In terms of recovering from FoF though all the techniques that are used by people that are afraid of crashing can work for us too. If we were sitting next to someone on the plane that had a fear of crashing they would be going through the same type of anxiety. It's really lack of control isn't it?

Let me share with you the combination that has worked for me:

I listen to a Fear of Flying hypnosis cd, by Glenn Harrold (can be found on Amazon) every day for at least two weeks before my first flight and I also listen to it every day while I'm away.
I take an Ativan one hour before flight. I found that Ativan works better for me than Xanax.
I make a conscious effort to breathe correctly. Do you know how to breathe correctly so as to not encouage an anxiety attack?
I bring magazines with colorful pages to read/look at... distracts the mind. If I'm flying JetBlue I'm totally into the TV. Love it!
And, of course, I come on this board for support!

[smiths7]

Well i have made an appointment with a psychologist for next week so maybe that will help.

I want to order a hypnosis cd but haven't found a good one...i'll look into the one you mentioned.

Glad to know I'm not the only one!

[PositiveAgain]

Hi Smiths -

I did an initial search on Amazon and only found the cassette. The name of the cd or cassette is: Overcome the Fear of Flying, by Glenn Harrold.

When I did a search via Google I was able to access the cd through Amazon. Go figure. Anyway, I highly recommend the cd. It is so relaxing. I truly believe it helps erase all those "tapes" we have playing in our head now that tell us to be afraid. It's kind of like reprogramming your mind and it has been extremely helpful to me.