Flying phobia

[AKSinghSingh79 143]

Recently I've developed some problematic anxiety when I fly to see my fiance in India. It's odd because I've been flying since I was 6 years old and never had a problem until recently.

I like the AirIndia direct from JFK to Delhi because I don't have to waste time with a connection. However the last flight was absolute torture. I felt my heart race, extreme nausea, and the feeling of being trapped.

The feeling finally subsided after the plane was on the ground and I walked around the airport.

Anyone else get flying anxiety? What did you use to get yourself through the flight?

I was thinking of taking some sleep tabs with me next time along with some dramamine for the nausea.

On my last trip, sipping some red wine also helped to temporarily calm me.

Edited April 10, 2012 by AKSinghSingh79

[Heartwarming 15]

Recently I've developed some problematic anxiety when I fly to see my fiance in India. It's odd because I've been flying since I was 6 years old and never had a problem until recently.

I like the AirIndia direct from JFK to Delhi because I don't have to waste time with a connection. However the last flight was absolute torture. I felt my heart race, extreme nausea, and the feeling of being trapped.

The feeling finally subsided after the plane was on the ground and I walked around the airport.

Anyone else get flying anxiety? What did you use to get yourself through the flight?

I was thinking of taking some sleep tabs with me next time along with some dramamine for the nausea.

On my last trip, sipping some red wine also helped to temporarily calm me.

I do get this too sometimes when I go to Pakistan to see my husband. I feel panicky when I get on there at times and short of breathe. What helps me to relax is to bring a cd with me that has relaxing sounds such as the ocean, wildlife, etc. I also bring a photo of my husband and family members. I sometimes will play electronic games or do breathing exercises. Some airlines have relaxing sounds installed in the tv on the back of the seat. Also, you can try walking for awhile or standing (ask the flight attendants). They also can help you to relax if needed. I usually just try to focus on seeing my husband and then I relax because I know I will see him shortly afterwards. Overall, just bring some magazines, relaxing sounds, photos, and etc to help you calm down. If you can, sit back with a snack and a beverage and watch a movie to take your mind off things too!

Edited April 10, 2012 by Funfetti

[Joandjo 20]

I get this, at least mildly, every time I fly to India and it's usually on the second flight. I think for me it's my mind experiencing exaustion. For me anything I can do to rest my mind helps. Even getting involved in a movie. Fo me it's a mental reaction and even though I have some physical symptoms they always go away once I find some relaxing distraction. I would like to try the direct to Delhi or Mumbai from JFK the way you have, then a short Spice Jet to Chennai.

[zapatosfeos 17]

I agree with the others take things with you that will distract your mind. I find in my case, I take things that dont require long commitments, lol...in other words I prefer taking 2 or 3 trashy magazines over one good book when I fly, but thats just me. Also my ipod with fun music that I usually lip sync to and take your laptop because i think its worth paying the 7 or 8 dollars for the wifi on board !!!

[AKSinghSingh79 143]

Thanks for your input everyone.

These suggestions are excellent although my level of anxiety stretches beyond a case of flight jitters.

My episodes are more like panic attacks complete with mock heart attack symptoms. These type of attacks are commonly treated with strong medication like Xanax. I am against taking the stuff and my doctor won't even prescribe it to patients.

Anyone have any luck with taking an over the counter sleep tab, the type that dissolve on your tongue?

I think my fear stems from the fact that I and my fiance have worked so hard to find a solution to permanently settle together. Now that we're in the final stages, something happening to me while flying would be "game over" for us. Yes the fear is irrational and not really worth expending energy over but the feeling only comes during my flights (only going to India, not while flying back home) so it seems relatively easy to manage.

[Joandjo 20]

Years ago I explained my symptoms to a doctor who gave me anRx Prescription for Trazadone (an anti-depressant that's commonly used as a sleep aid) and it worked on the trip. I tried it for Jet lag but like all quick fixes I didn't like the resulting physical heaviness. I think some of the symptoms I had at one time were a little above mild but not severe to the point of hyper-ventilation. The worst I experienced was a sense of dread and dysphoric thoughts.

[TimeTravel 78]

Recently I've developed some problematic anxiety when I fly to see my fiance in India. It's odd because I've been flying since I was 6 years old and never had a problem until recently.

I like the AirIndia direct from JFK to Delhi because I don't have to waste time with a connection. However the last flight was absolute torture. I felt my heart race, extreme nausea, and the feeling of being trapped.

The feeling finally subsided after the plane was on the ground and I walked around the airport.

Anyone else get flying anxiety? What did you use to get yourself through the flight?

I was thinking of taking some sleep tabs with me next time along with some dramamine for the nausea.

On my last trip, sipping some red wine also helped to temporarily calm me.

Better to take natural remedies than these tab:

Take some basil oil, rosemary. It works great! I keep it all the time whenever I travel ( Just in case if I require ).

JFK to Del, it is over 14 hours flight. It seems kind of too much to me.

[GandK 168]

I fly pretty frequently and I am not afraid of flying but a couple of times when there was really rough turbulence for 10-15 minutes, I got really intense and nervous.

And when your plane goes into a turbulence like that, nothing you bring to relax or distract you will work. The only thing that work?

SLEEPING pills! Don't know which pills my fiancee gave me at one occasion but it totally knocked me off from take-off to landing.. The only downside was I woke up feeling like I had a hangover.

[Harsh_77 718]

Thanks for your input everyone.

These suggestions are excellent although my level of anxiety stretches beyond a case of flight jitters.

My episodes are more like panic attacks complete with mock heart attack symptoms. These type of attacks are commonly treated with strong medication like Xanax. I am against taking the stuff and my doctor won't even prescribe it to patients.

Anyone have any luck with taking an over the counter sleep tab, the type that dissolve on your tongue?

I think my fear stems from the fact that I and my fiance have worked so hard to find a solution to permanently settle together. Now that we're in the final stages, something happening to me while flying would be "game over" for us. Yes the fear is irrational and not really worth expending energy over but the feeling only comes during my flights (only going to India, not while flying back home) so it seems relatively easy to manage.

You might just want to break your flight in 2 segments, normally you leave in evening from US and it would be easier to relax (fall asleep if you can sleep on flight)

By the time you wake up you are in Europe ready to land and then you can walk around the airport, get some good food etc. The get on second flight getting out fresh air walking around airport might help.