I know that traveling by plane is safe (statistically speaking) but even with news like that on millions of flights where nothing happens, they make scared.
My biggest problem is on takeoff, when the plane turns on its maximum power to take off. My mind takes me into a crazy spiral where I am bombarded with adrenaline as if my death were imminent. I went to a therapy that helped just a little bit and I take a very light medicine, but it's still not enough.
I have a short flight in 7 days and if anyone has some effective tips to overcome my fear of flying, I would be very grateful.
“You have helped calm my fear of flying” is a somewhat frequent comment on many of the videos of aviation related videos like Mentour Pilot on YouTube (no relation), I think particularly in the accident analysis ones.
It seems that knowing what is going on and being aware of the safety systems helps demystify some of the fearful aspects. Perhaps that may help you.
I'd recommend taking a discovery flight at your local flight school. They're fairly affordable (they're a loss-leader to get boots through the door), and they're a lot of fun. Most of all though, they familiarize you with the sensation of flight and the myriad safety features of modern aviation. May not be able to book a discovery flight before your short commercial flight, but it's something to think about for the long term.
Not sure if the light medicine you mention is a beta blocker but if it's not, call your doctor up and ask for propranolol. It will prevent the adrenaline dump and racing heart beat. You might still be a little mentally nervous but anxiety without the physical symptoms is so incredibly different and manageable. I once had a consulting job where I had to fly around all the time and having a propranolol script allowed me to keep my job.
That's interesting. To me the sensation of the plane going to maximum power is comforting. There's so much force pushing you up the idea of it falling down seems less likely.
I on the other hand really dislike landings. It's the only part of the flight where the ground is getting closer!
The number of people that died last year on commercial domestic airlines, in the USA, was zero last year. The number that died from elevator or escalators 30. This always calms me.
[+] [-] boredemployee|3 years ago|reply
My biggest problem is on takeoff, when the plane turns on its maximum power to take off. My mind takes me into a crazy spiral where I am bombarded with adrenaline as if my death were imminent. I went to a therapy that helped just a little bit and I take a very light medicine, but it's still not enough.
I have a short flight in 7 days and if anyone has some effective tips to overcome my fear of flying, I would be very grateful.
[+] [-] thusjustin|3 years ago|reply
It seems that knowing what is going on and being aware of the safety systems helps demystify some of the fearful aspects. Perhaps that may help you.
[+] [-] api_or_ipa|3 years ago|reply
[+] [-] throw_away1525|3 years ago|reply
[+] [-] Doxin|3 years ago|reply
I on the other hand really dislike landings. It's the only part of the flight where the ground is getting closer!
[+] [-] HPMOR|3 years ago|reply