Will GP prescribe something for flying fear?

[feederfil]

I used to get anxious about flying and used to have a bit to drink before flying. I was one of those who you hope isn't sat next to you. Realised that alcohol increased my anxieties now fly sober and no problems. Still glad to land though. My OH falls asleep taxiing!!(

[ll49]

After getting a little bit poorly on a flight a few years back, I've developed a totally irational fear of flying. My kids are missing out. It's not fair on them and so Ive taken the bull by the horns and booked us a holiday. However I keep thinking about sitting in that seat and waiting for take off.....I break out in a sweat, feel sick, My heart races, feel like I need the toilet, my chest hurts and then I start with the trembles. (And this is just imagining it) so how am I going to react in the real situation.

Will Dr's still prescribe some kind of relaxant in order to fly? Am I wasting my time making an appointment? Anyone in the same situation?

 

I understand exactly how you feel and after suffering on a number of flights and it getting to the point of spoiling my holidays due to the fear of coming back I went to see my GP and he prescribed me Lorazepam.

 

I was unsure what to expect and he absolutely insisted that I take no more than 4 in a 24 hour period and at least 4 hours between each tablet, so I took one when I got up on the morning of the flight, then one when we got to the gate and I was completely chilled out all the way. We actually had a really bumpy landing due to high winds back in Manchester on our return and my other half was terrified and gripping the seat in front and I was very calm about the whole thing.

 

I now have them for every flight, and although I know the fear is irrational and endless people feel the need to tell you useless statistics about flying it doesn't stop my fear and I don't see it going away, so what's the harm in a couple of tablets each way which allow me to fully enjoy my holidays again.

 

Good luck and I hope your GP helps you out.

[Bethsmummy]

I WAS flying to Tunisia....

Suddenly the flight is insignificant!!!

[buck]

No such thing as an irrational fear. If something scares you, it scares you. It's only irrational to people that are not scared by the same thing.

 

Anyway, back to a solution...

 

I would go for the "get drunk" or at least enough to build a bit of Dutch Courage. The GP probably would give you something if the first option isn't for you.

 

They don't boot you out of the airport for being a bit drunk. They out you for being hammered and a pain in the arse towards other passengers and staff.

 

Whatever you decide, i'm sure you'll be fine.

 

Oh and can you bring me a stick of rock back... and don't give the the old chestnut that "they don't sell it where i'm going"

Be careful about that not being kicked off for being drunk. Southwest Airlines is a terrific outfit with great safety record and reasonable prices, but they won't let you aboard if you've had a couple too many, and they limit how many you have aboard. The rule is if you don't like it don't fly with them. They have no problem getting sober business, and they fly everywhere in the US only on 737s which suits me fine.