Get the only on-line Fear of Flying Course at premium.flyingwithoutfear.com
Hi All,
Just posting about my little family's upcoming trip to Barcelona on Saturday (returning from Madrid the following Saturday). I'm extremely apprehensive as I haven't flown for 2 years and when I did I had a level 10 (!) panic while waiting to taxi. To be fair, that was the outbound portion and I did manage to stay in touch with reality on the return. I'm also nervous about travelling back on the 767 aircraft which my mind is telling me is 'old' (and of course about to fall apart when we get on it!)
Of course, I've left it a bit long really, and a few months ago I pulled out of a flight, so now it feels an even bigger obstacle. It will be my children's first time flying and they're pretty excited but also level-headed (why can't I be like that?). I'm hoping to focus on their needs and help them have a positive experience without having some kind of melt-down. And just to stay on the plane no matter what, and maybe make a leap of personal growth and have the kind of holiday that makes up for a torrid couple of weeks worrying!
Best wishes to anyone flying soon,
David
Comment
Hi David
I also believe that action is the most powerful mechanism of change. I see this happen daily in clinical practice. Yeah, it was really cool to go through this together ... maybe we should synchronize your future air travel plans :-)
I have not especially rewarded myself ... I should have. I will pay attention to that next time.
Patrik
David, congratulations! Well done!
How different must the thoughts have been in your son's mind :-) when you were approaching Heathrow. I am writing this from Switzerland.
My flights went also well, I was more nervous than on previous flights (but I try not to beat myself up on this). Especially the flight from Paris to Zurich was a bit rough at times. The flight attendant said jokingly that this only happens when the flight is completely full and not when they just have 3 passengers to serve. That helped.
Patrik
Just reporting in ... My flight from Madrid this morning was fine and transferred us safely to London in a couple of hours to my great relief.
My anticipatory anxiety was quite powerful, I think mainly due to the fact I felt very unsure about using the bigger and older 767 (it was over 21 years old). In fact, at one point while trying to put my heart into reading my son's Thomas the Tank Engine comic I was on the verge of telling myself that flying was just something I'd have to leave for others. Feelings are like the weather though and at the moment I fancy trying again. It didn't help that we sat on the plane for about an hour before pushback waiting for the ground staff to remove a bag belonging to someone who hadn't boarded; I should be, and am, glad of this attention to detail but the wait was killing me!
The climb and cruise were fine and we enjoyed using the onboard entertainment systems in place for the long-haul sectors the plane typically does, but I've got to say that there were 2 or 3 'dips' on approach to Heathrow that got my pulse racing big-time and elicited a few gasps from fellow passengers. I guess with wind shifting around and you travelling at relatively low speed, the plane is going to go over some humps. I was very unnerved thinking - emotionally - we were on the verge of stalling, but when I looked at my son he was laughing and having fun. I'm so glad my children have had a positive first experience of flying!
Anyway, next flight to Venice at the end of April (courtesy of Classic FM!) but with some mental work to do in the mean time. Phew!
Thanks Keith and Patrik especially for your support!
just missed you on chat ....
I feel flattered by your referring to me as a mentor :-) We are in the same boat and it feels good to give support to others (and add a little of my professional knowledge on psychological issues). To encourage others has an encouraging effect on myself. So it's a win-win situation :-) I also send you strength and courage for your return flight!
We're here to help all fearful flyers by giving you support, help, encouragement and guidance.
So tell us your story, ask us how we can help.
And maybe you'll tell everyone you know about this forum because even if they haven't told you, someone you know is also anxious about flying.
Fear of flying? This is the internet's biggest free forum. The only on-line fear of flying course is at premium.flyingwithoutfear.com
© 2021 Created by Captain Keith.
Powered by
You need to be a member of LogBook 24/7 The Fearful Flyers' FREE network to add comments!
Join LogBook 24/7 The Fearful Flyers' FREE network