Posted by sobstory on August 27, 2004, at 11:45:03
In reply to Re: Thanks!, posted by captain on August 27, 2004, at 9:35:27
I get super nervous on planes too. I take Gravol and it takes away nausea from nervousness and motion sickness, plus it puts you to sleep. You get wierd dreams, but it relaxes you. I take two gravol about an hour before the flight and they kick in just before take off. Don't drink alcohol while on meds, not a good idea! I always find I'm sooo nervous at take off, and for about an hour or two afterwards. Then I've had a chance to sleep and doze, and watch a little of the movie, and then I'm pretty calm. I'm calm during the landing, and am not scared at all! I actually love landing, but I think it's because I know we are going to be on the ground soon and that I made it! I'm always so proud of myself after each flight that I was just fine, nothing happened, I wasn't ill, and telling myself, "See? Everything was just fine! WHY do you get so worked up?" I also think my body is so programmed to be scared of flying that even if I'm not scared, my body goes into panic/nervous mode. I've flown so many times, I've lost count. I've been to Europe and all over Canada, Mexico, but each time I board that plane, my heart is pounding! Phobias are such a wierd thing, and it amazes me how much they can control me, even though I completely know and understand that there is nothing to be afraid of. Well, if you think about it, it's not natural for people to be able to fly, to be in a tube at 30,000 feet in the sky, travelling 500 miles per hour, so the fear is purely biological. But the reality is, it's perfectly safe and you don't feel like you're going that fast. Plus if you let it, it can be relaxing. Sitting in a chair, watching a movie, dim lights, being served by flight attendants who are always friendly, the view down below. If only I could see it that way all the time!
> Thanks for all of the advice you guys!
>
> It is weird that I am so afraid now after 4 years of non stop flying. Even though i KNOW a car is 10 times LESS safe - I still like the fact that I am controlling the car!
>
> Waki - do you have any suggestions as to which meds to try and get? I am also setting up an appt with a pdoc. I have never been so hopefully it goes well!
>
> Thanks again!
> Captain
poster:sobstory
thread:382579
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040825/msgs/382967.html