Heartbreak again!

Hi Sheal

I developed flying phobia after my kids were born. Prior to that it never bothered me and I flew regularly. I haven't flown for a number of years now. My GP gave me valium and a beta blocker which is used for stage fright (propanolol). I did manage one short flight to Edinburgh a couple of yeas ago and I have to say the valium helped alot! But it does make you very sleepy.

I have been exploring all the options and did book myself on an expensive course at Bristol airport - a one day course of training, psychology and then a short flight with aviatours. But I never got round to go on it in the end. There's a number of people who offer courses but they do run in £250 or more. I have also looked at hypnotherapy which I am told can help with phobias but again I have not tried this yet. I also have a book and dvd which I haven't looked at yet... sigh!!

Do not feel bad for not flying. I have family in Spain (brother and his family) and I kick myself alot for the fact that I just can not go and see them. But i am literally terrified. And I can not put myself through it. It was getting embarrasing - I kept calling the attendants. I was literally terrified. The very last time I flew I was so scared I drank red wine on top of valium and was scarcely functioning.

It's an awful phobia to have and it's so frustrating. To be honest I have basically decided to give up and accept that flying is out for me.

Kate

 

Thanks everyone, you've all been a great support, but I won't be getting on that plane, besides, my husband's already booked to go.

Catztail, no I've never flown before, but had the opportunity years ago to get on one that was grounded, I did and walked straight through from one door to the other without stopping. That was more than enough!

If I was flying it, that would probably help, but I don't think I'm going to get my 'wings' in a month and a half.

John, I wish a cruise was an option, but not only is Ohio landlocked it would take forever to get from a ship to that area. I've also thought about it to-to visit my daughter in Vancouver, Canada, that's even more of a logistical nightmare. My husband suggested I worked my passage on a freighter (not unheard of), he was joking of course!

 

Why don't you ask your doc about going to therapy for your phobia. I'm pretty sure PTS ( psychological therapy services ) has a program for phobias. Try looking up PTS for your area and see what they have. I have just finished a course of therapy for my depression and found it useful.

 

How many times have we all said 'I'd do anything for my children'?

 

Feel for you. Don't know what I'd do in your situation but your son will know why you're not there.
Why do we have to do everything? We do it just by being a parent!
IF you can eventually get there good, but if not just remember (& I'm not being rude) we come from a different age so it does not always come easy eh?
Would love to hear how it goes - and don't beat yourself up!

 

Hi Sheal, how I feel for you!
I have never flown and people don't always realise it isn't the fear of flying as such but more of a fear of being trapped and no way out should you feel panicky.
I get fed up with people telling me I should fly etc
Having said that I don't know what I would do if one of my sons emigrated. My son s partner is St Lucian but I think they will stay in this country but guess they would marry where her family are so I dare not think about it. I would have to be almost knocked out to get on a plane.
You would do it if you could so try not to be too hard on yourself.

 

Thanks again everyone. I love all three of my children dearly and they understand my problem with flying and accept it. Yes, I feel guilty, but I can't put myself through the stress of this situation. It's not as if it's a short flight either.

Sadly, my daughters won't be there either, my elder daughter has a very young family to care for and my younger daughter is not allowed to leave Canada until she gets her citizenship papers. My husband will be there on his own.

 

Southhampton UK to New York USA six days five star luxury cruise
New York to OHIO 6hrs train, OR 10hrs greyhound coach

Now "all" you need is £1400 and fourteen days off

You arrive well chuffed at the five star dining and pampering, saunas, massages and eight course meals with full silver service , breakfast in bed and midnight buffets
After the wedding and you have to leave do not be sad, you have the sixdays luxury again going home :-):yess:

Jack McH (Cruise three times a year, and six when I retire in April :-)

 

Lovely idea Jack. I don't work, so have got the fourteen days, the £1400 is a lot more difficult! Got builders to pay, who have been in my house six weeks now.

 

OK we have got over the travel problem, now all we need it a GC get Sheal to the wedding fund :-)

I do not have the builders in, however I do not have any funds either

How is your swimming technique ?

I once offered a lady passage to Australia, Twelve weeks for favours on the voyage
Unfortunatley the Captain discovered her and advised her this was the IOW FERRY :-(

Jack McH

 

Haven't swum for about thirty years and wasn't a good swimmer then!

Thanks for trying every possible way Jack, but it's not going to happen.
I'll have an empty house the day of the wedding, so my daughter and some girl-friends will have a get together and celebrate. My son's hoping to get a web cam going there too, so all is not lost!

 

Huggs to you, Sheal.

 

Thanks Penny, I've sent you a PM by the way. Hope you don't mind I need some Canadian info please.

 

No problem......if i can help you, I'm glad too.

Pm sent back.