I used to breakdown at the entrance of the plane and I would freeze/cry/run off the plane before the door closed/I’ve cried throughout a whole flight once (so embarrassing since with the exception of flying I’m a super mellow person and I never had this fear until 3 years ago during a random panic attack while flying (apparently this is common for women my age to just develop this fear for no reason—encouraging to know))

I’ve made some progress with this fear. I’ve seen 3 therapists…first one didn’t help me (she focused on positive self talk…which in conjunction with relaxation techniques helps, but doesn’t work as the only coping skill). Second therapist was the best…she walked me through meditation and relaxation techniques…desensitizing the experience by imagining a safe/relaxed place and experience. My second therapist went on maternity leave and refered me to another psychologist that is an actual pilot. With him I practiced flying in small planes and even took control of the steering at one session. We also did a bunch of touch and go’s at one session. All of this has been helpful. I can fly with a relatively low dose of Xanax and have had a few flights without Xanax (I hate how it makes you feel “out of it”). I would recommend “The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook”...also helpful.

This is something I will always have to work on…after each flight I book, I have to remember to practice relaxation/positive self talk, exercising, cutting out caffeine, etc.