Overcome the Fear of Flying

[@exposuretherapytoolkit1479]

Dr. Carbonell's flying workbook is terrific. I highly recommend it for fearful flyers!

[@nonstar8182]

My thing is heights. I hate that planes have to fly so high. If they flew lower to the ground I always feel like it wouldn't be an issue or as much of an issue for me.

[@johnanthony6092]

I have to say that this guy is describing me perfectly. Every single thing he said about why people have this phobia of flying applies to me. I used to fly, had no problems with it, but then in my early 20s something took over me and one day, after returning from an overseas holiday, I swore that I would never set foot in an aircraft again. That was in 1984 and to this day I've stayed with both feet firmly planted on the ground. There is NO way I'll ever overcome this; in fact I'd challenge anyone who says they could turn me around. There's nothing you can say, explain or show me that will move me an inch in the direction of an aircraft. Everything you wanted to explain to me I already know and it doesn't make any difference to me at all. I am resigned to the fact I'll never fly again. To be perfectly honest, passengers wouldn't want me on the plane. I would be the guy who'd be sweating, panicking, wanting to get off, trying to break the window or open the door, trying to break into the cockpit to force the pilot to land the plane.....I'd be your worst nightmare. Well, actually, I wouldn't, because I wouldn't get on the damned plane in the first place and put myself it that position. Also, if anyone tried to force me to board a plane, I assure you their life would be in danger. This isn't me trying to be a tough guy, it's just me saying what I would do in order to avoid being put on a plane. I'm a lost cause when it comes to flying. However, I will say this: if someone could get me to overcome my fear then they could get ANYONE to overcome theirs. I am THE worst case in the world. I'd rather die than get on a plane which might sound strange but only those who have this fear will understand that last comment.

[@davecarbonell]

Not everyone is a candidate to get over this fear, and that needs to be respected. Thanks for writing.

[@johnanthony6092]

@David - And thank you for replying and understanding the way I feel. There are plenty out there that can be helped and I really hope you can help a lot of them. Sadly, I'm not one of them. I really have tried everything I can think of over the years. :((

[@sugarlee7648]

John Anthony. You sound like me on a flight from Syracuse to Dallas. We connected in Cleveland and was in full panic when arriving in Cleveland. Thought I’d be relocating to Cleveland and if not for all of my family being on the plane, might have done so. The flight attendants were wonderful and let me board right before the door closed. I came across Dr. Carbonell and while I still dread travel, Im able to do it. He has an audio book that I listen to on my daily walks for a week before travel. If you’re reading this, Doctor, thanks a million. I would like to suggest that you do the narration, though. I find your voice incredibly soothing.

[@TheMattyboy55555]

@@sugarlee7648 what audiobook do you listen to?

[@njcuban4263]

@@johnanthony6092 how about taking a sedative? Did you give that a try?

[@daizirose6572]

Interesting. Ive never flown and moved to the other side of the US. Now my Mom is ill and im terrified to fly. 😢 I might try to drive. Its overwhelming.

[@popos22]

I hate flying but if I had to choose between taking sleeping or flying I'd choose flying any day because sleeping bus although has low risks the probability of accidents is higher. I dunno it's weird I hate flying but I'd choose flying over buses any day