Found out what makes me afraid but have no idea how to overcome ...
For the past 10 years, I've developed a really bad fear of flying, to the point where I will have anxiety attacks and become drenched in my own sweat whenever there's a weird sound or turbelence. I have watched countless videos on why airplanes are so safe and I'm fully aware that my fear is irrational based on the stats and probability alone, yet I can't shake the fear whenever I step on a plane.
This year, I booked a flight to Japan for my family and I'm dreading the 11~ hour flight. I specifically chose Japan Airlines based on recommendations from friends and it seems the flight I'll be on is a 787-9 Dreamliner. I don't know much about the plane but I've found out what it is that causes my fear...
Cruising altitude. Whenever we get to cruising altitude, for some reason my brain starts racing and my heart is pounding thinking we are so high in the sky. After all this time, I've realized once we start descending, or even during climbing, I'm not as afraid (hardly at all to be honest). Its the cruising altitude that makes me fear for my life every second.
Does anyone know why this might be? I understand they say cruising altitude is the safest part of the flight due to how high you are in the sky, the pilot has more time to react yet I can't shake the thought for even a minute that I am safe. My plan is to try to ask my doctor for some medication as the fear is unbearable and I know I won't be able to last that long in the air ...
Side note, one of the things I started doing on my shorter flights recently is simply thanking the pilot at the end of the flight and the cabin crew. In today's world, appreciation feels more necessary than ever. With so much negativity around us, it's easy to overlook the incredible work people do every day just to keep others safe and happy.