ENcourage Connection

So we've finally booked the tickets for the aeroplane, and the place where we'll be staying, so I guess there's no turning back. On the one hand I'm very excited, I keep looking for info about Galway (they say it's such a beautiful place), and I'm looking forward to being there, seing new places, practicing my English, etc. But on the other hand, you already know what... my OCD is getting worse and worse, I keep thinking about plane accidents, death, I've even thought of the possibility of me (or David) catching the swine flu in Ireland and having to go to a hospital there... lol well, you know how the mind works.

I'm trying to be positive, though. Everything will be alright, right? The other day an aeroplane had his engine on fire just before taking off, it's this type of news that stick in my mind. But if it's news it means it hardly ever happens. Yes, I'll be positive.

Kate, I checked your link and it looked very interesting, probably the type of thing I need, but it's too expensive right now. Thanks anyway, let's see if I can just keep it positive on my own.

I'll keep you informed, I'm sorry if I get annoying, but I may post often to keep weird thoughts at bay.

Hugs and wishing you all an anxiety-free day!

Anna

• Hi Anna- 11:02:24 08/07/2009 firedancer (1)
  • Thanks Jill 07:31:50 08/08/2009 Anna Banana (0)
• Re: Update 10:29:54 08/07/2009 Vita Luna (2)
  • Thanks Dawn 07:27:42 08/08/2009 Anna Banana (0)
  • Dawn - 11:04:17 08/07/2009 firedancer (0)

In Reply to: Update posted by Anna Banana on August 07, 2009 at 05:51:48:

I think it's good that you post as often as you like. It's better to get those random thoughts out and not kept bottled inside.

I have OCD thoughts go on when I'm going to fly too. I just think you are more aware of it because it's on your mind.

When are you going?

Jill :)

In Reply to: Hi Anna- posted by firedancer on August 07, 2009 at 11:02:24:

We're going from September 3rd to September 9th, so I've still got 3 weeks to worry lol

I've read that fear of flying is related to being aware of how fragile we are, and heights, and closed spaces... no wonder so many people are scared of it.

In my case it's mostly fear of an accident, even though I know it's a safe way of travelling. Just writing it down makes me feel anxious. But I have to be positive, everything will be alright and Ireland is such a nice place to visit.

I'll keep you informed. Thanks for your reply :-)

Anna

In Reply to: Update posted by Anna Banana on August 07, 2009 at 05:51:48:

Hi Anna,

You are going to be just fine. So many people without anxiety disorders are anxious to fly, so don't feel too bad about having these thoughts or feelings. A trick you can do when you start to obsess or have weird thoughts is to start with the first letter of the alphabet and say a word that starts with that letter. Keep going until you get to the end of the alphabet. For example say the letter A (out loud or in your head) and say a word that starts with that letter. A as in Astonishing - B as in Blink, and so on. It helps to distract your mind.

If it helps, I would not fly for 10 yrs. and I was able to do so because of the program Kate told you about called Achieving Comfortable Flight. It really helped me and I was then able to fly to Toronto, Canada, Across the US a few times, we flew from California to Europe a couple of years ago and then we flew to visit Kate and her hubby last year.

I still get nervous and I won't fly by myself, but it is possible and I just wanted you to know that. :)

Thinking of you and I am soooo envious that you get to visit Ireland.

Hugs,
Dawn

In Reply to: Re: Update posted by Vita Luna on August 07, 2009 at 10:29:54:

I'll try your alphabet method, although probably the only things I can think of are related to the plane! lol
Yesterday I talked with a friend and she told me about the possible turbulences, etc. Nice! Well, I'll try not to pay attention to what she said. She's scared of flying since she had a bad flight some years ago.

You've flied a lot, you've been a to a lot of places! You're inspiring! I hope I can overcome my fear and visit many places too. I've been looking at pictures of Galway to try to think of it instead of the flight.

Thanks again, I'll keep you updated.

Anna

In Reply to: Re: Update posted by Vita Luna on August 07, 2009 at 10:29:54:

That is a great tip about the alphabet. I love it and will remember it!!!

I do math in my mind because I'm not very good at math so I concentrate on that instead of my anxious thoughts. I'll start with 100 and subtract by 3's then 4's back to 3's to 4's until I get to one or I'm alseep. (Math is boring puts me to sleep)

Hope you are doing well!!!!!
Jill