Currently, I am in a plane en route to Helsinki as I am writing this experience. Let me say it again “I freaking hate flying”, it is one of the most stressful situations of my life. The irony is that I am a frequent flyer because of my field of study. My phobia of flying is ‘indescribable’. I am aware some people also have this phobia, but mine is worse and pathetic. Allow me to explain ‘the whys’,

1. I do not eat/rarely eat or drink because of intense tension shooting through my body. Also, I believe that eating affects the flight negatively.

2. I do not sleep on a plane, because I don’t like letting my guard down (as if my guards are responsible for safety (Lol) and so that I can control the plane with my mind (wish I have superpowers).

3. I become a ‘born again Christian’. I engage in active mind and mouth involving prayers before I board, in-flight till landing. I soak myself and the plane in the precious blood of Jesus. Also, I read the bible and listen to uplifting Christian songs to keep me sane. (Fun fact: I memorize memory verses).

4. I am super alert. I switch on my senses to track all sounds; ranging from baby cries, lavatory doors to sneeze. I monitor and brain-record turbulences extent, plane speed, take-off ‘shakes’ and landing ‘scratches’. 5. I remain glued to my seat because I hate the flushing sound. It scares the ‘heart’ out of me. The sound makes me feel like something bad is about to happen or the plane balance will be offset, (crazy me).

My anxiety disorder is a terrible thing that causes a lot of stress and harm to my mental health and my well-being. It causes unnecessary adrenaline rush into my system.

Kindly share your flying experiences with me and leave suggestions and how I can eliminate my fears.