How can I get over my anxiety or fear of flying on airplanes?

You can work with a therapist trained in CBT - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. They are specifically trained to help overcome phobias by using a process called exposure, where you slowly become accustomed to the thing you are afraid of and teach your brain that it is not a threat.

Find something that you can do at home that makes you happy (such as drawing), or a scent that comforts you. Try doing that thing while on the plane so you are comforted because you associate said activity with being in the comfort of your own home. As for scents, find a scent that you associate with positive emotions and have aroma oil in that scent with you on the plane and put some on your wrists and under your nose when you begin to feel anxious.

I have always been scared of airplanes but I found out a way to not think about it while I'm flying. What I do is listening to music. My favourite music. Music have always helped me in so many situations and it is the only thing that can make me feel quite calm on the plane!

The only way to do this is to face it. You have to face it slowly and expose yourself to your fear to overcome it.

Stress management techniques may help, like breathing, self-soothing, and calming music on the plane. It may also help to explore exactly what you fear happening on/near a plane and see if you can challenge any of those thoughts and come up with more realistic thought that you can repetitively tell yourself to reassure yourself. Safety statements can also help. If it's a really strong fear, you may benefit from talking to a counselor to prepare for the flight it sounds like you need to take soon. And, if needed, there are psychiatric medications that can be taken long term for anxiety AND there are meds you can take for specific moments that will act in a sedative like manner and make the experience more endurable. I hope things work out for you. :)

If it's a pathological fear, you can try taking exposure therapy. If it's a minor fear, identify what triggers you about flying and try to avoid it or think of it in a different way.

I think a good thing to do is to tell someone and to not fly alone. Also try to think positive thoughts. If you have trouble breathing, look at a clock and breath in for like 3 seconds and out for 3 seconds. It really works better than you think.

Take a deep breath and use your diaphragm. Realize your pilot is trained and knows what he is doing. Recognize your emotions and validate them -- it's okay to be afraid.

If the fear is really bad, you can ask your physician for anxiety meds to be used during those stressful times. You could also try meditation, or traveling with someone trustworthy who can help alleviate your fears. Having plans in place for how to deal with the anxiety before it occurs is the key. Good luck!

I often feel very anxious when I fly.. I usually try to tell myself that everything will be alright... In order to stay calm and anxiety free I listen to some music and read a book to keep me distracted..