How do I cure my fear of flying?

  • Jul 16, 2024
How do I cure my fear of flying?

What You Need to Know When Dealing with Your Fear of Flying

Aviophobia or the fear of flying is among the most common phobias that can be observed in millions of people around the world. If you have a problem with flying and feel anxious have panic attacks, or feel overwhelmed by dread at the thought of getting on an airplane, know that you are not alone. Statistically flying is very safe but for those who fear flying, statistical evidence is no consolation.

The good news is that fear of flying can be managed and, in most instances, conquered. But what if I tell you that with the help of education, preparation, and helpful anxiety-reducing techniques, you can master flying fears and embrace flying? Here are the main tips that can help cure your aviation anxieties:

Understand Turbulence

Lotions are a major fear that many people have when it comes to flying. However, turbulence is not an abnormality and is actually normal and also safe. Find out particularly what leads to turbulence, why it is inimical to the well-being of planes, and why pilots at least welcome a certain degree of turbulence. The more you know about the subject, the less you will panic, and therefore turbulence will not cause much concern.

Identify Thought Distortions

When at its worst, we get scared and we begin to make up stories in our mind that often do not make much sense. Regarding flight phobia, it is crucial to determine the primary cognitive biases such as ‘the plane will crash. Then make an effort to change the irrational thought with a rational one, for instance, Though at this moment may feel unsafe, this plane is safe to fly.

Prepare Physically

Essentially, the research posited that travel anxiety is rooted in a perceived loss of control. Fight this by preparing adequately for the flight by packing appropriately, and ensuring you get to the airport early, as well as harmonizing papers or I. Ds well in advance. What physically preparing does is that it keeps you mentally and physically ready to avoid or confront any issue that may come your way.

Learn to Relax

Some of the commonly used relaxation techniques include deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, and visualization, and they can quickly and effectively alleviate anxiety. Refrain from cramming them at the last minute because this might make it difficult for you to use them mid-flight. Relaxation abolishes the flight reflex that results in flying phobias. There are applications such as Calm which are helpful.

Reduce Pre-Flight Anxiety

The moments preceding a flight, or the moments when a person is already on board an aircraft, can be as stressful as during the flight. To prevent excessive worrying, keep yourself busy and do not give rise to irrelevant concerns. Avoid dwelling on your fears do not bring up the conversation often and also avoid any disruptions to your routine. It's good to equip your carry-on bag with comfort items and entertainment materials.

Avoid Unhelpful Behaviors

Drinking too much alcohol, getting obsessed with negative thoughts such as This plane will crash, and asking for reassurance over and over are some examples of behaviors that increase anxiety. Contest negative thoughts using the skills learned in the CBT. Avoid sleeping during the flight, do not take alcohol. This is the reason why the more you try to minimize the use of crutches, the more you create an impression of independence.

Expose Yourself Gradually

Exposure therapy is one of the most common practices used when it comes to fighting flying phobias. This implies going near the object or situation that causes fear and going through small steps that are progressively more challenging. For instance, initially use images of planes and then move to see them at an airport. Begin with boarding, take relatively short trips, and then gradually progress to extended trips. Challenge yourself to face fear as a way of informing yourself that you are capable of overcoming such elements.

Try Anxiolytics

One thing that can be done is to take medication that can reduce the effects of flight anxiety. Some physicians commonly recommend other flying phobia treatments such as anti-anxiety drugs, including benzodiazepines, to psychiatrists. This medicine group reduces anxiety and alleviates the symptoms of panic. As with all drugs they have side effects and thus should be taken only after consultation with a doctor.

Bring a Support Person

It's good to have someone during a flight and that can make a journey less stressful or scary. It is advisable to have a companion especially the first few flights to gain confidence in the plane travel. Make it clear that you might need some encouragement or some attention shifted to something else. Just their being around can help you feel assured that you are not the only one dealing with your worries. As you become more confident, you can reduce its use which acts more like a security blanket in a way.

Get Expert Help

Phobias are known to be effectively treated by cognitive behavioral therapy CBT as a professional treatment option. CBT can help you develop methods of dealing with certain flight-related situations that you fear and can help teach you to dispute the validity of such thoughts. Some airlines also provide education programs on fear of flying with the help of aviation specialists and psychologists. These courses include training in aircraft safety, awareness of turbulence, and tools for exposure therapy.

The ten methods mentioned above may take a lot of practice and dedication to perfect, but the rewards are immeasurable. In a study conducted at Victoria University, fear of flying was reduced by 75 to 90 percent among aerophobes, with the help of a complex treatment program. Thus, I have to be patient with myself and continue the attempts to overcome the fear and achieve the goal of getting freedom. It's going to get easier after the first few flights. The fact is that with time, facing the phobia becomes increasingly easier and easier to accomplish. And then, day after day, soon you will be flying high and free, touching the ground, and clutching at it not because you have to, but when you want to.

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