Aerophobia: Fear of Flying

Aerophobia: Our hands sweat deeply… Our breathing is spasmodic… We put our hands to our teeth… Images of air accidents cross our minds… It is IMPOSSIBLE !!!: Even if we want to, we cannot organize a trip that involves going up to an airplane because flying terrifies us .

We lose the opportunity to discover wonderful places, visit friends and family who live far away or simply join us in the dream of our life: enter the pyramids of Egypt, dance the Hula in Hawaii or see kangaroos in Australia.

FEAR TO FLY

Did you know that the phobia or fear of flying is very common? I have heard that one in four people suffer from it. Yes, a quarter of the population. And you are part of this group! The number one fear is that the plane will crash. Second, it is because being earthly natural beings, we do not really trust everything that is in the air or in the water.

It doesn’t matter how many times your loved ones tell you: “You are less likely to die in a plane crash than in a car accident” or “modern airplanes are the safest way to get there.” All those phrases that seem to have come out of a phobic rescue manual don’t make sense to you.

Like any phobia, the fear of flying is linked to emotions, past experiences or even the mere fact of watching a movie in which the plane crashed. The worst thing of all is that the people around you do not understand it.

They think that you are exaggerating or that you do not like the opportunity to fly to New York, Rio de Janeiro or Hong Kong for a few hours by plane.

FLYING IS THE ONLY WAY TO ELIMINATE THE PHOBIA

We can consult a psychologist, take an air mechanics course to understand every sound or movement of the plane or even use a flight simulator… But nothing will take away this fear except… Flying!

It is understandable that you are afraid to think about flying.

Also, while you’re reading this article, your knees are probably shaky, you’re starting to sweat, and your heart is beating faster and faster.

But instead of suffering every time someone says they are going to travel to the other side of the world or postpone the vacation you dream of to a remote place, it is important that you take a deep breath and begin treatment.

TAKE COURSES OFFERED BY AIRLINES

Many offer a program to help passengers with a flying phobia.

It begins with a personal interview and continues with a theoretical course with drivers and mechanics to answer all your questions.

Finally, a flight simulator session is held with all the situations that may arise (launch and take-off, turbulence, technical problems, etc.).

MEDITATE OR PRACTICE RELAXATION

This will help you reduce stress and anxiety when thinking about flying.

Practice these techniques several days before planning the trip, until they become automatic.

AVOID TAKING MEDICATIONS

Many people who are afraid of flying decide to take pills (mainly anxiolytics) or drink alcohol when flying.

In the first case, the fear does not disappear, we simply go through the situation more calmly. The second is not recommended because it increases sensations and causes stomach discomfort, headaches, etc.

Also, pulse control is weaker.

Phobias are psychological disorders caused by some traumatic problem or fear in childhood.

There are different types of phobias with different levels depending on the functions of the people.

There are also different treatments to cure each of them or at least make them less severe.

Among all phobias, aerophobia is one of the most widespread worldwide, since it is suffered from fear of flying in airplanes.

WHAT IS AEROPHOBIA?

The aerofobia is unusual fear or abhorrence and unjustified flying. This phobia is experienced with a slight anxiety or anxiety at the time of starting a flight, making this a real terror at the idea of ​​getting on a plane making this type of travel impossible.

Although this air environment is safe, there are many people who suffer feelings of insecurity on board the plane ; This can turn into anxiety or even fear before or during the flight.

This phobia has attracted significant attention since it can incapacitate the working life of people who travel frequently.

MAIN SYMPTOMS

Symptoms of fear of flying: a diagnosis of flying phobia is made through clinical interviews by a specialist doing psychometric tests and other self – report measures .

People can suffer from the following symptoms:

• Significant elevation of anxiety levels before a flight that causes intense discomfort.
• Very high anxiety levels, people always try to avoid with more advantageous travel alternatives.
• Significant interference in the person’s life caused by the discomfort.
• Anxiety experienced during flights may cause another disorder, due to the acquisition of substances or the presence of a medical illness.
• Short of breath
• Palpitations
• Sickness
• Vomiting
• Dry mouth
• Dizziness and tremors

CAUSES AND EFFECTS

As is well known, phobias are psychological traumas of childhood ( or not necessarily ) for the most part.

In the case of aerophobia, it is not all the time due to trauma on board an airplane, but it can be caused by negative events seen on television or heard on the radio, making this a severe panic when going or riding. on an airplane.

The aerofobia not necessarily have to fear because thanks aircraft is also suffering any device that is not connected to the earth in some way.

Hot air balloon rides can be traumatic for a person with aerophobia.

The effects are heartaches and anxiety that interfere with daily activities and even lead to depression .

TREATMENT AND CURE

When we talk about treatments, it is always important that the person who suffers from aerophobia knows what it is and why this type of thing happens. The education of the same teaches about the realities of aviation considerably reducing the fears.

Even many people lose their fear by learning to fly or skydiving , which, being effective, eradicates or neutralizes their unknown fear.

Cognitive-behavioral therapies and systematic sensitization are some treatments . But one of the most effective therapies to treat aerophobia is hypnosis, only with two sessions you can definitely overcome the fear of flying.

Also practicing controlled breathing will help a lot as it decreases anxiety. Relaxation exercises and visualizations of the cutest you can imagine.

HOW TO OVERCOME AEROPHOBIA?

 Here are 9 simple steps with which you can help you overcome or mitigate the phobia of flying:

• Find information about airplanes and their operation.
• Book your plane ticket in advance: so you can choose your seat.
• Travel accompanied, you will feel safer.
• Do not consume stimulants before any flight: coffee, alcohol.
• Walking is a way to relax your mind, do not sit the whole trip, every so often I walk down the hall or go to the bathroom.
• Use relationship and breathing technique, you can release tension in your body, you can have the necessary balance.
• Distract your mind: read, listen to music or a hobby.
• Be positive, avoid all negative thoughts about what could happen.
• Talk to the other passengers, you will feel safer.

The aerofobia is important to control so they do not meddle in your daily life and much less work. No phobia should limit us, for them it is necessary to treat it in time.

Taking forecasts is never too much.

That intense and irrational fear can be a serious problem, you don’t let a phobia end your life or limit you.