What is Fear of Flying? How to overcome it?

Airline companies are increasing their popularity day by day by offering a comfortable flight experience as well as saving time. As fascinating as the journey is, it can be a nightmare for some.

For this reason, the concept of fear of flying is one of the most common phobias of recent times. We say phobia because in the literature, this concept is characterized as a kind of anxiety disorder, not a disease, and various treatment methods have been sought for it.

If you suffer from this condition, you may have been feeling anxious and nervous since you started reading this article. However, leave negative thoughts aside. In the rest of our article, we will explore the causes of fear of flying and ways to overcome this fear.

What is the fear of flying (Aerophobia)?

Is just the idea of traveling by plane enough to make you anxious? Don't worry, there are thousands of people who suffer from this fear!

Fear of flying is a state of intense fear and panic during air travel. This concept is also referred to as aerophobia in the literature. If a person is not aware that there is such a thing as a fear of flying, he/she may put forward various factors that cause this condition to occur within himself/herself.

Individuals who suffer from fear of flying often think that their journey in the air will end in disaster and build various scenarios for this. As the degree of fear increases, some changes are observed in the person's behavior and actions. This is an important indicator that fear of flying has both mental and physical effects.

What are the Symptoms of Fear of Flying?

Does your anxiety increase as you approach the airport and are you preparing yourself for the worst possible scenarios?

People with fear of flying do not want to be part of this journey unless they have to. Whatever the reason for traveling, these people look for alternative solutions to avoid boarding an airline. As the departure time of the plane approaches, these people face intense stress. The symptoms that occur in the person during this time can be listed as follows;

- Excessive sweating

- Hand and foot numbness

- Chest pain, feeling of tightness

- Difficulty breathing

- Stomach upset, indigestion or vomiting

- Dizziness

- Sweating, chills or shivering

- Feeling faint

- Heart palpitations

- Irritability

- Burning in the throat and dry mouth

These are the symptoms commonly seen in individuals withfear of flying. While it is possible to take control when fears are at the initial level, when the anxiety reaches advanced levels, unpreventable behavioral changes occur in the person. New treatment methods are emerging every day for people with fear of flying.

What are the Causes of Fear of Flying?

Fear of flying is a type of phobia that develops later in the person and its emergence varies from person to person. It is not an innate fear, nor is it an incurable condition. There are a number of factors that trigger this anxiety. These can be listed as follows;

1. The person may have heard hearsay and exaggerated stories about flight accidents,

2. The person may have previously witnessed a plane crash and this may have had a traumatic effect on them,

3. The person may have a fear of heights or a fear of enclosed spaces (claustrophobia),

4. People who are always in control may experience the feeling of losing control while on the airplane, which may lead to fear.

5. The concerns of others about airplanes may be internalized and adopted.

There may be many different reasons for aerophobia. Not everyone's experience of flying will be the same, nor will the emotions they feel afterward be the same.

Fear of flying can be caused by environmental factors or internal traumas. Therefore, the person should observe the changes that occur in themselves during the flight and then follow a treatment path by addressing these differences.

Can Fear of Flying be Treated?

If you know that you have a fear of flying and think that this fear has reached dangerous levels, we strongly recommend that you consult a specialist. You can ask for support from the staff for the mood change you experience during the flight.

According to experts, a person can get expert support to overcome their fear of flying, or they can do it themselves. The important thing here is to trust yourself and give yourself time to do so.

How to Overcome Fear of Flying?

1. Identifying the factor that causes your fear is the first step in overcoming your fear of flying. Try to identify whether it is the moment of landing, take-off, the sound of turbulence, the height or the lack of control that triggers you.

2. Use weather tools to find out what the weather will be like on the day of the flight so you can prepare yourself for a more predictable journey.

3. Listening to music, reading a book, watching a TV series or a movie during the flight will help you not to focus on the flight, so you won't feel like you are flying.

4. It is a great advantage if you have someone with you on the journey and not alone. You can talk about your triggers or distract yourself by talking about something else.

5. We recommend deep breathing in moments of fear. Relaxation is the first step to reduce stress. Therefore, we recommend practicing deep breathing techniques in anxious and stressful moments.

6. You can have a more comfortable travel experience by sleeping during the flight.

7. When your stress level increases, you can ask for help from the cabin crew, they will definitely help you.

The quality of life of people with fear of flying is seriously negatively affected. The fear experienced can reach dangerous dimensions. The important thing here is to determine the correct diagnosis and treatment method. Remember, you must face your fears to achieve freedom in the sky. Now is the time to gather your courage and spread your wings on this exciting journey!

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