We use airplanes as a convenient way to travel these days.  Quick business flights to far-off cities or a welcomed vacation to romantic and thrilling locales are normal and air travel is the fastest way to get from point A to point B.  Many people these days are afraid to fly or must endure an intense phobia and anxiety about air travel, much like others experience as panic attacks while they drive or panic attacks at night.

What you need to understand about fear of flying (also known as aerophobia) is that it has its roots in many potential places, not just simply fear of the act of flying itself.  Some might get anxious at the thought of how high in the air they are and other people could find fear at the idea of being trapped in a tight and cramped space.  Others might have control issues trusting the pilot to fly the plane safely, while reports of recent plane crashes might put others on edge.  There are countless reasons why somebody could be afraid to fly.

Are there things you can do to make your next flight more enjoyable?

First, try to trace your fear down to a root, some aspect of flying that causes you the most fear.  Can you think of anything that could spark this fear?  Maybe it’s something traumatizing that happened in your childhood?  When you have a thorough understanding of your fear you are more equipped to handle it and prepare yourself in advance when you will be flying.

Sometimes you will find that the more you know about aviation, the more your mind will be at ease.  Not knowing how airplanes work and why they can even fly in the first place can cause panic to some, so learning about them can be helpful.  Try to locate books or other media that can explain how it all works in plain English.

Find a support group.  Perhaps your friends and family can offer you valuable support if you feel you can trust them and that they can empathize with you.  Consider looking up internet message boards where you can meet other people and share experiences and stories as well as learn new techniques to deal with anxiety and stress better.  If you have some money, you may wish to consider a professional psychologist or therapist in your area.

You’re not alone.  Plenty of people are afraid to fly.  Many of them have been able to overcome the problem.  Flying should be a fun adventure that takes you to interesting and unusual places.  And it will be after you put your fear of flying behind you!

Technorati Tags: aerophobia, afraid to fly, Air Travel, Airplanes, anxiety, Aviation, Business Flights, Countless Reasons, Cramped Space, fear, fear of flying, Fly, Friends And Family, Internet Message Boards, panic attacks, People Find, phobia, Plain English, Recent Plane Crashes, Roots, Support Group, Traumatizing

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Tagged with: aerophobia • afraid to fly • Air Travel • Airplanes • anxiety • Aviation • Business Flights • Countless Reasons • Cramped Space • fear • fear of flying • Fly • Friends And Family • Internet Message Boards • panic attacks • People Find • phobia • Plain English • Recent Plane Crashes • Roots • Support Group • Traumatizing

Filed under: Panic attacks and anxiety general

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