Aviophobia, the fear of flying is more common than we think. Think of the times you have seen someone with a panicked look on his or her face at an airport. Or maybe you are the one with the panicked look. The conspicuous stress, the sweaty hands, and the odd behavior are all noticeable signs of a person who has a fear of flying.
Here are several tips to help you or someone you know conquer the fear of flying:
· Let airline workers know. At the gate, or at check-in, a flight attendant can talk to you about your fear and possibly help to talk you through it or at least ease the fear. Airline employees receive training in helping people with their fear to fly. They will be more than happy to help and they will be discreet. This can be reassuring and you will feel that you are not left alone with your worries and fears.
· Take a Fear of Flying course. Yes, there really is such a thing! And it will certainly help you to get rid of your fear and take flights without any worries. Or at least teach you how to make your mind not to worry about flying.
· Seek help from your doctor. Some medications can ease the fear before and during the flight. It is important to remember that you may not drive upon landing after taking any medications for this purpose as they can cause drowsiness.
· Ask questions so you will be informed of what is happening. British Airways began a program where an attendant volunteers to fly with passengers who are showing fear.
· Bring a comfort item. Children may bring a favorite stuffed animal or toy. Adults might bring their favorite pillow or wear a favorite outfit.
· Bring something to keep you active. Books and crosswords are great if you do not get motion sickness. Music is another possible idea. These aids will help you to be relaxed and will keep your mind busy with other things rather than letting it dig deep into your fears.
It is important to determine why you have a fear of flying. Once you know what exactly you fear you can take steps to alleviate and overcome it. If you fear lightning striking the plane you might choose to check weather reports before flying. And remember, many people share the fear of flying. You are not alone.
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Thanks for helping to get the word out that there are fear of flying courses. Most of them are run by pilots who believe that if people know how (and why) safe flying is, they will be fine.
That doesn’t take care of people who are afraid of having a panic attack on a plane.
And meds, it turns out, make the anxiety greater; research in which people took meds and placebo, placebo takers did better than people on meds!
So far as I know, the only program that is effective in stopping panic when flying is the one I put together, being both an airline captain and a licensed therapist. It also helps to have twenty-eight years experience specializing in this.