Fear of flying is a phobia of flying. It is a mental illness that is quite common. Affected people can have panic attacks just at the sight of an airplane, and entering an airport is almost impossible. If a flight is imminent, patients show all kinds of symptoms, loss of control over their own body and panic attacks are just some of them. Thereby, there are numerous therapy options to help you get your fear of flying under control.
Where does fear of flying come from
Where exactly the fear of flying comes from has not been scientifically researched. It can have various causes, such as a warning of the unknown. Another reason for fear of flying would be being at the mercy of others; affected people know that they cannot intervene in an emergency situation. Turbulence during flight is something these people can’t stand at all, and they can’t stand it when the altitude drops drastically. So the fear of flying always makes itself felt when the person is sitting in an airplane and knows that even in emergency situations nothing can be done. Affected people realize very quickly that a plane crash is usually fatal. Fear of flying can also stem from a psychological preload, especially fear of heights is a typical characteristic. Often, small steps are enough to free oneself from fear of flying.
Seat selection makes the difference
There is no such thing as a safe seat with a guarantee of survival. But for people with a fear of flying, the emergency exit is especially important. So the seat should either be directly at the emergency exit or at least in the five rows in front of it. Seats along the aisle, at the front of the plane, are also ideal. This allows those affected to calm down at least a little, because in the event of a fire or crash landing, the emergency exit is close by. In this scenario, every second counts, the other passengers do not always follow the instructions of the flight staff. So there should be no obstacles, blocking the way to the emergency exit.
Day of departure: avoid stress and hustle and bustle.
On the day of departure, stress and hectic should be avoided as far as possible. Even days before, the stress level rises in those affected. They simply have the feeling that they are heading for a major disaster. So people should not be made additionally stress and hectic. The trip should be planned precisely, and the day of departure should not be made even more difficult by last-minute errands. Rather, the suitcases must be packed in good time and all the necessary utensils must be ready in advance. Those affected should go through the trip in their heads, because it is a reassuring feeling to have everything in place. The journey to the airport should also not necessarily take place by public transport; people with a fear of flying should not be exposed to stressful traffic situations under any circumstances. A cab would make much more sense here. Fear of flying should not be denied or fought, but nervousness is perfectly fine. Having courage while feeling anxious only increases nervousness and promotes anxiety.
Take tranquilizers only in an emergency
Tranquilizers are only something for emergencies, there are other relaxation exercises. If the muscles are relaxed, the feeling of anxiety also subsides. Distraction is also a good remedy. A good book, relaxing music or entertaining conversations with the flight neighbor help. Coffee and alcoholic beverages are not the right choice, as they only further stress the already stressed organism. Tea or still water is better. The feeling of hunger should also not arise, before or during the trip the appetite should be satisfied. Alcohol and medication are not the appropriate means to combat fear of flying. The fear is combated superficially, but it remains.
Breathing and relaxation exercises
Breathing and relaxation exercises might also help. A combination of breathing exercises and muscle relaxation are an excellent remedy that can be used anywhere. To do this, place both hands on the abdomen and pull the shoulders up at the same time. This posture should be held for about ten seconds. Then exhale and lower the shoulders again. This exercise should be repeated five times, and the shoulder muscles are relaxed. Affected people often show short breathing, inhaling and exhaling hastily. This can also be avoided, abdominal breathing counteracts the “wrong” breathing.It is important to exhale twice as long as you inhale.
Professional help: therapy as a means
Since the last resort is therapy, but it certainly depends on the course and severity of this condition. If the phobia is deeply seated, only therapy can help. A psychologist must of course diagnose the fear of flying flawlessly and in the further course of treatment, the cause must be determined. But this is not so easy, because often the fear of flying is based on an event that happened a long time ago. Negative experiences can be made at a young age and these then lead to fear of flying later on. Children perceive some situations as uncontrollable, this is often seen when they are locked in a room and even teased by their peers. When the fear of flying is recognized, an expert must be consulted, but then the fear of flying can be cured. However, therapy may well take several years.
Pilots also know fear of flying
Fear of flying can be overcome, even some pilots used to have a fear of flying. But if you really want to overcome the fear, you have to fly. There is even a flight simulator and after a virtual test flight, most people dare to get into a real plane. If a pilot has ever been affected by a fear of flying, he has long since overcome it and enjoys the very special freedom above the clouds. Only those who face their fear of flying can ultimately lose it.
