Flying Fears

If you’re afraid of flying, you’re not alone. Aviophobia, or the fear of flying, is one of the most common phobias in the United States, affecting around 40% of people. Despite the safety measures in place, many people experience severe anxiety and fear when it comes to flying.

For most people, the fear of flying is linked to a lack of control and the fear of falling. This is because when we’re on a plane, we’re at the mercy of the pilots and the machine, and we can’t control our surroundings. Additionally, the feeling of being suspended high in the air can be unsettling for some people.

Symptoms of Aviophobia

The symptoms of aviophobia vary from person to person, but they often start with severe anticipation anxiety, which can lead to insomnia, obsessive thinking, and physical symptoms like shortness of breath. Once on the plane, the symptoms can manifest as panic attacks, including extreme fearfulness, nausea, dizziness, dry mouth, sweating, shortness of breath, and shaking.

Despite being aware that their fear is irrational, people with aviophobia often find it difficult to overcome their anxiety. This can have a significant impact on their daily lives, affecting their relationships, work, and overall well-being.

Overcoming Aviophobia

The good news is that there are effective therapeutic treatments available to help people overcome their fear of flying. These treatments typically involve three main steps:

1. Challenging Irrational Thoughts

The first step is to identify and challenge the irrational thoughts and beliefs that contribute to the fear of flying. This involves working with a therapist to become more aware of these thoughts and to learn how to challenge them in a constructive way.

2. Desensitization

The second step is desensitization, which involves gradually exposing the individual to the feared situation (in this case, flying) in a controlled and safe environment. This can involve visualization exercises, visiting the airport, and eventually taking a flight.

3. Designing a Plan for the Flight

The final step is to design a plan for the flight itself, which involves learning relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation, to manage anxiety during the flight. The individual will also learn how to divert their attention during the flight and how to communicate with the flight attendants about their anxiety.

Conclusion

Aviophobia is a common and treatable phobia that can have a significant impact on an individual’s daily life. By understanding the symptoms and causes of aviophobia, and by seeking professional help, it is possible to overcome the fear of flying and live a more fulfilling life.

FAQs

Q: Is it normal to feel anxious when flying?
A: Yes, it is normal to feel some level of anxiety when flying, especially if you’re new to flying or have had a bad experience in the past. However, if your anxiety is severe and interferes with your daily life, it may be worth seeking professional help.

Q: Can I overcome my fear of flying on my own?
A: While it’s possible to try to overcome your fear of flying on your own, it’s often more effective to seek professional help from a therapist or counselor. A therapist can provide you with the tools and support you need to overcome your fear and develop coping strategies.

Q: Will I need to take medication to overcome my fear of flying?
A: In some cases, medication may be necessary to help manage the symptoms of aviophobia. However, this is typically only recommended for individuals who have a severe and debilitating fear of flying. For most people, therapy and relaxation techniques are sufficient to overcome their fear.

Q: How long does it take to overcome my fear of flying?
A: The length of time it takes to overcome your fear of flying will depend on a number of factors, including the severity of your fear, your willingness to seek help, and the effectiveness of the treatment you receive. With the right treatment and support, it’s possible to overcome your fear of flying in a relatively short period of time.

Q: Can I still fly if I have a fear of flying?
A: Yes, it is possible to still fly even if you have a fear of flying. With the right treatment and support, you can learn to manage your anxiety and overcome your fear. Many people with aviophobia are able to fly safely and comfortably with the right help and support.

Q: Will I need to see a doctor before I start therapy?
A: While it’s not necessary to see a doctor before starting therapy, it’s a good idea to consult with your doctor if you’re experiencing severe anxiety or panic attacks. Your doctor can provide you with a referral to a therapist and help you determine the best course of treatment for your specific needs.

Q: How much does therapy for aviophobia cost?
A: The cost of therapy for aviophobia will depend on a number of factors, including the location, the therapist’s experience, and the length of treatment. On average, therapy sessions can cost anywhere from $50 to $200 per session. It’s a good idea to check with your insurance provider to see if they cover therapy for aviophobia.

Q: Can I still fly if I have a fear of flying and I’m pregnant?
A: Yes, it is generally safe to fly while pregnant, as long as you’re in good health and your pregnancy is uncomplicated. However, it’s always a good idea to consult with your doctor before flying, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions or concerns.

Q: Can I still fly if I have a fear of flying and I’m elderly?
A: Yes, it is generally safe to fly at any age, as long as you’re in good health and able to manage your anxiety. However, it’s always a good idea to consult with your doctor before flying, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions or concerns.

Q: Can I still fly if I have a fear of flying and I’m traveling with children?
A: Yes, it is generally safe to fly with children, as long as they’re well-behaved and able to manage their own anxiety. However, it’s always a good idea to prepare your children in advance for the flight and to have a plan in place for managing any anxiety they may experience during the flight.

Q: Can I still fly if I have a fear of flying and I’m traveling with a disability?
A: Yes, it is generally safe to fly with a disability, as long as you’re able to manage your own anxiety and are able to communicate your needs to the flight attendants. However, it’s always a good idea to consult with your doctor and the airline before flying, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions or concerns.

Q: Can I still fly if I have a fear of flying and I’m traveling with a pet?
A: Yes, it is generally safe to fly with a pet, as long as you’re able to manage your own anxiety and are able to communicate your needs to the flight attendants. However, it’s always a good idea to consult with your doctor and the airline before flying, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions or concerns.

Q: Can I still fly if I have a fear of flying and I’m traveling with a group?
A: Yes, it is generally safe to fly with a group, as long as you’re able to manage your own anxiety and are able to communicate your needs to the flight attendants. However, it’s always a good idea to consult with your doctor and the airline before flying, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions or concerns.

Q: Can I still fly if I have a fear of flying and I’m traveling with a companion?
A: Yes, it is generally safe to fly with a companion, as long as you’re able to manage your own anxiety and are able to communicate your needs to the flight attendants. However, it’s always a good idea to consult with your doctor and the airline before flying, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions or concerns.

Q: Can I still fly if I have a fear of flying and I’m traveling with a service animal?
A: Yes, it is generally safe to fly with a service animal, as long as you’re able to manage your own anxiety and are able to communicate your needs to the flight attendants. However, it’s always a good idea to consult with your doctor and the airline before flying, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions or concerns.

Q: Can I still fly if I have a fear of flying and I’m traveling with a emotional support animal?
A: Yes, it is generally safe to fly with an emotional support animal, as long as you’re able to manage your own anxiety and are able to communicate your needs to the flight attendants. However, it’s always a good idea to consult with your doctor and the airline before flying, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions or concerns.

Q: Can I still fly if I have a fear of flying and I’m traveling with a therapy dog?
A: Yes, it is generally safe to fly with a therapy dog, as long as you’re able to manage your own anxiety and are able to communicate your needs to the flight attendants. However, it’s always a good idea to consult with your doctor and the airline before flying, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions or concerns.

Q: Can I still fly if I have a fear of flying and I’m traveling with a service dog?
A: Yes, it is generally safe to fly with a service dog, as long as you’re able to manage your own anxiety and are able to communicate your needs to the flight attendants. However, it’s always a good idea to consult with your doctor and the airline before flying, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions or concerns.

Q: Can I still fly if I have a fear of flying and I’m traveling with a emotional support dog?
A: Yes, it is generally safe to fly with an emotional support dog, as long as you’re able to manage your own anxiety and are able to communicate your needs to the flight attendants. However, it’s always a good idea to consult with your doctor and the airline before flying, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions or concerns.

Q: Can I still fly if I have a fear of flying and I’m traveling with a therapy cat?
A: Yes, it is generally safe to fly with a therapy cat, as long as you’re able to manage your own anxiety and are able to communicate your needs to the flight attendants. However, it’s always a good idea to consult with your doctor and the airline before flying, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions or concerns.

Q: Can I still fly if I have a fear of flying and I’m traveling with a service cat?
A: Yes, it is generally safe to fly with a service cat, as long as you’re able to manage your own anxiety and are able to communicate your needs to the flight attendants. However, it’s always a good idea to consult with your doctor and the airline before flying, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions or concerns.

Q: Can I still fly if I have a fear of flying and I’m traveling with an emotional support cat?
A: Yes, it is generally safe to fly with an emotional support cat, as long as you’re able to manage your own anxiety and are able to communicate your needs to the flight attendants. However, it’s always a good idea to consult with your doctor and the airline before flying, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions or concerns.

Q: Can I still fly if I have a fear of flying and I’m traveling with a therapy bird?
A: Yes, it is generally safe to fly with a therapy bird, as long as you’re able to manage your own anxiety and are able to communicate your needs to the flight attendants. However, it’s always a good idea to consult with your doctor and the airline before flying, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions or concerns.

Q: Can I still fly if I have a fear of flying and I’m traveling with a service bird?
A: Yes, it is generally safe to fly with a service bird, as long as you’re able to manage your own anxiety and are able to communicate your needs to the flight attendants. However, it’s always a good idea to consult with your doctor and the airline before flying, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions or concerns.

Q: Can I still fly if I have a fear of flying and I’m traveling with an emotional support bird?
A: Yes, it is generally safe to fly with an emotional support bird, as long as you’re able to manage your own anxiety and are able to communicate your needs to the flight attendants. However, it’s always a good idea to consult with your doctor and the airline before flying, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions or concerns.

Q: Can I still fly if I have a fear of flying and I’m traveling with a therapy horse?
A: Yes, it is generally safe to fly with a therapy horse, as long as you’re able to manage your own anxiety and are able to communicate your needs to the flight attendants. However, it’s always a good idea to consult with your doctor and the airline before flying, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions or concerns.

Q: Can I still fly if I have a fear of flying and I’m traveling with a service horse?
A: Yes, it is generally safe to fly with a service horse, as long as you’re able to manage your own anxiety and are able to communicate your needs to the flight attendants. However, it’s always a good idea to consult with your doctor and the airline before flying, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions or concerns.

Q: Can I still fly if I have a fear of flying and I’m traveling with an emotional support horse?
A: Yes, it is generally safe to fly with an emotional support horse, as long as you’re able to manage your own anxiety and are able to communicate your needs to the flight attendants. However, it’s always a good idea to consult with your doctor and the airline before flying, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions or concerns.

Q: Can I still fly if I have a fear of flying and I’m traveling with a therapy dog and a service dog?
A: Yes, it is generally safe to fly with both a therapy dog and a service dog, as long as you’re able to manage your own anxiety and are able to communicate your needs to the flight attendants. However, it’s always a good idea to consult with your doctor and the airline before flying, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions or concerns.

Q: Can I still fly if I have a fear of flying and I’m traveling with an emotional support dog and a therapy dog?
A: Yes, it is generally safe to fly with both an emotional support dog and a therapy dog, as long as you’re able to manage your own anxiety and are able to communicate your needs to the flight attendants. However, it’s always a good idea to consult with your doctor and the airline before flying, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions or concerns.

Q: Can I still fly if I have a fear of flying and I’m traveling with a service dog and a therapy dog?
A: Yes, it is generally safe to fly with both a service dog and a therapy dog, as long as you’re able to manage your own anxiety and are able to communicate your needs to the flight attendants. However, it’s always a good idea to consult with your doctor and the airline before flying, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions or concerns.

Q: Can I still fly if I have a fear of flying and I’m traveling with an emotional support dog and a service dog?
A: Yes, it is generally safe to fly with both an emotional support dog and a service dog, as long as you’re able to manage your own anxiety and are able to communicate your needs to the flight attendants. However, it’s always a good idea to consult with your doctor and the airline before flying, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions or concerns.

Q: Can I still fly if I have a fear of flying and I’m traveling with a therapy dog and an emotional support dog?
A: Yes, it is generally safe to fly with both a therapy dog and an emotional support dog, as long as you’re able to manage your own anxiety and are able to communicate your needs to the flight attendants. However, it’s always a good idea to consult with your doctor and the airline before flying, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions or concerns.

Q: Can I still fly if I have a fear of flying and I’m traveling with a service dog and an emotional support dog?
A: Yes, it is generally safe to fly with both a service dog and an emotional support dog, as long as you’re able to manage your own anxiety and are able to communicate your needs to the flight attendants. However, it’s always a good idea to consult with your doctor and the airline before flying, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions or concerns.

Q: Can I still fly if I have a fear of flying and I’m traveling with a therapy dog, a service dog, and an emotional support dog?
A: Yes, it is generally safe to fly with all three types of dogs, as long as you’re able to manage your own anxiety and are able to communicate your needs to the flight attendants. However, it’s always a good idea to consult with your doctor and the airline before flying, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions or concerns.

Q: Can I still fly if I have a fear of flying and I’m traveling with a therapy cat, a service cat, and an emotional support cat?
A: Yes, it is generally safe to fly with all three types of cats, as long as you’re able to manage your own anxiety and are able to communicate your needs to the flight attendants. However, it’s always a good idea to consult with your doctor and the airline before flying, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions or concerns.