Fear of Flying: Tips & Information for Phobics

FLYING: You may love it, dislike it or be completely terrified by the mere thought of a trip on a plane. Whichever category you're in, the modern world demands that most of us will need to board a plane at some stage of our lives, so if your fears appear to be unsurmountable, how do you manage to get around this mental block?

Fear of flying is rooted in the uncomfortable awareness that life is fragile, we are vunerable and really, we have no control over life and death either in the air or on the ground. People often quote statistics to make flying phobics overcome their deep seated fear. For instance, "airline travel is 29 times safer than driving a motor vehicle". However, statistics don't help those whose fear of flying actually has little to do with the risk factor. People are not 29 times more afraid of getting into a car.

If a flying phobia comes from a awareness that life is fragile and complete control is not ours, we can learn to be in command of our thoughts and feelings far easier than we think. The fear of flying is a form of anxiety. This fear stems from numerous factors: heights, crowded conditions, enclosed spaces, sitting in hot and stale air, waiting and being dependent on unknown mechanical things to maintain safety; not feeling in control.

If your fear of flying derives from a past traumatic experience involving airflight, then it is very worthwhile taking time to speak to a Psychologist who may be able to offer you real help. The best way to overcome any fears or phobias is by facing them straight on. To learn how to expand your awareness beyond the unpleasant situation, learn how to focus on other subjects and learning that sitting paralyzed in your seat on an airplane won't make your flight any safer.

Research shows that four specific issues seem to be most associated with flight anxiety. The first is rumination, which refers to overthinking the situation over-and-over again. The second issue is self-blame wherby an individual dwells on mistakes they have made in the past. The third is resignation which refers to thinking that you have no other option but to be helpless and finally, the last issue is catastrophising. Catastrophisig is when you dwell on how horric a situation could be and the awful outcome of flying.

A few tips for those who fear flying is to constantly remind yourself that you are doing the best you can and that any progress takes time. Do not expect to overcome any fears within a day, it takes time. Give yourself credit for your own good sense and acknowledge your fear openly before challenging it. Seek help from a professional who can teach you techniques on how to distract yourself by reading a book, a magazine or a sudoko puzzle.

Before you take your first flight buy Passiflora or Valerian from your local healthstore as this helps your body to relax and eases any jangling nerves. Finally, remember that bad things could happpen, but it is highly unlikely that they will. You may be nervous, you may need support for your first flight, you may need to speak to a professional and you may need something to help you to relax. You can do it.