How to Overcome a Fear of Flying

The fear of flying is far more common than many imagine, and countless people suffer from anxiety every time they step on an airplane. The fear varies in severity, and some have a fear so strong that they cannot be convinced to go on a plane for any reason. In today’s world, not being able to fly is severely limiting. Fortunately, there are treatments available, and they have proven to be tremendously effective. Here are a few tips for overcoming your fear of flying.

Identify the Cause

Part of the reason why the fear of flying is so common is because there are so many causes. For some, the anxiety of flying has to do with a fear of heights. For others, traveling in a vehicle over which they have no control can lead to a fear of flying. Still others become claustrophobic on flights. If you can uncover the cause of your anxiety, you can attack it directly and resolve other fears at the same time.

Learn About Airplanes

To those who do not understand the physics behind flight, air travel can seem a bit like magic. After learning how air pressure causes the wings to lift upward, much of the mysticism goes away. This demystification can provide some relief to some who suffer from a fear of flying. Similarly, reading about air travel statistics may help as well. Air travel is one of the safest forms of transportation, and those who learn the statistics of air travel may find their anxiety relieved. The Department of Transportation website has a dedicated page about air travel statistics which can be a good resource.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Those who suffer from severe air travel anxiety may need dedicated therapy. Fortunately, new therapeutic techniques have been developed over the years. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a technique used to gradually introduce patients to the concept of air travel in a controlled environment. Those who participate will be taught how to fend off feelings of anxiety and fear. Cognitive behavioral therapy has proven to be tremendously effective, and even those with the most crippling fear of flying will likely find relief.

When it comes to arriving quickly, nothing can rival air travel, and the jet engine has undoubtedly transformed the world. To those who suffer from a fear of flying, however, this freedom may seem off limits. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to overcome a fear of flying, and those who choose to attack their fear will almost certainly see success.