Aviophobia - an irrational fear of flying does exist and is not some medical term made up by a psychiatrist! It comes as a surprise to me when people are afraid of flying considering the fact that at any given time there must be millions of people flying above our heads and we hardly see any major catastrophes. In fact there are chances that more people will die from road traffic accidents rather than airplane disasters. However the human mind is programmed to understand that road travel is safer than air travel and it does often beat all imaginations as to how these avian behemoths can actually fly!
Fear of flying induces panic attacks, nausea and even anticipatory vomiting. The great majority of us can banish these fears to the back of the mind and travel comfortably but a few still need reassurance and support. How can one overcome the fear of flying? It does not happen overnight and thus needs a gradual, step-by-step approach to banish this fear.
1. Dissect the components that cause fear: Why does one fear flying? There maybe several reasons. Claustrophobia (fear of confinement in closed spaces), acrophobia (fear of heights), turbulence and mechanical sounds that are unfamiliar, terrorist attacks (post 9/11) and the very fact that one is not in control of the situation (akin to a back-seat driver's fear - only magnified severally). Identifying what causes the fear most can help some people.
2. Education: Arm yourself with as much knowledge as you can about air travel and airplanes. Statistically speaking there are more chances of one getting killed in a car crash rather than an airplane. However the vulnerability in air is more acute than on road! There are several online resources that can educate you and these include Flying Without Fear, SOAR and Fear of Flying Courses.
3. Desensitization and exposure: Write down all the situations possible that plunges you into panic. Then with each situation in your mind practice relaxation techniques till the fear is removed. Additionally try getting to airports, wander around and watch flights landing and taking off, take a short-distance flight with friends and family and familiarize yourself with flying.
4. Support: There are various forums online for people with a fear of flying. Meet people who have successfully overcome the fear of flying and even those who are trying to overcome it. Local support groups are also available in many areas and you can get access to them through your counsellor.
5. Therapists: Many people have been cured of their irrational fears with the help of psychotherapists and this is a good idea if you have tried everything else with no results.
6. Medications: Some people can benefit by way of medications that can alleviate anxiety if they continue to have fear of flying despite any or all of the above methods.
Air travel is more of a necessity than choice nowadays either for business or pleasure. Learn to overcome the fear of flying and have a safe and enjoyable flight! BON VOYAGE!