How to Overcome a Fear of Flying
Studies have found that millions of people have a fear of flying, despite the enormous odds against a mishap. There are several ways to conquer your fears and make air travel more endurable.
- Difficulty:
- Challenging
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- Yellow Pages
- Headphones
- Stress Relief Products
- Portable CD Players
- Relaxation Tapes
- Telephones
- Therapists
-
-
1
Accept that it is unlikely you can conquer your fear of flying without help.
-
2
Get counseling or join a group. Since fear of flying is such a common phobia, many excellent clinics are available to help you. Look in the yellow pages under 'Clinics,' 'Mental Health Services' or 'Psychologists.'
-
3
Read a book. Countless books are devoted to overcoming the fear of flying. Most include instructions on special breathing and relaxation methods and other helpful techniques.
-
4
Buy a tape. Some fear-of-flying programs are on tape so you can listen to instructions for relaxation and breathing.
-
5
Have confidence that you can succeed. Even the most serious fears about flying can be conquered with proper treatment and hard work.
-
6
Ask your physician for a prescription drug to relax you when you must fly, if all else fails. Keep in mind, however, that most professionals believe you can conquer this fear without medication.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Symptoms often associated with fear of flying include anxiety attacks, heart palpitations, dizziness, a feeling of suffocation, sweating, nausea and shaking. These are symptoms of anxiety and are not medically dangerous.
Avoid using alcohol as a way to relax yourself, as it may impair sleep and cause dehydration. Never drink alcohol if you are also taking tranquilizers or other prescription drugs.
Related Searches
Comments
-
What I can't get over is how this huge plane can carry all these people and luggage across country. I'm in the air with no 'protection' beneath me. I'm scared to death!
-
keith-o
Aug 04, 2009
BTW.... take a short flight first. Then you can handle the longer flights. I'm afraid of heights too. Looking out didn't make me feel weird and nervous. I was in the plane that had a quiet and controlled cabin. ALSO, (this is a must for first time flyers!) get a seat near or around the wing section. Sitting in 1st class or all the way in the back you'll feel everything which will make it worse. The wing area is the most stable. Think of a see-saw. front or back gives that effect. in the middle is with the wing is the deal. I've sat everywhere and I prefer the wing. Just a heads up... -
keith-o
Aug 04, 2009
It's a common fear. The only thing that scared me was the fast take down the runway. Once the plane lifted of the runway it was ok. I would sit for hours on end before my first flight and sweat like a pig. I'm so glad I just went ahead and did it. Just watch other people on the plane when you hear or feel anything "funny". If they keep on talking or read their books then you're ok. My sister (seasoned flier) went with me my first flights to and from NYC and that helped. Take a person hat has flown before. Take an iPod and and get a window seat. Yes a window seat. Seeing the view after you get above the clouds is something else. I can't wait to fly again. We had a terrible landing in Charlotte and I noticed it was rocky but my Sis said it was the worst of her life (she said later). I thought it was a normal once in a while bump. Being in the dark is sometimes best. Enjoy your first fl...
-
Scaredofflying
Oct 23, 2007
Well, I have an 8 o'clock flight in the morning and have never flown in my life. And, I'm terrified :( Im going on Business and it is neccessary to fly to my destination.Everything come to mind when i think of myself on a plane, from terrorist to mechanical problems. Im going with 2 of my coworkers who've both flown before and love it! What should I do? advice?
-
Scaredofflying
Oct 23, 2007
Well, I have an 8 o'clock flight in the morning and have never flown in my life. And, I'm terrified :( Im going on Business and it is neccessary to fly to my destination.Everything come to mind when i think of myself on a plane, from terrorist to mechanical problems. Im going with 2 of my coworkers who've both flown before and love it! What should I do? advice?
