Things You'll Need:
- Yellow Pages
- Headphones
- Stress Relief Products
- Portable CD Players
- Relaxation Tapes
- Telephones
- Therapists
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Step 1
Accept that it is unlikely you can conquer your fear of flying without help.
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Step 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.'
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Step 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.
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Step 4
Buy a tape. Some fear-of-flying programs are on tape so you can listen to instructions for relaxation and breathing.
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Step 5
Have confidence that you can succeed. Even the most serious fears about flying can be conquered with proper treatment and hard work.
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Step 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.
Comments
keith-o said
on 8/4/2009 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 said
on 8/4/2009 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...
capttombunn said
on 6/29/2009 Ordinary counseling will not help. Only a handful of therapists have the expertise to effectively deal with flight anxiety.
Though books and tapes offer breathing exercises, according to research, that does not work for flight anxiety. Learning how flying works can help.
Say no to drugs. Research shows drugs make flight anxiety worse by increasing panic attacks tenfold.
Several articles on effective help are available at http://www.fearofflying.com/wordpress
dchewus said
on 3/21/2009 Read http://www.fearofstuff.com/travel/the-fear-of-flying/ for more information on the fear of flying - maybe that can help you, since it did help me get more educated about my fear.
jp3fn said
on 9/20/2008 Fear of flying can be cured in as little 18 minutes with the easy to follow steps of GoGetter JetSetter. Overcome your fear of flying and become a calm, confident, and in-control flyer.
Check out: http://www.gogetterjetsetter.com