How to Calm Your Fear of Flying

Though it's understandable why a fear of being in a little metal container that is flying thousands of feet in the air can cause some people to feel fearful. However, there are many strategies out there to ensure that this fear does not affect a person's ability to live his life.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• The determination to get on the plane
• The understanding that your fear is just that--a fear, not a reality
• Something to occupy your thoughts and time while you're in the air, such as a book, earplugs or eye mask.
• Sedatives such as alcohol or anti-anxiety pills are optional (and should only be used after consulting a doctor)

1. Talk to others who have overcome a fear of flying. Ask them how they were able to achieve this goal.
2. Try to establish how you developed this fear. Did it start after 9/11 or after a particularly bumpy flight? Also establish what exactly you're afraid of. Are you afraid of a terrorist attack? Crashing over an ocean? Burning in a plane crash? Not being able to get out of the plane if it does crash?
3. Talk to your doctor about your fears and what you can do to put them at rest when you need to travel.
4. Discuss medication options, including anti-anxiety and sleeping pills, as well as therapy.
5. Schedule an appointment with a therapist if necessary.

Tips & Warnings

• For most people who have a slight fear of flying, having a couple of drinks at the airport prior to boarding the plane may calm their nerves. Just be sure to know your limit and not become intoxicated, as most airlines have a policy of preventing openly drunken passengers from boarding.