How to Overcome Anxiety About Flying
Treating your anxiety about flying may take several steps. Knowing the facts about flying is a starting point. The odds of dying in an air travel accident are about one in 20,000, whereas the odds of dying in a car accident are around one in 100. Yet despite the low risk of death associated with air travel, up to 25 million Americans experience some fear of flying, whether low anxiety or aviophobia, a severe fear of flying.
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Instructions
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Get to the root of your fear of flying. Whether it is claustrophobia, lack of control or fear of dying during air travel, knowing exactly what it is that triggers your anxiety and fear is the first step toward overcoming it.
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Educate yourself about how planes work and the statistics related to safe air travel. Do research at websites like Guidetopsychology.com which has a page called "Basic Principles of Aircraft Flight" with facts to help calm your fears about the plane falling from the sky and turbulence.
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Start small. Book a one-way flight less than one hour in duration that, if necessary, you can drive back home from instead of flying. Treat this as a "test flight" for you to get acquainted with air travel before booking a longer flight or a transcontinental flight to another country.
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Book an aisle seat. This can help you feel less claustrophobic and allow you to move easier during the flight. It can also be helpful to not be seated next to the window if you have a fear of heights.
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Familiarize yourself with the look of the plane's cabin and ask to meet the pilot or crew members of your flight. Knowing what to expect when you step onto the plane and speaking with the employees can help you feel more relaxed and knowledgeable.
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Treat the symptoms of your fear of flying by taking deep breaths and getting your mind off your anxiety. Read a book or listen to music during the flight's take-off and landing, which for many people the most stressful parts of a flight.
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Get a prescription for anxiety medication or sleeping pills. Refrain from drinking alcohol while using these medication.
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Get professional counseling. See a doctor or counselor for more in-depth treatment of your fear of flying if your anxiety feels uncontrollable.
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Tips & Warnings
Avoid plane disaster movies and news regarding plane disasters in the days and weeks leading up to your flight. Remember the thousands of flights that land safely every day don't make the news.
Refrain from sitting in the emergency exit aisle, being responsible for opening the emergency exit may increase your anxiety about flying.
