Managing Stress Related to Fear of Flying
Fear of flying is a common phobia that affects many people. From being anxious when travelling in an aeroplane to being unable to go anywhere near an airport, fear of flying has various levels of discomfort.
The good news is that fear of flying, or aerophobia as it is officially known, is an irrational fear that can be managed. You don’t have to spoil your enjoyment of exploring the world or visiting loved ones who live far away. There is a solution.
What causes fear of flying?
Several triggers can cause the fear associated with air travel. Triggers could be caused by a past event such as extreme turbulence or a bad landing. A trigger may also be something innocuous that’s been blown out of proportion.
Many people develop a fear of flying because they are concerned about:
- Being in an out-of-control aircraft
- The plane may drop out of the sky
- Strange noises
- Turbulence
What is the best therapy for flight anxiety?
Managing flight anxiety can help you take control of your fear of flying and will give you the freedom to enjoy air travel and not have to avoid it. One of the best ways to manage flight anxiety is to understand how aircraft work and why things that scare you happen. It’s important to realise that:
- An engine malfunction is highly unlikely, and the pilot is trained in how to deal with these situations.
- Most noises have a normal explanation (e.g. The landing gear being engaged).
- Although scary, turbulence is normal, planes are designed to handle it and pilots try to avoid it as much as possible.
Products containing Lactium® can help calm you before a flight. This natural milk-derived protein can help reduce stress levels.
Tips to overcome your fear of flying
As well as the above, these fear of flying tips can help you face up to flying and open up a world of travel possibilities:
- Learn distraction techniques – Read a book, listen to music, sing in your head, whatever takes your mind off the flight. Visualising a pleasant situation can also help distract you.
- Talk to the cabin crew – Before you take off tell them how anxious you are. Cabin crews are trained to help people who are anxious during the flight.
- Start with short journeys – Overcoming the fear of flying means building up to long-haul journeys slowly. Begin with a trip within your home country, then venture a little further and before you know it you could be on a flight to Australia!
- Book a flying lesson – This can help you understand the technicalities of an aeroplane.
- Take fear of flying treatment in the form of a product containing Lactium® which will help calm your nerves.
Many airports offer fear of flying courses that will give you plenty of flight anxiety tips. They may even take you on a flight. This is a successful form of aerophobia treatment where you can discuss your fears with professionals and other people who have the same anxiety about flying as you.
Overcoming flight anxiety can give you so much freedom. You’ll be able to visit places you’ve only dreamed of and get to destinations much faster than driving. If you’d like to find out more about how products containing Lactium® can help you manage your phobia please contact us.
