Some mistakes had disastrous consequences
Most individuals with aerophobia aren't really afraid of a plane crash. They are more afraid of the overwhelming anxiety associated with being on the plane or even the anticipation of flying.
Aerophobia usually isn't caused by something specific.
Another name for aerophobia is aviophobia.
Those who are most susceptible to aerophobia include individuals from 17 to 34 years old. This unique time in life has a lot of major milestones including graduation, marriage, or even childbirth.
Your fear might be irrational but that doesn't mean you can reason it away. Statistics show that traveling in the air has some of the lowest death rates when compared to other forms of travel.
The fear of flying is quite common and affects approximately 25 million adults in the US.
Aerophobia is an extreme fear someone has associated with flying in an airplane. The specific aspects each person fears may differ. For example, some may worry about the take-off or landing while others fear being trapped inside an airplane.
A phobia is an intense worry or panic about certain activities, objects, or situations. It is a type of anxiety disorder.
People might be worried that by flying, they are jeopardizing their lives during such an important time.
Other phobias can make aerophobia even worse. Things like acrophobia, a fear of heights, or anthropophobia (a fear of people) can cause you more anxiety.
However, it might be triggered by news stories about crashes, terrorism, or violence on planes. It can also be triggered by take-off and landing, or during turbulence.
If you have aerophobia you might avoid flying and will potentially miss opportunities to connect for work and with family. You might insist on other modes of transportation even if it's inconvenient.
If you have aerophobia, you might have a panic attack before or during the flight.
Aerophobia can range from mild to severe. You may have a more mild case if you'll fly but only if you have to. Whereas, it may be more severe if you've refused to fly for five years or more.
You might have aerophobia if you develop symptoms at just the thought of a situation or object including airplanes and air travel.
Many people can actually overcome their fears around flying with the following options.
Psychotherapy could be a one-on-one session with a therapist or possibly in a group setting.
This type of therapy will gradually expose you to thoughts, places, or situations related to traveling in the air. One example might be visiting an airport and watching as planes take off and land safely.
Depending on the severity of your aerophobia you might either avoid movies and books related to air travel altogether or become obsessed with learning about security measures in airports or on planes.
Medication isn't considered effective for managing aerophobia in the long run. However, it might help with more immediate problems such as an anxiety attack.
CBT can help you focus on changing the way you think about flying. It can also encourage techniques to manage certain triggers such as deep breathing and meditation.
Sharing your anxieties and fears with a support system of friends and/or family can potentially help reduce the impact.
Avoid things that often make anxiety worse like caffeine or alcohol. Additionally, be sure to share your fears and anxieties with a medical provider.
If you experience difficulty functioning in your daily life because of your fear of flying or if you experience panic attack symptoms, you should contact a doctor.
If you seek out medical attention for your aerophobia you can ask questions such as, "Can medication get me through a flight without panicking" or "Do I need psychotherapy?"
This is a question you can discuss with your doctor and hopefully find a solution to. They will be able to assess your medical history and potential options in order to help you.
Sources: (CNN Travel) (Cleveland Clinic)
See also: Why is flying becoming more dangerous?
Most people with aerophobia respond positively to psychotherapy or CBT. It is possible for aerophobia to return, so ongoing therapy might be needed.
Some people get nervous about flying, but did you know there's an actual phobia associated with it? Aerophobia is a fear of flying in an airplane that can range from mild to severe. If you are overly anxious just thinking about flying somewhere or if you get panic attacks mid-air when traveling, you too may have aerophobia. It's important to diagnose it so that you can get some help and continue to live a full life with no travel restrictions.
Curious about aerophobia and its impact? Click through now.
Aerophobia: a fear of flying
How aerophobia impacts lives, and ways to manage it
TRAVEL Phobias
Some people get nervous about flying, but did you know there's an actual phobia associated with it? Aerophobia is a fear of flying in an airplane that can range from mild to severe. If you are overly anxious just thinking about flying somewhere or if you get panic attacks mid-air when traveling, you too may have aerophobia. It's important to diagnose it so that you can get some help and continue to live a full life with no travel restrictions.
Curious about aerophobia and its impact? Click through now.