Aerophobia is the name given to the fear of flying and is classified as a psychological disorder that can affect both men and women in any age group and can be very limiting, and may prevent the individual from working or vacationing due to fear, for example.
This disorder can be overcome with psychotherapy and the use of medications indicated by the doctor to control anxiety during the flight, such as Alprazolam, for example. However, to overcome the fear of flying, it is necessary to face the phobia little by little, starting to know the airport.
In addition, the fear of flying is often related to other problems, such as agoraphobia, which is the fear of crowds or claustrophobia, which is the fear of being indoors, and the idea of not being able to breathe or feeling sick comes up. inside the plane.
This fear is felt by many people and, in most cases, individuals develop fear because they are afraid that an accident will happen, which is not real, because the airplane is a very safe transport and it is usually easier to face fear when traveling with a close family member or friend. See also tips to alleviate nausea during the flight.
Steps to beat aerophobia
To overcome aerophobia it is necessary to take some measures during the preparation of the trip and even during the flight, so that I was able to watch without intense symptoms of fear.
Being able to overcome aerophobia can be very variable, as some individuals overcome fear at the end of 1 month and others take years to overcome fear.
Travel preparation
To travel by plane without fear one must prepare very well for the trip, having to:
- To know the flight plan, seeking to inform if turbulence may occur so that in case it does not feel so much discomfort; Look for information about the plane, for example that it is normal for the plane's wings to flap, so as not to think that something strange is happening; Knowing the airport at least 1 month before, starting initially, you should pay a visit to the place, pick up a family member and when you feel prepared to make a short trip, as only gradually will the individual feel more secure and the problem will be solved. totally; Pack your suitcase in advance, so as not to be nervous for fear of forgetting something; Get a good night's sleep before traveling, to be more relaxed; Separate liquids from your hand luggage in a clear plastic container, so you don't have to touch your suitcase before the flight.
In addition, exercising regularly can also help you relax, because they help in the production of endorphin, which is a hormone responsible for promoting well-being and the feeling of tranquility.
In the airport
When you are at the airport it is natural to feel some discomfort, such as the urge to go to the bathroom constantly, for example. However, to reduce fear one must:
- Arrive at the airport at least 1 hour before and stroll through the corridors to get used to it; Observing passers-by who remain calm and calm, sleeping on the airport benches or talking quietly; Carry personal documents in an accessible bag, such as an ID card, passport and plane ticket so that when you have to show them, you can do it peacefully because they are accessible;
Remove all jewelry, shoes or clothes that have metals before passing the metal detector to avoid being stressed by the sound of the alarm.
At the airport you should also try to clarify all your doubts, asking employees the time of departure or arrival of the plane, for example.
During flight
When the individual with aerophobia is already on the plane, it is necessary to adopt some measures that help him to remain relaxed during the trip. Thus, you should:
- Wear loose, cotton clothes, as well as a neck pillow or eye patch, to feel comfortable and, in the case of a long trip, take a blanket because it can feel cold; Sit in the innermost part of the plane, next to the aisle, to avoid looking at the window; Do activities that are distracting during the flight, such as talking, cruising, playing games or watching a movie; Take an object that is familiar or lucky, like a bracelet to feel more comfortable; Avoid energy drinks, coffee or alcohol, as it can get very fast; Drinking chamomile, passion fruit or melissa tea, for example, because they help you relax; Inform the stewardesses that you are afraid to travel by plane and whenever you have any questions ask;
In some cases, when the phobia is severe, these strategies are not enough and therapeutic sessions with a psychologist are needed to face the fear slowly. In addition, it may be necessary to take medications prescribed by the doctor, such as tranquilizers or anxiolytics to help ease tension and help you fall asleep.
In addition, it is important not to forget the symptoms of Jet Lag, such as tiredness and difficulty sleeping, which can appear after long trips, especially between countries with a very different time zone. Learn more about this problem at How to deal with Jet Lag.
Also watch the following video and learn what to do to improve your comfort while traveling:
