FLYING PHOBIA
Flying Phobia (or Aviophobia) is an intense fear of air travel that can lead to avoidance, panic, and significant distress before and during flights. There are two main types of flying phobia: one involves the fear that the plane might crash or malfunction in some way, and the other centers on the fear of having a panic attack mid-flight, where you might feel trapped and unable to escape. This second type often occurs within the context of panic disorder, where the fear of a panic attack is the primary concern.
Key Features of Flying Phobia
Specific Flying Fears: You may have specific fears like turbulence, takeoff, or the possibility of a crash or other malfunctions, even though you know flying is statistically one of the safest modes of transportation.
Avoidance and Safety Behaviors: You might avoid air travel altogether or engage in safety behaviors such as excessive planning, choosing specific seats or airlines perceived as safer, or over-preparing for potential emergencies.
Anticipatory Anxiety: You might experience anxiety that begins months or weeks before the flight and intensifies as the flight date approaches. This anxiety can dominate your thoughts, causing significant distress long before you even step onto the plane.
Physical Symptoms: You might experience symptoms like sweating, rapid heartbeat, and shortness of breath even at the thought of flying, with these symptoms potentially intensifying during the flight.
Fear of Losing Control: You may fear losing control during the flight, whether that means losing control of your emotions or your physical state, leading to a panic attack.
Prevalence
In the U.S., more than 25 million adults experience flying phobia. Knowing that you are not alone is an important first step toward managing this fear.
Treatment Approaches
At ATCA, we use personalized, hands-on strategies to help you find lasting relief from Flying Phobia. Our focus is on empowering you to choose long-term freedom over short-term comfort. Our approach includes:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT):
Cognitive Restructuring: This approach helps you challenge and change negative thoughts about flying, which can reduce your anxiety.
Exposure Therapy with Response Prevention: Gradual, controlled exposure to flying situations helps you face your fears and reduce sensitivity over time. If you’re more afraid of a panic attack, the therapy will include simulations that mimic the trapped feeling of being on a plane. You’ll also learn to resist safety behaviors, like choosing specific seats or airlines, which can reinforce anxiety.
Mindfulness and Acceptance:
Present-Moment Awareness: Developing mindfulness can help you reduce anticipatory anxiety and stay grounded during flights.
Cognitive Defusion: This technique helps you see distressing thoughts as just thoughts, reducing their impact on your emotions and behavior.
Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy (VRET):
Immersive, Gradual Desensitization: Virtual Reality (VR) allows you to safely and immersively expose yourself to flying scenarios in a step-by-step manner, from being at the airport to sitting in the airplane. This controlled environment helps you build tolerance and reduce anxiety before confronting real-life flying situations.