So you are about to board the plane. You freeze; and however you try, your body does not cooperate. No matter what you do, you cannot take those nasty plane crash landings away from your mind. You feel your hear palpitating as you sense the danger that will surely happen. Finally, you decide not to fly. What you just experienced are symptoms of aviataphobia, or fear of flying. Be assured that you are not alone – fear of flying is experienced by people worldwide.
Physiological symptoms commonly reported by people with fear of flying are trembling, muscle tension, difficulty breathing, palpitations, abdominal and intestinal problems, sweating, nausea, and dryness of the mouth. Meanwhile, psychological symptoms include memory problems, persistent fantasies about bad things happening like the plane crashing, and other negative thoughts and feelings that build up anxiety.
This fear, though, no matter how bad it looks to you right now, is highly treatable. You can try doing it yourself first before consulting a psychologist or an authority on overcoming fear of flying.
First thing you need to do is identify the root, the real reason for your fear. You can ask yourself, “What was happening in my life before I felt this fear? Did I experience any major stress or life-changing experience? Has anyone made me feel hurt or angry?” Also, ask yourself if your fear of flying may just be an excuse for you to avoid something. Maybe your fear is not the real issue. Ask as many questions as you want that you think are relevant to identifying the root of your fear.
Once you have identified your reason, it will be easier for you to address your fear. If you conclude that flying is not the issue, you can then face the real issue.
However, if you cannot identify the reason for your fear and you feel it is just getting worse, then it is time to consult a psychologist. Pick a psychologist you feel comfortable with to really help you overcome your fear of flying.
Related Articles
Feel the Fear and Face it Head On!
By: Michael Lee | 02/10/2007 | Self Improvement
What differentiates successful people who get what they want is that they feel the fear and do it anyway. They refuse to be paralyzed by fear and instead face it head-on, often getting astounding results.
Freedom From Fear – How to Conquer Paralyzing Fear
By: Michael Lee | 01/10/2007 | Self Improvement
There is no absolute freedom from fear, but there is freedom from paralyzing fear. This is what successful people enjoy that others do not.
Finding long-term solutions to your fear of flying
By: Liam Perkins | 11/05/2006 | Travel
Does this sound familiar - the engines roar, you're thrown back into your seat for take-off, and the knuckles on your hands turn white as you grip the armrest for dear life? Liam Perkins suggests some simple steps to combat your fear of flying.
Fear of Flying? Just Relax It Away
By: Richard Mackenzie | 14/07/2006 | Self Help
The advancements in science and industry in that last 100 years have left us humans somewhat baffled. You will often hear it said that in the last century, we as human beings have made more accomplishments than at any other time in recorded history.
In Shaky Economic Times, Bestselling Author Provides Chiropractors "Freedom from Fear"
By: Patrick Porter | 27/12/2006 | Motivational
Why do bad things happen to good people? Why do good things happen to bad people? Why does life often seem so unfair? And what does all that have to do with your chiropractic practice? Those, and more, are questions "street scholar" Mark Matteson seeks to answer.
To Fly Like The Birds - Or Not?
By: Alan Crisp | 29/11/2006 | Advice
If you consider that for hundreds, perhaps thousands of years man wanted to take to the skies like the birds, it seems strange that so many people have a fear or phobia about flying.
The Clarion Call to Higher Ground
By: Ada Porat | 12/03/2008 | Self Improvement
Feeling stuck in life at this time? Frustrated? Take a moment to really feel what is going on. You are not stuck... you are simply constrained. Yes, the old way of doing things is no longer working, and you are trying to adjust to radical new ways of life. It is time to heal our world - starting with ourselves! It is time to let go of the old ways of ego, to trust in your Higher Guidance and to fulfill your purpose on the planet!
About Claustrophobia
By: Miki | 09/04/2007 | Diseases and Conditions
People who are afraid of flying are often mistakenly regarded as a homogenous group in which all individuals suffer the same fears. Most people who fear flying are usually worried about various matters related to flight-safety.
However, a significant group of fearful fliers suffer from claustrophobia – a fear of enclosed spaces.
Claustrophobia is a fear of going into places it might be difficult, or impossible to leave when one wants and includes fear of being in a place that might have..
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the disadvantages of flying with a ...
By: mamisheela | 28-08-2007
what are the disadvantages of flying with a newborn
Q&A Powered by:
Latest Self Improvement Articles
Homework Help Guide for Parents: 10 Quick Tips
By: Laura Watkins | 05/09/2008
Parents play a key role in the homework process. Are you setting the right example for your children? Read on to find out how you can help them succeed without completing their assignments for them.
Develop Your Mind And Body Using Qigong And Kung Fu
By: A. Thomas Perhacs | 05/09/2008
Chinese traditions and customs, some of them centuries old, have often mystified and enthralled many of us. The Chinese developed the arts of Tai Chi, Qigong and Kung Fu to preserve the well being of the person as a whole - to strengthen his body and sharpen his mind.
Ancient Prophecies And Traditions Found In Vedic Books
By: Victor Epand | 05/09/2008
Within many vedic books available on the market today, readers can gain a better knowledge on the ancient prophecies and traditions of the vedic culture.
Vedic Books Offer Ways To Self-Improvement
By: Victor Epand | 05/09/2008
These individuals do not see that these amazing practices and teachings associated with vedic can enable them in improving their own self.
Effective Steps to Becoming a Leader
By: Larry Rivera | 04/09/2008
Becoming a leader is difficult in itself. Hence, becoming an effective leader is a hurdling task. Aside from meeting up that qualification, there are other factors that must be considered to achieve productive results when leading a team.
Relapse Prevention - are You Clear on These Key Concepts of Drug and Alcohol Relapse Prevention?
By: Bill Urell | 03/09/2008
Addiction recovery, relapse and relapse prevention; if you are not clear on these definitions and key concepts then you may be at risk. In this article, clear and concise concepts will be revealed.
Strength-based Counseling: Will it Eliminate Anxiety and Depression? From Cary and Huntley
By: Dr Michael Shery | 03/09/2008
Depressed, nervous, fearful? Tired of it all? This article describes the enormous benefits you can derive by consulting a professional counselor. Read it now and discover how this remarkable time-tested process works!
Subliminal Messaging: Power of the Unconscious Mind
By: A. Thomas Perhacs | 03/09/2008
For centuries now, people have been trying to understand the power our mind has to not only help us endure and progress but to reach out and do extraordinary things.
Self Improvement 
