Fear of Flying - Is It Now A Thing Of The Past

Aerophobia, aviatophobia, aviophobia. These are all terms that refer to a fear. This fear is a fear of flying. A flying phobia is not uncommon. A fear of flying may represent flying in a plane or an offshoot of another type of phobia, such as claustrophobia or acrophobia. These are a fear of enclosed spaces and a fear of heights, respectfully. Other examples are a fear of not being in control of your environment or situation, a fear of a terrorist attack or being hijacked, a fear of water, and a fear of fear itself.

If you have to travel long distances often, such as for business, this can pose a real problem and a great deal of anxiety. Within the family your fear of flying may prevent you visiting family and friends as well as restricting where you can take vacations. A fear of flying may serverely restrict your life style.

The anxiety of a person who has a flying phobia causes you to have the typical anxiety symptoms that are felt with any type of fear. Some of these symptoms are nausea, vomiting, a tightness in your chest or in your throat, difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, sweating, tremors, and even a full-blown panic attack complete with hyperventilating. It is not comfortable for the sufferer and it is not comfortable for those around the sufferer, as they are helpless in what they can do to comfort you. If the person who suffers with a fear of flying has had a bad experience in the past while flying this will only increase their anxiety.

Overcoming a flying phobia is almost essential for the person who fears flying. There are many ways that can be found to overcome this problem. This help comes in the form of educating the person, therapy, either private individualized therapy or group therapy, self-help books and audio tapes. There are even virtual reality sessions that you can take to help overcome this phobia, as well as a free online course. Medication may also be utilized either alone or in combination with the above suggestions. It is better though if the person did not rely on medication, but therapy alone. However, some people are not able to overcome their anxiety without this additional form of treatment.

For those that do suffer from a fear of flying, seek help as soon as possible. There is no reason to limit yourself in life and miss out on some very enjoyable experiences. Remember, if you must travel long distances flying in a plane is the fastest and most convenient way to travel. Over 3 million people choose air travel every day as their mode of transportation and this is a safe way to get to where you want and need to go. Do not let anxiety bring you down and put a damper on life. Seek help today.