Aerophobia is the medical name for fear of flying. It is also sometimes referred to as aviatophobia, pteromechanophobia or aviophobia.
Aerophobia may be experienced as a phobia in its own right or as a consequence or a combination of other phobias such as claustrophobia (fear of enclosed spaces), acrophobia (fear of heights) or agoraphobia (specifically the fear of wide open spaces).
Aerophobia is called a ‘specific’ phobia in that it has a particular issue which can be focused upon and treated.
The root cause of aerophobia can be traced to any number of origins. These vary from past frightening experiences on aircraft to fear of hijacking or terrorism triggered by media reports, a feeling of not being in control or the effects of hormones during pregnancy.
Sometimes an unpleasant event that happened after someone had traveled by air to a particular destination may create an association between air travel and something unpleasant happening.
The media are sometimes blamed for encouraging aerophobia by concentrating on and sensationalizing the small number of air crashes whilst ignoring the millions and millions of flights that happen without any kind of mishap.
A lack of understanding of why a plane is able to fly can also lead to aerophobia, some people just don’t’ quite believe, deep down, that a big lump of metal full of people could possibly fly.
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Lots of strange noises are audible during any flight. These can be quite frightening to some people as the unfamiliar clunks, thumps and whirrs may give them the idea that there is something mechanically wrong with the plane.
The brain struggles to understand what the noises could be and can sometime ‘fill in the gaps’ with some wild inventions sparked off by remembered TV shows or movies.
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Relaxation techniques, once learned, can help reduce anxiety, not just with flying but throughout other areas of your life. They can be used as a coping mechanism when life gets really stressful. Time spent learning these techniques can therefore really repay the effort involved.
Meditation
The object of meditation is to empty the mind of thoughts and thereby releasing pent-up tensions within the mind and body.
This is generally achieved by performing uncomplicated, easy but repetitive tasks and activities which distract the mind from the stressful world around it and gradually allows it to clear itself of thoughts and to disconnect from the worries that bear down upon it.
This is promoted by concentrating upon your own breathing and listening to your own heartbeat. You should breathe deeply and regularly and allow no other thoughts to enter your mind. The technique requires a little practice but most people can master it.
Massage
Getting a massage is another good way to relax although getting a full massage is, for most people, going to be rather difficult within the confines of an aircraft.
However, having a partner who knows a few simple massage techniques give you a neck and shoulder massage in the airport lounge before you board will help reduce tension and promote relaxation. A relaxed body should lead to a relaxed mind.
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