A
fear of flying can be one of the most paralyzing fears if you love discovering
new locations. The good news is that just like any fear, there are many ways to
overcome it. You just need to be brave and willing enough to take the following
steps.
Take Notes
Determine
what sets off your fear. This is the first step to overcoming your fear of
flying, according to the Anxiety and
Depression Association of America. Yes, you’re afraid of flying, but
why? Which particular aspects of flying cause the anxiety? Identify whichever
factors trigger your fear, whether it’s safety issues, past traumas, or simply
the idea of being way up in the air. The goal is to latch on to your triggers –
by learning what sets you off, you can control your triggers better or turn
them off entirely. So while your anxiety or fear levels are manageable, write
about your triggers in a personal journal.
Remember that Fear Doesn’t Equal
Danger
Being
in a state of extreme fear and/or anxiety doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re
in any real danger – that’s just a fact. Yes, your fear is real, and it affects
your ability to function. However, its presence doesn’t equate to you being in
any physical danger. Always remind yourself that even when you’re being
extremely anxious or afraid, you’re most likely ultimately safe.
Find Out How Safe Airplanes Actually
Are
How
do you know you’ll be safe while you’re up in the air? Find out every relevant
bit of info you can on modern aircraft. Google the keywords ‘plane crashes’ and
find out how commercial air travel is actually getting safer and safer each
year. Learn the science of how airplanes can actually soar through the air.
Find out the extent of safety regulations in commercial airlines. You’ll also
find that many leading airlines are very forthcoming about proving interesting
information to help passengers feel at ease when they step aboard a plane. One
of Asia’s top carriers, Philippine Airlines offers its
passengers extensive information about every aircraft in its
commercial fleet. This includes the make and model of aircraft engines, which
you can also research. Filling your head with air travel facts can replace the
what-ifs that may be contributing to your fear of flying. While hard knowledge
can’t cure fear, it certainly helps to manage it.
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| Image credit: By Konstantin von Wedelstaedt - Gallery page http://www.airliners.net/photo/Lufthansa/Boeing-747-830/2119979/LPhoto http://cdn-www.airliners.net/aviation-photos/photos/9/7/9/2119979.jpg, GFDL 1.2 // here |
Just Go Flying
Sometimes,
there’s no better way to cure fear than by confronting it head on. This is a
suggestion that comes from veteran pilot Joe Shelton via
Forbes Magazine. “If you know someone with an airplane or if you are willing
to rent an airplane and an instructor you can go for a short (as short as you
want) flight just to see what it’s like.” Facing your fear in a controlled
situation can yield some very positive results.
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| Image credit: By Wo st01 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 de |
Consult a Therapist
Never
be afraid of seeking help to get over a paralyzing fear. Find a therapist who
can help you break down the reasons why you’re afraid and provide you with
insights that can allow you to manage your fear. There’s no shame in seeking
professional help, especially if you just want to be able to travel on an
airplane to places like Bohol, Batanes, or Palawan. Just
remember to keep your eyes on the prize: the sooner you get over your fear of
flying, the sooner you can finally visit your dream destination.
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