AEROPHOBIA: CAUSES AND TREATMENT ABOUT FEAR OF FLYING

Posted by Mohamed Arafat on July 6th, 2022

Fear of Flying or Flying phobia is completely normal and more common than you might think. In fact, a large percentage of the population suffers from flying phobia, also known as aerophobia or aviophobia.

While there isn’t a specific solution for overcoming a fear of flying, there are some practices and carry-on necessities that will guide the experience to be much less nerve-wracking.

But first, let’s define what a phobia is. A phobia is an extreme fear or panic associated with particular behaviors, things, or circumstances. A specific phobic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder.

EXACTLY WHAT IS AEROPHOBIA?

Aerophobia is a severe aversion to flying in an aircraft. Aerophobic people may be afraid of various aspects of flying, such as takeoff, landing, or becoming trapped in the plane.

Aviophobia is another name for this condition. Most people who suffer from aerophobia are not afraid of a plane crash. But because of the overwhelming anxiety that comes with being on the plane.

PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS OF AEROPHOBIA

Fearful travelers experience intense, ongoing anxiety both before and after takeoff. For example accelerated heart rate, cold hands, trembling, nausea, shortness of breath, or a choking sensation.

Every person will have a different set of symptoms they can experience. They will do everything in their power to avoid flying, to not experience the anxiety, fear, and avoidance that cause them great distress and affect their ability to function. The most nerve-racking aspects of flying appear to be take-off, bad weather, and turbulence.

MOST COMMON CAUSES OF AEROPHOBIA?

As we mentioned before there is no known cause of aerophobia. It is extremely uncommon for aerophobia to develop as a result of a flight.

But Specific triggers could contribute to it. Such as hearing stories in the news about terrorism, plane crashes, or plane violence. Active Imagination that a fire or illness is spreading throughout the plane. Take-off and landing or the turbulence could cause aerophobia.

HOW IS AEROPHOBIA DIAGNOSED?

Aerophobia does not have a specific diagnostic test. Your doctor will carefully examine your symptoms and ask you a series of questions about your fear of flying. Aerophobia can range from mild (you will fly if necessary, but it causes you anxiety) to severe (you’ve refused to fly for more than five years).