Overcome Fear of Flying - One in Three Americans Affected - Essay Sample

Introduction

Many people suffer from a fear of flying. This fear and the related anxiety cause such persons to lose out on the exciting opportunities that air travel presents. Anyone with such a problem must recognize that such a feeling is not uncommon and that at least one in every three Americans experience anxiety about flying or are fearful of flying altogether (Foreman 4). If the fear of traveling becomes so intense that it prevents one from traveling, it could be time to ask for assistance to overcome the fear. For some, the fear of flying could be a reason not to involve oneself with opportunities that require traveling, or it hinders them from traveling to different parts of the world. Fortunately, there exist ways to overcome the fear of flying, and which should help an individual to overcome their anxiety and take into the skies confidently. The first step towards overcoming the causes of the fear of flying is to understand the phobia and explore the many free or paid resources available for one to prepare themselves psychologically and get the confidence to fly.

Is your time best spent reading someone else’s essay? Get a 100% original essay FROM A CERTIFIED WRITER!

Save 25%

The starting point is to understand aerophobia. The fear of flying, referred to as aerophobia, is characterized by an individual's inability or refusal to fly on a plane or any other airborne object. People develop a fear of flying due to many reasons. For most people, it results from the loss of control experienced when one boards a plane (van Gerwen 3). The decision to board a plane means surrendering one's fate to the pilot and the rest of the crew. This loss of control might freak someone out, and is notable with individuals who avoid roller coasters. Another set of people that suffer aerophobia derive their fear from the anxiety of being present in confined space. Airplane seats are place closely together with minimal space to stretch. Hence, for people who fear crowded places, airplanes become an immediate turnoff.

People who suffer flight phobia exhibit a number of symptoms. Individuals must differentiate between the normal feeling of nervousness, which almost everyone experiences before their first flight, and a full-blown phobia. It is noteworthy that, whereas up to a third of America's population experiences nervousness related to flying, only about 15 percent experience full-blown fear (Bor 45). There is a range of symptoms that an individual can confirm from to determine if they have a fear of flight. The first symptom is extreme irritability and uncomfortableness. An individual may also experience increased pulse rate and sweating. They may develop suicidal ideations, or may lose their capacity to think. One becomes dizzy and disoriented.

There are at least four steps that one can take to overcome their fear of flying. The first thing to do is to learn about the functioning of planes. Since the majority of people who have aerophobia worry about the mechanical aspects of the plane, getting an improved understanding of the principles that support the airplane when airborne will help to calm down one's nerves. For the uninitiated, the idea that a huge object such as the airplane can take off from the ground and sustain itself on air for hours is unfathomable.

However, with understanding of the laws of Physics, it becomes easier to appreciate flight (Gerwen and Koopmans 183). Once the individual has learnt about the laws of flight, it is important to understand facts about air safety. When an individual learns that airplanes are guided by strict safety codes and schedules, they begin to appreciate that there is every investment to protect their lives. There are many free resources that communicate statistics regarding air safety, accidents, responses, and improvements.

The third thing to do is to enroll the SOAR Fear of Flying Programs. Whereas the statistics introduce one psychologically to the world of flight, the SOAR online program equips one with the relevant skills to overcome their fear. The good thing about this program, is that it is the product of a licensed therapist, and a pilot. It entails how one should control their anxiety, the psychology of flight anxiety, how flying works, and how one can maximize their use of the airport (Gerwen and Koopmans 185).

One can also seek personalized interactions. However, if this course does not offer the desired experience, one should consider seeking the services of a therapist. Whereas the online experience may be adequately resourced, an individual may still find in-person experiences to be more powerful. One can visit a counselor or a therapist who should guide them on the best way to overcome their fears.

Once the individual is mentally prepared, they should move to the next step, where they experience their maiden flight. Since the individual is in their first attempt flying, it is advisable that they take an aisle seat. An aisle seat, as opposed to a window seat or the middle seat places the passenger away from other people, and so they feel less crowded. The next important step at this stage is for the individual to get themselves plenty of time, so that they acclimatize with the airport environment. They do not need to be caught up in a rush that places them in a panic. The individual must limit the likely tension that would give them stress (Hubbard and Robert 96).

Another advice to an individual taking their first trip is that they should consider carrying with them a distraction such as a book or an iPod, so that their mind is not preoccupied with the thought of the airplane (Bor 56). Learning how to breath will also help the individual to stay relaxed and to avoid stress and anxiety. Sleeping pills or anti-anxiety pills may also be helpful to stay calm. It is important that an individual avoids alcohol or any drugs that may impair their judgement. The passenger will be prepared to fly.

Overcoming the phobia of flying is all about developing the right mental frame to avoid distractions that may cause one panic or anxiety. Having faith in the trustworthiness of the tested conditions and the safety measures that are in place. The individual will note that before take-off, there are appropriate safety measures that are taken to ensure that everyone is safe and comfortable. Further, the individual must understand enjoy the warmth and naturalness of the flight. Besides their own entertainment, they will find materials that can keep them engaged. Flying should be considered like any first experience such as the first experience one has when learning to ride a bicycle. Eventually, one gets used to it.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the fear of flying is a normal feeling that affects a very big percentage of the population. It ranges from mild anxieties about flight that people experience in their initial flights, to full-blown phobia that is characterized by more extreme symptoms. Whichever the case, there exist resources and programs that an individual can rely on to overcome their fear. Individuals can undertake online courses that provide details about slight principles, experience, and safety. They may also consider in-person programs that involve professional psychiatrists and counselors that help them to overcome their phobia. Managing the first flight helps to overcome the fear. Choosing the right set of conditions and elements that contribute to calmness and comfort helps to prepare one's mind of the reality of the flight experience. Therefore, every individual must know that it is possible to overcome any degree of fear related to flying.

Works Cited

Bor, Robert. Passenger behavior. Routledge, 2017.

Foreman, Elaine Iljon. Fly away fear: Overcoming your fear of flying. Routledge, 2018.

Gerwen, L. J. V., and T. A. Koopmans. "Self-help treatment for fear of flying." Aeron Aero Open Access J 2.3 (2018): 184-189.

Hubbard, Todd, and Robert Bor. "Flight or Fright? Psychological Approaches to the Treatment of Fear of Flying." Aviation Mental Health. Routledge, 2016. 91-104.

van Gerwen, Lucas. Psychological Perspectives on Fear of Flying. Routledge, 2017.