Aerophobia is the name given to the fear of riding a plane and is classified as a psychological disorder that can affect both men and women in any age group and can be very limiting, and may prevent the individual from working or vacationing due to fear, for example.
This disorder can be overcome with psychotherapy and with the use of medicines prescribed by the doctor to control anxiety during flight, such as Alprazolam. However, to overcome the fear of flying, it is necessary to face the phobia gradually, starting with knowing the airport.
In addition, the fear of flying is often related to other problems, such as agoraphobia, which is fear of crowds or claustrophobia, which is the fear of being indoors, the idea of not being able to breathe or get sick inside the plane.
This fear is felt by many people and, in most cases, individuals develop fear because they are afraid that some accident will happen, which is not real because the plane is a very safe transport and it is usually easier to face fear when traveling with a close relative or friend. See also tips to relieve motion sickness during the flight.
Steps to overcome aerophobia
To overcome the aerophobia is necessary to take some measures during the preparation of the trip and even during the flight, so that he could watch without intense symptoms of fear.
Achieving aerophobia can be very variable, as some individuals overcome fear at the end of 1 month and others take years to overcome fear.
Preparation of the trip
To travel without fear, one must prepare very well for the trip, having:
- Knowing the flight plan, trying to inform if turbulence could occur in case of occurrence do not feel so much discomfort;
- Look for information about the airplane, for example that it is normal for the wings of the airplane to shake, so as not to think that something strange is happening;
- Knowing the airport at least 1 month before, starting initially must make a visit to the place, go get a relative and when you feel prepared to make a small trip, because only gradually the individual will feel safer and the problem ends up being solved fully;
- Pack in advance so you do not get nervous for fear of forgetting something;
- Get a good night's sleep before you travel, to get more relaxed;
- Separate liquids from carry-on luggage in a transparent plastic bag so that you do not have to move your suitcase before the flight.
In addition, exercising regularly can also help you relax because they help in the production of endorphin, which is a hormone responsible for promoting well-being and feeling of tranquility.
In the airport
When you are at the airport it is natural to feel some discomfort, like wanting to go in the bathroom constantly, for example. However, to reduce fear one should:
- Arrive at the airport at least 1 hour before and stroll through the corridors to settle in;
- Watch the strolls that remain calm and quiet, sleeping in the airport seats or talking quietly;
- Carry personal documents, such as an identification card, passport and plane ticket, in an accessible bag for when you have to show them doing it quietly because they are accessible;
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Remove all jewelry, shoes, or clothing that have metals before passing the metal detector to avoid getting stressed with the alarm sound.
At the airport you should also seek to clarify all your doubts, asking the staff the time of departure or arrival of the plane, for example.
During flight
When the individual with airphobia is already on the plane, it is necessary to adopt some measures that help him to remain relaxed during the trip. In this way, it is due to:
- Wear wide clothing and cotton, plus neck pillow or eye cap, to feel comfortable and in case it is a long trip carry a blanket because it can feel cold;
- Sit in the innermost part of the plane, next to the aisle, to avoid looking at the window;
- Do activities that distract during the flight, such as talking, cruising, playing or watching a movie;
- Carry an object that is familiar or lucky, such as a wristband to feel more comfortable;
- Avoid energy drinks, coffee or alcohol, as it can get very fast;
- Drink chamomile tea, passion fruit or melissa, for example, because they help to relax;
- Inform stewardesses who are afraid to travel by plane and whenever you have any questions ask;
In some cases, when the phobia is severe, these strategies are not enough and you need to have therapeutic sessions with a psychologist to deal with the fear slowly. In addition, it may be necessary to take medicine prescribed by your doctor, such as tranquilizers or anxiolytics to help decrease the tension and help you fall asleep.
Also, it is important not to forget the symptoms of Jet Lag, such as tiredness and difficulty sleeping, which can arise after long trips, especially between countries with very different time zones. Learn more about this problem in How to deal with Jet Lag.
Also watch the following video and learn what to do to improve your comfort while traveling:
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