Fear of Flying

When you work in the field of Psychology, acquaintances tend to casually consult you about their fears, their compulsions, or other unexplained quirks in their daily lives. One of the most commonly confessed fears is the fear of flying: Where does it stem from? Does it get worse? How do I control it?

Although the answers to these questions are different in every case, they are similar to the answers surrounding any specific phobia or fear. Examining the answers to these questions could help you understand any of your worries such as underperforming in a sporting event, your fear of snakes, or your unexplainable aversion to heights.

Even if these fears begin small, if left unaddressed, they can compound and become worse. What once started feeling uncomfortable during takeoff and landing, can develop into panic attacks during the flight or even the inability to be on an airplane. If you are unable to control and cope with your fears, and you begin expressing avoidance behaviors to work around your fears, then it is time to seek help. For example, you still love playing tennis for fun but you begin having “injuries” before big matches so that you do not need to compete and risk the possibility of losing the game.

Our mind is a powerful ally but also can be a powerful enemy. However, contrary to the helplessness people often feel when they cannot control their fears, they can be managed with proper treatment. By working with a trained Psychologist or Therapist, you can help to alleviate your symptoms and take control back on your own life.

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