At present, there are no fewer than 500 phobias named in the MSD manual (consumer version). As a reminder, this term derives from the Greek word “phobos”. It refers to a person’s irrational fear of something or some situation that could threaten his or her safety. According to studies, about 40 percent of the general population reports some fear of flying, and 2.5 percent have what is classified as a clinical phobia (aviophobia – also known as aerodromophobia). In simple terms, this is an anxiety related to travel involving air transport.

Most of the time, it causes only a few stress symptoms, which are easy enough to manage. In other cases, however, the anxiety is so great that it completely prevents the subject from using any flying equipment at all. Fortunately, there are a number of solutions available to help you overcome your fear of flying.

Overcoming your fear of flying starts with understanding it

Airplanes are one of the safest forms of modern transportation. In fact, it represents the lowest risk of accident of all. Faster and easier, it also enables us to visit loved ones on the other side of the world, or facilitate our escapades of discovery in unknown lands. While most people appreciate these conveniences, those who suffer from aviophobia fail to recognize these facts.

No matter what the numbers or the experts say, they can’t reassure themselves. For all those who find themselves in this situation, the best solution to overcoming their fear of flying is always to identify the potential causes of this excessive fear. This is the first step on the road to recovery. It could be a bad experience in the past. Perhaps turbulence was omnipresent on your previous flight, which greatly disturbed you. Or perhaps you experienced an emergency landing due to mechanical problems? Here, we’re talking about post-traumatic stress.

EXTERNAL FACTORS
Sometimes, aviophobia is also due to an information overload that prevents you from thinking rationally. Air crashes are often the subject of enormous media coverage, which can last for months. This is quite understandable, as they are extremely rare. Many people around the world, for example, developed this phobia – at least temporarily – after September 11, 2001. Overcoming fear can be a complicated process in the aftermath of such a tragic event.

Most of the time, it can even be a simple aspect of other psychological problems. For example, you may suffer from a social phobia of some kind, such as agoraphobia. Staying in a confined space where it would be difficult to escape, or being in a place where it would be difficult for help to reach, is simply unimaginable. The same applies to claustrophobics, who can’t stand enclosed spaces, and acrophobics, who panic easily when they find themselves high up. Mysophobics, meanwhile, will have to spend long periods with strangers. It goes without saying that overcoming a fear of flying must begin by tackling other underlying anxieties.

Overcoming your fear of flying: several solutions at your disposal

There are a number of solutions available to help you overcome your fear of flying. The most common strategies include the following.

Educate yourself. For example, you can learn how airplanes work, why turbulence occurs and what the various noises you hear mean, in order to reassure yourself. You can also learn about the mechanical side of things.
Individual therapy with a mental health professional. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and hypnotherapy are all excellent ways of overcoming fear.
Take courage in both hands. Experts suggest that the best way to overcome your fear of flying is to participate in “controlled exposure”. Whether it’s through Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy (VRET) or a flight simulation.
Occupy the mind to cope with anxiety more effectively. Like listening to soothing music, reading an interesting book, playing a video game or downloading mobile applications like FoFly. The latter has been specifically designed to help aerodromophobes better manage the stress of air travel.
Learn a few anxiety management techniques. These include breathing exercises to induce relaxation.

Homeopathy – a form of complementary medicine – is also extremely useful for overcoming fear of flying. This practice is based on natural substances and can therefore represent a better alternative to taking pharmaceutical drugs. Common remedies include Gelsemium, Argentum-Nitricum, Aconite and Borax. Of course, self-medication should be avoided, and an experienced professional should be consulted to ensure the suitability and efficacy of the treatment.

OVERCOMING FEAR OF FLYING THROUGH MEDITATION
The key to overcoming fear of flying – like any other fear – is to face it head-on. Indeed, many people often opt for flight when faced with a situation that is beyond their control. However, simply avoiding air travel is not always the best solution. It may, for example, prevent you from advancing in your professional career, seeing loved ones or visiting a dream destination perfect for your vacation. So it’s probably best to try and manage the anxiety involved.

In this respect, meditation is an excellent ally for finally overcoming fear. It’s a practice with many virtues that dates back thousands of years. It can help you before or during your flight, making it easier to let go of the intrusive thoughts that are blocking you. But you need to apply it on a daily basis. You also need to do it a little in advance (one or two weeks before your departure). This simple exercise takes just 15 to 20 minutes. Just follow these simple steps.

Find a quiet place, away from distractions and noise.
Sit down and keep your spine straight. As far as possible, try not to touch the backrest or wall.
Relax all your muscles.
Start by becoming aware of your breathing.
Concentrate on each inhalation and exhalation.

As you progress in the practice, you’ll notice that it’s much easier to get rid of negative thoughts.