Aerophobia is also known as the fear of traveling by plane, and this phobia is usually characterized by intense anxiety attacks during the flight or in preparation for the flight. This fear may be based on factors such as plane crashes, fear of heights, fear of being trapped in enclosed spaces, or fear of loss of control. Individuals with aerophobia can learn to manage their fear and travel by plane with a supportive environment and appropriate treatment. This can reduce restrictions in one’s life and open up to a wider world.
What is aerophobia?
Aerophobia is a condition in which a person has extreme fear or anxiety about flying or flying-related situations. To answer the question of what aerophobia means, we can briefly call it “fear of flying”. This phobia can often be based on reasons such as plane crashes, fear of heights, fear of being trapped in closed spaces.
People with aerophobia may avoid situations such as preparing for a flight or being in an airplane, or they may experience an intense panic attack when they encounter these situations. This phobia can seriously affect a person’s daily life and travel habits and cause social isolation. Treatment often involves psychotherapeutic approaches, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), to help the person understand, manage and reduce their fears.
What causes aerophobia?
Aerophobia or fear of flying, also known as the fear of flying, is a type of anxiety disorder. This fear can lead to panic attacks, extreme anxiety, and physical symptoms such as sweating and shaking during the flight. Causes of aerophobia may include:
- People with a family history of aerophobia have a higher risk of developing this fear.
- Having a traumatic experience with flying in the past can lead to aerophobia. For example, a turbulent flight, a plane crash, or an emergency landing.
- People with anxiety disorders, such as panic attacks or generalized anxiety disorder, are at higher risk of developing aerophobia.
- Some people may experience aerophobia because they are not in control on airplanes.
- Aerophobia may occur due to the closed areas and height of airplanes.
- Lack of knowledge about how airplanes work and flight safety can also lead to aerophobia.
How to overcome aerophobia?
Individuals with aerophobia can learn to manage their fears and travel by plane with a supportive environment and appropriate treatment. This can reduce restrictions in one’s life and open up to a wider world. Various methods can be used to overcome aerophobia:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- exposure therapy
- Medication
- relaxation techniques
The fear of flying test is a test used to assess how severe your aerophobia is. These tests can often be administered online or by psychologists. According to the results of the fear of flying test, the most appropriate treatment method can be determined. The following can be done to overcome the fear of flying:
- Don’t hesitate to get help from an expert
- Learn about aircraft and flight
- Get enough sleep before the flight, wear comfortable clothes
- Prepare things to keep you busy during the flight (Books, music, movies, etc.)
- Use relaxing techniques such as breathing exercises, meditation and yoga during the flight.
This information is for informational purposes only. If you have a medical question, it is important to consult your doctor.