If you are fearful of flying or know someone that is, you may wonder what could possibly make your fear so high. Unfortunately, researchers disagree on what causes the fear of flying, but most believe it is a learned fear. For instance, if you knew someone that was afraid to fly or you saw a plane crash on the news it may have been ingrained in your mind that flying is dangerous. Of course, well meaning people will tell you the facts, that flying is safer than driving, which is true, but that does not really lessen your fear.
Treatment plans appear to be very individualized because everyone’s fear is at a different place. For instance, if your fear of flying sends you into a full blown panic attack, your treatment will be different than someone that is just a bit uncomfortable with the thought of flying. The main treatment used is cognitive behavioral therapy, which means the person explains their fears, realizes when the fear began, and then exposure therapy can be introduced.
During exposure therapy, the patient is introduced to the stimuli that is causing the anxiety, in this case it is the fear of flying. In recent past, exposure meant actually flying but today, there are simulated flights that truly make the person feel as if they are flying. Those with a flying phobia will be very fearful even with the simulated flights, so these work quite well in exposing the patient to the fear.
Many doctors in times past have tried using drug therapy for fear of flying but it is largely unsuccessful and many people that have to fly will self-medicate. This is only a temporary relief and does not get to the core of why you are afraid nor does it correct and actually treat the problem.
You Might Also Enjoy:
- Phlebotomy Explained
- Is There A Way to Fight This Fear?
- What Is The Best Men’s Hair Replacement Treatment
- Why Outpatient Rehab Might Not be the Best Choice for Addiction Recovery
- Marijuana Drug Rehab
