Hypnotherapy fear of flying… The pandemic halted most things including air travel. Most people not stepping foot near an airport for almost two years! What once was a familiar process with passing through the airport from check-in, to boarding now an unfamiliar scene for most. Perhaps a combination of excitement but apprehensive of air travel.
However, the overriding factor of spending a holiday abroad to relax or explore new surroundings, visiting family, friends or loved ones makes it all worthwhile.
But for those who suffer from a fear of flying, the result of the pandemic has done nothing but exasperate an already difficult situation.
Fear of flying
Fear of Flying is an excessive worry about Air Travel, which is believed to affect 1 in 10 of the population. Aerophobia is an extreme fear of flying in an aeroplane.
People with fear of flying (aerophobia) may be scared about different aspects of flying, such as take-off, landing, or getting locked in the plane.
You might know your fear is completely irrational. Statistics show that air travel has the lowest death rates among other forms of transport …. But you can’t reason your way out of the anxiety.
A phobia is a severe worry or panic about certain activities, objects or situations. With Aerophobia most people fear the overwhelming anxiety that comes with being on the plane. The anticipation of flying, or thinking about flying, is often as troubling as being on the actual aeroplane itself.
A phobia usually gets worse over time, unless help is sought. Essentially it is a ‘conditioned response’. This means that each time a phobia is experienced, the behaviour of the phobic person reinforces and strengthens the phobia.
The cause
Fear of Flying (Aerophobia) usually doesn’t have a specific cause. It is very rare for aerophobia to stem from a traumatic experience in aeroplanes.
Specific triggers likely to include
- News stories, about terrorism, crashes or violence on aircraft.
- Take off and Landing
- Thoughts about fire or illness spreading through the aircraft.
- Turbulence
Other phobias such as fear of heights (acrophobia) can make the situation far worse.
Signs and Symptoms
If you have a fear of flying (aerophobia) you might avoid flying at all cost. This could mean missing out on family holidays, or refusing to travel for work: business trips, which can also limit your career or work choices.
You might insist on other modes of transport i.e. car, coach, train, even if they are far less convenient and end up costing more in both time and money.
You might even avoid films/movies, books, or social media/news articles that relate to air travel. Become obsessed with learning about security measures at airports and/or around aeroplanes.
Some presenting signs
- Chills
- Dizziness
- Excessive Sweating
- Heart Palpitations
- Shortness of Breath
- Trembling or shaking
- Upset stomach or indigestion
- Panic attacks before or during a flight
How Can Hypnotherapy Fear of Flying help?
The good news is that many phobias exist in our subconscious mind and are learned responses. We know this as we are born with only two innate fears: the fear of falling and the fear of loud sounds.
Hypnotherapy fear of flying can therefore help you unlearn the fear response, by building up your exposure to the phobia by managing the anticipatory anxiety. And by tapping into your subconscious mind, we can work through the different stages of air travel including your ‘trigger’, and in time ease the associated anxiety.
Hypnotherapy fear of flying therefore aims to change your thoughts and behaviours associated with flying, making it a more positive experience. By using the power of suggestions and relaxation techniques. This can help you become more relaxed, a calm thinker, and to ultimately help you control your fears and feel safe.
Do you feel like you have been missing out on that family holiday? Being reunited with friends or loved ones? Cut your promotion or job opportunities short, as feel the need to avoid flying?
I offer a free discovery call, so why not contact me today to see how we can work together using Hypnotherapy Fear of Flying, to achieve your goals?
Normally three sessions is all it takes…
Book Free Discovery CallSafe Travels!
