Recently an associate of mine expressed that she was experiencing a great deal of anxiety over flying. She said it was because of the recent helicopter crash that killed Kobe Bryant, his daughter and several other people, including the pilot. She has a young child at home and the idea of dying and leaving her child ignited a real anxiety over flying.
Many people don’t know this about me, but my father is a private pilot, I was brought up flying in a small plane, yet even now the idea of getting on a plane causes anxiety. Even writing about it is causing me anxiety! So, how could I comfort my friend, when I feel a similar way. Or, how could I offer some coping mechanisms. I did a little digging around and here is what I found.
A lot of our anxiety really stems from living in the world around us. Look at the news, we hear of crime, violence, murders, car accidents, viruses that are out of control and killing millions! Then we have natural disasters. Earthquakes, and hurricanes, floods, and tornadoes wreck havoc on many lives. Growing up in L.A. I witnesses riots, wildfires, mud slides and multiple earthquakes. Is it any wonder we are all nervous wrecks nowadays?
Fear of flying isn’t really fear of flying in itself. Some reports say that what happens is that there are stressors at home: marital discord, or a sick child. Life situations pile on and it seems we can’t take it anymore. Sometimes its just because we had a bad experience with a flight that triggers the anxiety. Also, who doesn’t get freaked out by the safety protocols every time we walk inside an airport. We might wonder if someone is lurking around the airport to do some damage! Also, the lines for the security check point can be daunting and add to our fears. Will we even make the flight we fear so much in time?
Really, it’s the feeling of loss of control that is the root cause of our fear and anxiety. So with all this bad stuff coming at us how do we cope?
- Watch the safety instructions when on board the flight. These are for our benefit should an event occur. Being informed is one way to combat fear and anxiety.
- Learn how a plane flies. Knowledge is power as the saying goes.
- Learn how air traffic controllers work at keeping all the planes from colliding into each other (or does that cause you more worry?)
- See a doctor
- Sometimes therapy is the key. A professional counselor or therapist and give some great pointers and exercises for when the fear and anxiety strike. A controlled exposure therapist can even come on board with you. Which reminds me of a Cheers episode I watched recently where Frasier Crane went on a flight with Carla because she had a great fear of flying. (See video clip below)
- Medication might be the thing that you need.
- Deep breathing exercises, mantras, or even prayer.
- I find that soft comforting clothing works for me. I’m not talking about PJ’s and slippers, but a soft scarf, or blanket, or wrap. These items work immensely at diffusing the fear.
The point is, find what works for you. Everyone has specific needs when it comes to overcoming fear and anxiety in any situation, but please be assured it can be coped with.
To see the LeRue Press Reno Gal Says segment that aired on February 10, click the link below (from 45:20-56:21):
BBC Article Fear of Flying How To Beat the Fear of Flying
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April Voytko Kempler is the author of The Altered I: Memoir of Joseph Kempler Holocaust Survivor
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April Voytko Kempler's Blog - Reno Gal Says 