Coping with a fear of flying

It seems like every week, there’s a headline about a plane crashing or a near miss. Many wonder if plane accidents are on the rise, and those without a previous phobia may find themselves becoming more fearful.

Surprisingly, the National Transportation Safety Board data shows air accidents in the US have been on the downward trend over the past 2 decades, even with an increase in the number of flights. In this same time period, international air accidents are down, according to the International Civil Aviation Organization.

Aerophobia or aviophobia affects 25 million Americans and it most commonly affects individuals between 17 to 34 years old. This condition is different than anxiety about a delayed flight, or seeing bad weather and wondering if everything will be okay with a planned flight. Those with a phobia have a persistent and obsessive fear.

Though cancelling a flight seems beneficial, avoidance is actually not helpful in eliminating the fear long-term. Some people may drink alcohol; however, this can prevent you from fully facing the fear and may increase your risk of alcohol dependence.

The recommended treatment is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). In some instances, an anxiety medication may be used as well, but this only helps in the short-term. To eliminate the fear, it must first be faced directly and through CBT, with healthy coping mechanisms established.

If you feel that you may have this condition and are in need of treatment, please speak to your health care team.

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