Take to the Skies with Confidence: Hypnosis Can Help You Overcome Fear of Flying Phobia

Fear can eventually govern our life, unless we make a conscious decision to overcome it.

Does Flying On A Plane, Or Even Just The Thought - Fill You With Dread, Stress & Fear?

Dont worry, you are not alone - and it's far more common than you may think. Even better, aerophobia can be reversed - easily and effortlessly.


Many people around the world suffer from a whole range of physical and emotional symptoms whenever they fly on planes - or even prepare for a flight.

And while it's true that this anxiety originates from  the mind, it does not change the fact that the anxiety is very real indeed, and in a location where the stressors are high and the support is usually low.

Sometimes called aviophobia or aerophobia, is a type of anxiety disorder that affects many people. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately 6.5% of Americans suffer from aviophobia.

This fear can be caused by a variety of factors, including past traumatic experiences, not fully understanding the mechanics of flight, and a general fear of heights or enclosed spaces.

Additionally, fear of flying can be exacerbated by a lack of control over the situation, such as not being able to control the plane or being in close proximity to other passengers.


Symptoms can include physical symptoms such as difficulty breathing, shaking, heart palpitations, perspiring, dizziness, dry mouth, sweating, trembling and rapid heartbeat...

As well as psychological symptoms - such as panic attacks, anxiety, extreme worry, impaired thinking, and many others.


This fear can make it difficult for people to travel by air, limiting their personal and professional opportunities and causing significant distress.

Another part of the problem can be that those who do not experience fear of flying, often do not understand it, or those affected by it, and at times their indifference may heighten the anxiety.

Before I became a hypnotherapist, I had first-hand experience of these flight issues - mainly with taking off, and landing.

The good news is that I overcame it, and like myself and our readers, you can too - using the same simple method.

There are many different factors which can trigger these feelings, ranging from:

Common Causes of Fear of Flying


• Apprehension about turbulence


• Feeling impatient when waiting


• Unease about the possibility of terrorism


Feeling of not being in 100% total control of the situation, and forced to rely upon the pilot's judgment and the plane's mechanical processes other related phobias - such as concerns about heights, crowds, stale air or enclosed spaces


• A traumatic experience, such as a turbulent flight or a close call with an airplane, can create a lasting impression


• Studies have suggested that a predisposition to anxiety disorders, including aviophobia, may be inherited


• Many people with aviophobia feel a lack of control while flying, as they are not the ones piloting the aircraft. This feeling of helplessness can contribute to anxiety.


• For some people, it can be related to a fear of the unknown, as they may not understand how an airplane works or feel uncertain about what to expect during a flight


• People with aviophobia may engage in imagining worst-case scenarios, such as plane crashes or terrorist attacks


News coverage of plane crashes and other aviation incidents can contribute by creating a perception that flying is dangerous or risky


A lack of familiarity with the airport and airplane environment can make some feel overwhelmed by the crowds, noise, and other sensory stimuli associated with air travel


• People with underlying anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder or panic disorder, may be more susceptible to developing aviophobia


• Some are worried about the potential health risks associated with air travel, such as exposure to germs or radiation

 


The most common and effective treatment for symptoms of the aviophobia is by dealing with the issue right at the very source - the subconscious mind - the place where all phobias reside within the mind. 

Relaxation and hypnosis are most effective of dealing with issues within the subconscious, as they help to 're-program' our mind and continually reduce the physical symptoms until they eventually disappear completely.



Other Techniques


1. Replace fearful thought by repeating a few words or short phrase over and over again - about 100-200 times, silently in your mind. This is often called a mantra, and prevents the mind from thinking anything else, and blocks negative thoughts. It could be anything that you choose to repeat, but a positive phrase would probably be better - eg. I’m calm and relaxed.

2. As fear is a reaction caused by doubts and negative thoughts, you can shut down all the negative chatter by closing your eyes, taking two deep breaths, in and out, then either:

a) go to a calm relaxed place in your mind

b) go to a safe ‘inner cave’ in your mind - imagine it with a warm crackling fire, lying down on a soft bed, and imagine you are talking to a wise soul who is calming you with their sage advice (eg. Yoda etc).

c) focus on your breath, and count each outbreath - 1..2..3..4..and then go back to 1 and start again - and keep going until you feel relaxed and in control.

4. Use distractions during take-off and landing. eg. Read a book or do a crossword, or fix your gaze onto a tiny spot on the back of the seat in front of you, and don’t take your focus off it, even for a second. Just keep staring at that spot, and it will calm your mind down quickly (it’s a meditation technique).

5. Use some sensory deprivation to calm yourself down further, while using any of these techniques (on the plane) - eg. eye mask and ear plugs.


Benefits of Hypnosis

Benefits


Relaxation

One of the primary benefits of hypnosis for aerophobia is its ability to help individuals relax, as it involves guiding you into a state of deep relaxation, allowing you to feel more calm and centered. This can be particularly helpful for those who experience anxiety or panic attacks, as it can help to reduce the intensity of these symptoms.

Control

It also helps you regain control over your thoughts and emotions - as when you are in a state of anxiety, you can often feel as though you are out of control. Hypnosis brings back a greater sense of control over your thoughts and emotions, allowing you to feel more empowered and capable of managing the fear.

Reframing

Another benefit is its ability to help you reframe your thoughts and beliefs - as many who suffer from aerophobia have negative thoughts and beliefs about air travel, such as a belief that flying is unsafe or that they will not be able to handle the experience.


Cost-effectiveness

Cost-effectiveness is one of the big appealing factors, compared to therapy of most kinds, which can be both expensive and time-consuming, and requiring multiple sessions over a period of weeks or even months. Meanwhile, hypnosis (and particular with audio recordings, which I create), on the other hand, can often be just take one or two sessions, making it a more cost-effective option.

Remote Performance

Hypnosis can also be performed remotely, which makes it a convenient option for individuals who may not have access to a local hypnotherapist or who may not be able to attend in-person sessions. Remote hypnosis sessions can be conducted via video call or phone, or audio recordings (as per my products below), allowing individuals to receive treatment from the comfort of their own homes.

Non-Invasive

Finally, it is a non-invasive form of treatment, which means that it does not require you to take medication or undergo medical procedures. This makes it a safe and gentle option for those who may be hesitant to try more invasive forms of treatment.

As aerophobia is a type of mental 'program' running on our internal software - when the program is deleted or changed, the result is a feeling of calm control and a continual reduction of the physical symptoms, until they disappear completely.

This is where hypnosis can be of major assistance - for those wishing to look into this further, see the link below to my audio program for this.


 

 

 

 

Of course, there are also the slower and longer-term methods, such as:

• Educating yourself about flying
Learn about how planes work and the statistics of airplane safety. Understanding the physics of flying and the procedures that pilots use to ensure a safe flight can help you feel more in control

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Consider seeking professional help from a therapist who specializes in treating anxiety disorders, as they can help you identify and challenge negative thoughts and beliefs that contribute to your anxiety

• Exposure therapy
Exposure therapy involves gradually exposing yourself to the source of your fear in a controlled environment, such as through virtual reality simulations or visits to an airport, to help desensitize you to the feeling

• Medication
In some cases, medication prescribed by a doctor may be helpful in managing the symptoms of anxiety associated with flying

• Distractions
Keeping your mind engaged during the flight can help you distract yourself from your anxiety. Consider listening to music, reading, or watching a movie

• Practice relaxation techniques on the flight
Use relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or progressive muscle relaxation to calm your mind and body during the flight.

But certainly the faster ways to see improvement are through the hypnosis, which can be a far more cost and time-effective treatment.