Fear of flying
Fear of flying is one of the most common phobias, affecting around one in ten people, suffering from anxiety related to flying. For those who don't suffer from anxiety, it may seem like an irrational fear. But our mind creates a sense of anxiety when it believes we are in danger. Protecting ourselves is the primary function of our subconscious, so if something is perceived as a threat, action will be taken.
Although it has been proven that air travel is one of the safest forms of transport, fear still affects a large proportion of the population. This fear can interfere with daily life, and keep people from traveling. Here we take a closer look at this phobia and how hypnotherapy for fear of flying can help.
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Living with the fear of flying
Fear of flying can often interfere with personal vacations and business trips. This can lead people to avoid career paths that involve travel, or even miss family vacations abroad. Many aspects of flying can lead to feelings of anxiety, including fear of a panic attack, fear of the plane crashing, claustrophobia, loss of control ,and fear of terrorism.
And it's not just on planes that anxiety can set in. If you're afraid of flying, everything you think about, or do, whether it's booking a vacation, arriving at the airport or even thinking about getting on a plane, can trigger feelings of anxiety.
It's important to note that not everyone with a fear of flying experiences the same distress. Experiences can range from mild anxiety before flying, to a state of terror, which can prevent a person from boarding a plane at all.
The most common symptoms are
perspiration
dry mouth
panic attacks
blurred vision
rapid heartbeat
nausea
What causes fear of flying?
Fear of flying is a learned fear. It may originate in childhood, perhaps if the individual's parents displayed a similar fear, or may have developed after a bad experience, such as experiencing bad turbulence or an emergency landing.
Some people suggest that fears can increase at important times in their lives, after having children, for example. It is thought that this may be due to survival instinct.
It's important to remember that fear of flying is not just a phobia. It can also stem from other fears and phobias, such as claustrophobia, fear of heights or agoraphobia. But if you can identify what's triggering your anxiety, you've taken the first step towards overcoming this fear.
Hypnosis for fear of flying
Hypnosis is particularly effective for learning to manage fear of flying. It aims to change your thoughts and behaviors associated with flying, making it a more positive experience. Reassessing the reaction your unconscious creates can often help you regain control of a fear, and feel more at ease when anxious feelings arise.
Hypnotherapy can help you become calmer and more relaxed, feeling safe and in control. Hypnosis uses relaxation techniques and the power of suggestion to promote positive change. The hypnotherapist will tailor suggestions to your needs, with the aim of helping you recognize what triggers your fear and why, and modify your reaction.
How many sessions are required?
It usually takes 1 to 3 sessions to get rid of a simple phobia. The number of sessions required varies from person to person, and depends on the severity of the phobia. Some people feel better able to cope after just one session, while others need continuous reinforcement.
