A Personal Encounter with Flight Anxiety
The first time I really realised that I probably should be concerned about being high up in the air in a machine I had no control over was when I was 9. I had flown with my parents before, but that night I stayed awake through the 11 hour flight because I was certain that only my concentration was keeping the engines going. I KNEW if I fell asleep the plane would crash. That vigilance didn't leave me for years.
What is Flight Anxiety?
Flight anxiety, also known as aerophobia, is a fear of flying that can cause significant distress and anxiety. It can range from mild unease to a paralysing fear that prevents people from travelling by air. But what causes this fear? Let's dive into the psychological and physiological factors involved.
Click here to explore our 'Fear of Flying' hypnotherapy session
The Psychological Factors
One of the main psychological factors behind flight anxiety is the fear of the unknown. When we're on a plane, we're not in control. We're entrusting our lives to the pilot and the aircraft, and that can be scary. This fear can be exacerbated by stories of plane crashes or turbulence that we hear in the news or from others.
Another psychological factor is claustrophobia, or the fear of being in a confined space. Airplanes, especially smaller ones, can feel cramped and restrictive, which can trigger anxiety.
The Physiological Factors
On the physiological side, the physical sensations experienced during a flight can trigger anxiety. The feeling of take-off and landing, changes in altitude, or turbulence can cause discomfort and fear. These sensations can be particularly distressing for those who have a sensitive vestibular system, which controls our sense of balance and spatial orientation.
Personal Triggers
Everyone's experience with flight anxiety is unique, and personal triggers can vary widely. For some, it might be the noise of the engines. For others, it could be the sensation of being in the air or the fear of a possible crash. Understanding your personal triggers is a crucial step in managing flight anxiety.
My Journey with Flight Anxiety
Overcoming my flight anxiety took me years, but understanding the causes and triggers was a significant first step. I started by acknowledging my fear and then worked on identifying my personal triggers. For me, it was watching the wings moving up and down during turbulence (because I was sure they would snap off), and the feeling of not being in control.
I found that educating myself about how planes work and the safety measures in place helped alleviate some of my fears. I spoke to a friend who was a flight attendant and he explained how much flex the wings were built to have, which reassured me about that particular aspect. I also practised relaxation techniques, like deep breathing and mindfulness, to help calm my nerves during flights. Weirdly enough, the thing that finally helped the most was allowing myself to acknowledge how out of control I really was when I was on a plane. Somehow, not arguing with myself about that reduced my inner tension enormously...telling the truth to ourselves always seems to do that.
Clear Minds Fear of Flying Hypnotherapy Session
Of course, I now have a fantastic resource that I wish I'd had access to years ago: the Fear of Flying session by Clear Minds Hypnotherapy.
This empowering audio hypnotherapy session is specifically tailored for anyone who wants to conquer their fear of flying. It's like a ticket to freedom, opening a world of travel opportunities you may have thought were out of reach.
What's in the Session?
The session is designed to help you face and conquer your fear of flying, transforming it from an overwhelming obstacle into a manageable, even enjoyable experience. You'll be able to step onto a plane with confidence, secure in the knowledge that you are in control of yourself, if not the plane!
Overcoming your fear of flying with this session will unlock a world of travel opportunities for you, allowing you to explore new places, cultures, and experiences. Whether for business or pleasure, your horizons will expand significantly.
By conquering this fear, you'll also boost your overall self-confidence. This triumph over aerophobia can be a stepping stone to facing and overcoming other fears and challenges, fuelling your personal growth journey.
How Does It Work?
All you need to do for the hypnotherapy to work is give yourself a quiet space to avoid distractions for 20 minutes. 90% of Clear Minds' clients have said they only needed to listen to the audio once for it to be effective.
When you start your journey with Clear Minds, you will also get access to their Emotional Support Group, which has over 80,000 daily active members. This private group is full of like-minded people who will help motivate and inspire you throughout your journey.
You don't need any particular device to listen to the audio therapies; it works on any mobile phone, tablet, or computer without downloading unique apps. Once you purchase the hypnotherapy audio, you will have it to listen to and share with friends as much as you like.
Ready to Spread Your Wings?
So, are you ready to spread your wings and conquer your fear of flying? With understanding, patience, and the right strategies, flight anxiety can be managed effectively. And with resources like Clear Minds' Fear of Flying Hypnotherapy session, you're not alone in this journey. Safe travels!
