Anxious in the air
The opening of Kansas City’s new airport is exciting news. But you aren’t alone if aerophobia, or an extreme fear of flying, is keeping you from your next big journey. In fact, a University Health Behavioral Health counselor says it’s quite common. Click here to read more.
The opening of Kansas City’s new airport is exciting news. But you aren’t alone if aerophobia, or an extreme fear of flying, is keeping you from your next big journey. In fact, a University Health Behavioral Health counselor Shawn Holland, LPC says it’s quite common. He explained that the fear of flying is rooted in anxiety. “It’s that fear of something coming up. And the anxiety triggers the irrational thinking of ‘something terrible is going to happen. I’m not going to make it.’”
By challenging irrational thinking (defined as putting more weight on what possibly could happen versus what likely will happen) a therapist can help a client take control of his or her fear.
But if the anxiety is knocking on your door and your flight boards in minutes, Holland suggests you distract yourself with technology. Put on your headphones and listen to music or watch a show.
If you know you’re headed for a long, crowded flight and it’s the lack of space that causes your anxiety, Holland suggests starting to practice intentional, calming breathing exercises long before your trip.
For more tips, follow this link to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America.