How do you help someone who is afraid of flying?

Supporting Someone with Fear of Flying: A Personalized Approach

Navigating air travel can be anxiety-inducing for those with aviophobia, commonly known as the fear of flying. This condition affects a significant number of individuals, causing distress and hesitation to engage in air travel. Supporting someone with this fear requires a compassionate and individualized approach.

Creating a Calming Pre-Flight Routine

Personalizing a calming pre-flight routine can play a pivotal role in mitigating anxiety. Encourage the person to identify activities that bring them comfort and relaxation. This may include:

• Deep Breathing Exercises: Guide them through controlled breathing techniques such as diaphragmatic breathing or box breathing.
• Physical Activity: Engaging in light physical activity before the flight can release endorphins and reduce stress levels. Encourage them to walk or do a few simple stretches.
• Mindfulness Techniques: Practice mindfulness exercises such as body scan meditation or guided imagery to focus on the present moment and reduce anxiety.

Tailoring Strategies to Individual Needs

No single approach works for everyone. Understand the person’s specific fears and tailor your support accordingly. For instance:

• Claustrophobia: Help them choose an aisle seat or request extra legroom for a sense of space.
• Turbulence Anxiety: Reassure them that it is a normal part of flying and provide strategies for coping with it, such as listening to music or reading a book.
• Height Phobia: Distract them with in-flight entertainment or guide them through visualization exercises to remind them of the safety measures in place.

Additional Tips for Support

• Educate them: Provide factual information about the safety of air travel, the science behind turbulence, and the measures in place to ensure passenger safety.
• Encourage Cognitive Restructuring: Help them challenge unhelpful thoughts about flying and replace them with more rational and calming perspectives.
• Consider Professional Help: If their fear is severe or disabling, encourage them to seek professional help from a therapist or counselor.
• Be Patient and Understanding: Remember that overcoming a fear of flying takes time and effort. Provide support and encouragement throughout the process.

Supporting someone with a fear of flying requires empathy, patience, and a willingness to tailor support to their individual needs. By creating a personalized calming pre-flight routine and providing tailored strategies, you can help them gradually overcome their anxiety and experience the freedom of air travel.