Fear of flying can affect people in different ways, from mild anxiety before a trip to a phobia that prevents them from travelling altogether. But what causes it, and what can be done to overcome it?
In the latest of our Expert Insights series, we invited readers to submit their questions about fear of flying to Dr Ravi Gill, Practitioner Psychologist and Trauma Specialist at Smart Mind Health.
Dr Gill answers some of the most common questions, sharing expert insights into the causes of flight anxiety, the difference between a fear and a phobia, and the support available for those looking to fly above fear.
Dr Gill, why can I sometimes find the fear of flying affects all aspects of my life?
Fear of flying can affect all aspects of life because we know that anxiety rarely stays confined to one situation.
If flying represents a perceived threat to you, your brain may begin to anticipate danger weeks or even months in advance. This can lead to ongoing anxiety which can impact sleep, cause you to be irritable and have difficulty concentrating.
The anxiety may cause you to do drastic things like avoid holidays, miss out on work opportunities, or family events.
Instead of a fear that just affects you during the flight, it can affect your overall wellbeing, including everyday decision-making and relationships. Ultimately, fear of flying can have a negative impact on your overall quality of life.
Why do I feel weak as a person because I’m afraid of flying?
Therapists know that some people with a fear of flying feel weak because they judge themselves harshly. Fear of flying is something they believe they “should” be able to control.
But fear of flying isn’t a weakness, it’s simply your brain making an overestimation of danger. Positively, you can find ways to deal with the fear of flying.
Some people feel flying while afraid is a sign of failure, when it’s actually a sign of strength. If you fly despite feeling afraid, you’re showing courage not weakness.
Why does turbulence make my anxiety so much worse?
Turbulence is a common trigger and it’s so hard to cope with because of its unpredictability.
When turbulence hits, it creates a sudden loss of control.
The movement itself may be small (much less than you’d experience driving down a rocky road, for example). But it’s not the movement that’s frightening, it’s how your brain interprets it.
When you’re anxious, your brain may treat turbulence as a sign that something is wrong. But, as we know, turbulence is a safe and normal part of flying – even if it’s sometimes uncomfortable.
Can you cure fear of flying or will I always be afraid?
Most people can significantly reduce their fear of flying. The key is to establish realistic expectations.
Treatment may not eliminate all anxiety, but it can help you feel confident enough to fly with less fear. Instead of fear of flying being a huge deal, you may experience a slight nervousness, but it’s not a major problem.
The more you fly, the easier it will become as your brain accumulates these experiences. Over time, many people find that the fear response often becomes much weaker.
Will my child inherit my fear of flying?
It’s a good question. There’s no genetic trait that suggests your child will inherit your fear, but evidence suggests that children can inherit a tendency towards anxiety.
In most cases, children learn fears through observation and experience. If a child repeatedly sees you becoming anxious about flying, they may begin to see flying as something that’s dangerous. On the other hand, if you’re calm and collected, they won’t see flying as anything to worry about.
As a parent, you have a powerful influence on helping children develop healthy responses to uncertainty and fear. By finding the confidence to fly, you’re helping them to understand that flying is safe – and that’s hugely empowering.
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