How do I know if I have a Phobia of Flying?

In our current life, air travel has become a more common and accessible experience for many people. Flying by plane is considered by many to be an incredible and exciting experience; Feeling that you are somehow “flying”, being able to see the landscapes from above, and moving at such a high speed, are some of the positive opinions about flying. However, another group of people have an overwhelming feeling of fear and discomfort when thinking about it: phobia of flying.

Phobias are conceived as intense and irrational fears with an unhealthy and debilitating potential to a thing, situation or person. The phobia of flying, or aerophobia, is mainly characterized by the irrational and overwhelming fear of air travel. It is normal to feel nervous or anxious before flying because it is an experience far from everyday life and it can scare the feeling that you are "floating" in the sky. However, people with a phobia of it experience an extreme level of fear that can have significant interference with their daily lives.

If you think you suffer from this psychological disorder, keep reading. In this article we are going to explore in depth how to know if you live with a phobia of flying and how to identify the symptoms of this condition. Fortunately, phobias are treatable and with a very high percentage of resolution in therapeutic consultations. Therefore, it is important to be aware of this situation so that you can ask for help and manage to overcome this (or other) phobia.

• Related article: "Types of Phobias: Exploring Fear Disorders"

Symptoms of the phobia of flying

The phobia of flying can be understood as that irrational and very high fear of getting on a plane, being able to experience episodes of anxiety or panic attacks associated with thinking or doing it. This can mean behavioral changes around traveling by plane, avoiding it at all costs and thus closing the door to live many experiences thanks to flying by plane.

The phobia of flying can manifest itself in various ways, and its symptoms can vary from person to person. Recognizing these signs is crucial to identify if you really have this phobia and seek the right help. Below are some of the most common symptoms associated with a phobia of flying:

1. Extreme anxiety and nervousness

Before and during a flight, people with a phobia of flying can experience overwhelming anxiety. This can manifest as constant nervousness, feeling restless, or intense worry.

• You may be interested in: "Emotional discomfort: possible causes, and how to overcome it"

2. intense physical reactions

The body can respond to anxiety with physical symptoms such as rapid heart palpitations, excessive sweating, tremors, dizziness, or a feeling of tightness in the chest.

3. active avoidance

People with a phobia of flying can avoid air travel entirely or look for alternatives, such as traveling by car or train, even if this implies more time and effort.

4. catastrophic thoughts

Imagining terrible situations during the flight, such as accidents or kidnappings, is common in people with a phobia of flying. These negative thoughts can increase anxiety.

• Related article: "Fear of the future: the emotional problem of catastrophic thoughts"

5. Hypersensitivity to flight stimuli

The noises, movements and turbulence of the flight can intensify anxiety in those who suffer from this phobia. During the flight, any difficult-to-interpret stimulus is perceived as an unequivocal signal that a plane crash is about to occur.

6. emotional upset

Feelings of anguish, despair, irrational fear, and restlessness can accompany a phobia of flying, affecting overall emotional well-being.

7. Avoid flight-related situations

In addition to avoiding the flights themselves, people with this phobia may avoid places like airports or even avoid talking about it.

Consequences of the phobia of flying

The phobia of flying can have a significant impact on the lives of those who suffer from it, and its consequences can extend beyond the moments of flight. By avoiding facing fear, people with this phobia can experience a number of challenges and limitations. that affect your general well-being. Some of the main consequences of the phobia of flying are the following:

1. Restriction of opportunities

The inability to fly can severely limit personal and professional opportunities. From missing family vacations to missing out on job opportunities that require air travel, this phobia can hinder personal growth and development.

2. Impaired quality of life

The constant worry and anxiety related to the flight can negatively affect the quality of life. People with a phobia of flying can experience high levels of stress and emotional discomfort., which can influence your overall physical and mental health.

3. Social isolation

Avoidance of flying-related situations can lead sufferers of this phobia to become socially isolated. The inability to participate in family events or trips with friends can lead to feelings of loneliness and exclusion.

4. Development of other phobias

The phobia of flying can also trigger or contribute to the development of other phobias or anxiety disorders, such as agoraphobia (fear of open spaces or situations that generate anxiety).

A phobia is not just nerves

As we have seen, the phobia of flying is made up of an intense and paralyzing fear that can significantly influence your life. As we already know, feeling nervous before a flight is normal, but it must be understood that the phobia of flying is not defined by this nervousness.

Nervousness is temporary and manageable, while a phobia of flying involves an intense and persistent fear that can affect daily life. While nervousness is tolerable during the flight, the phobia can lead to avoidance of flying and restrict life opportunities. Furthermore, the symptoms of the phobia can persist even after the flight. Recognizing these differences is important in addressing the problem and seeking the right help if you have a true flying phobia.