Ever since the first planes appeared, some people have felt a terrible fear of flying.
It was quite natural to be scared of flying in the past when the idea of falling from such a height would have made anyone freeze.
However, nowadays planes have proved to be a much safer means of transport than cars; statistics show there are far more accidents on the road than there are in the air.
Being nervous about flying for the first time in your life is one thing and having flying phobia is another.
We all felt a bit strange when we stepped on a plane for the first time in our lives, but now we feel quite comfortable while flying.
It is a very nice experience and such a quick one! I for one couldn't get used to travelling long distances by car or train again.
Flying phobia is a very serious thing for those who suffer from it.
You can say it is a disabling condition that may make one's life a living hell.
You should know there is no alternative to flying if you want to reach far away lands in reasonable time nowadays.
Who on earth would accept travelling by ship in the 21st century unless it were a pleasure cruise? People with flying phobia experience symptoms of extreme stress and anxiety.
These naturally affect their functioning in a very serious manner unless they undergo treatment that helps them conquer the fear.
Usually people with flying phobia try avoiding flying at all costs and when they cannot do that they will most likely become overwhelmingly nervous and even get a panic attack when they are in the air.
Other symptoms that may occur in this case are: heavy breathing, muscle tension, palpitations, sweating, shaking, dizziness and motion sickness.
If your fear of flying has reached phobic proportions you had better get help to overcome it.
There are several treatment options for those who suffer from aviophobia such as drug therapy, natural remedies, cognitive behavioural therapy as well as relaxation techniques and airline affiliated programmes.
In order to temporarily control the symptoms of flying phobia, doctors prescribe psychiatric medication such as benzodiazepines and other similar relaxant drugs.
Yet, this kind of medication does not treat the disorder; they only bring about relief for a short period of time and may unfortunately have some undesirable side effects.
You can calm your nerves and relax the mind with some natural remedies that are also indicated for travel sickness.
Hypericum perforatum, Passiflora incarnata, Valerian and Scutellaria laterifolia are herbs recommended for anxiety.
A combination of the treatment will help you through the terrible flying experience.
One of the most commonly used methods of treating flying phobia is desensitization.
Talking about your fears, visiting the airport and finally taking a flight will help you overcome this phobia.
Airline programmes are based on the idea that getting familiar to the plane before flying may solve the problem.
Relaxation techniques are also known to be quite effective; especially composed music on a CD will help you relieve tension, reduce anxiety and regulate breathing.