If possible!
1. WHAT ARE WE TALKING ABOUT?
If you would cross Europe by train so as not to go near a boarding gate and you look for any excuse to avoid the plane (in fact, it is never an option on your vacation), we are talking about a phobia . “Three quarters of people who have a phobia of traveling by plane are concerned a failure in the engine, navigation, the preparation of the pilots, the weather... the other fourth is related to agoraphobia: they fear suffering a panic attack in a circumstance from which they will not be able to escape”, explains Dr. Carlos Baeza, who has specialized in treatments to overcome this phobia for more than fifteen years at the Clinic of Anxiety. If you have apprehension, fear or discomfort but you are able to face the situation, we talk about fear.
two. YOU'RE NOT ALONE
Tell it: to your family, friends, co-workers... Don't dig your nails into the armrest in silence . Many people suffer to a greater or lesser extent with the idea of getting on a plane or coping with turbulence during the flight, According to AENA, one in six adults .
3. THE DATA IS WITH YOU
The plane is the safest means of transport . In addition, even in the case of suffering an accident, according to the data offered by an investigation by the BBC , in 90% of cases there are survivors. Look for basic information from reliable sources about the type of aircraft, the regulations or the weather to reduce fear. The data is with you , you should always remember it.
Four. PREPARE FROM HOME
“Imagine getting on the plane or sitting during the flight it lowers anxiety and the person gets used to being in that situation ”, explains Nuria Salgado, resident psychologist at the University Clinic of Psychology of the Complutense University of Madrid.
Counter fatalistic thoughts with positive information and ideas
5. PLAN YOUR THOUGHTS
"We should not think about the same topic every time the idea comes to mind, we can set a specific time to remember”, recommends Dr. Baeza.
6. REST
Relax. Sleeping the night before will help you better cope with your fears and possible discomfort. Also, as we have already mentioned, suitcases are like melons: they can be good or they can be cucumber, prepare it with time . You have a guide full of tricks to optimize the space and not despair.
7. WEAR COMFORTABLE CLOTHING
If you can get nervous, better not do it with new shoes, five layers of clothing or that impossible belt. Choose the clothes that makes you feel almost as good as at home . Aid.
Cabin staff: for whatever you need
8. NOTIFY THE CABIN STAFF
“We see how some passengers they squeeze the seat, close their eyes, grab the one next to them... ”, describes the Iberia stewardess Lucía Villegas. "You always, always have to let her know," she suggests, "because that way we explain how the flight is going to go, we change their places so that they are near the aisle... let them know that we are here for whatever they need ”.
9. TAKE A DEEP BREATH
"If the person focuses on anxiety, it goes down, seeing that the danger is not what they thought..." advises psychologist Nuria Salgado. “Many people know basic relaxation techniques, such as diaphragmatic breathing ”, comments Dr. Carlos Baeza, “in this way we achieve progressive muscle relaxation and reduce anxiety”.
Everything is controlled
10. ALCOHOL IS NOT YOUR FRIEND
“Stimulants (such as coffee or energy drinks) or depressants (such as alcohol) should not be abused, they do not help and can generate problems in the medium term ”, says Dr. Baeza.
eleven. GOODBYE TO NEGATIVE THOUGHTS
We must try not to be aware of the noise, the inconvenience and the weather, as well as to stop mantras such as: we are going to crash... It is better to focus on the conversation.
“To stop the anguish, we talk to the passengers or give them a newspaper,” explains flight attendant Lucía Villegas, with more than 10 years of experience as a stewardess, “ I tell them that I have a phobia of pigeons , I see them and I start to scream, to normalize their fear and prevent them from panicking. Pure empathy.
12. IF YOU HAVEN'T GOT IT YET...
If you can't get on a plane, don't worry. There are professionals who teach you how the fear of flying works, what to do to face it, with individual, group and simulator sessions . Find out.
Follow @merinoticias
*** You may also be interested in...**
- 17 things you should know when moving through the airport so you don't end up like Melendi
- Everything you always wanted to know about traveling in Primera and you didn't dare to ask
- Five airports where you won't mind (so much) missing the plane
- "Stewardess, please, could you open this window of the plane?" NO
- High-flying food (and drink)
- How to pack a suitcase
- Universal truths about luggage
- It does exist: gourmet time at the airport
- Terminals that are works of art
- 37 types of travelers you will meet in airports and planes, whether you like it or not - Apology to the airport hotel
- Holidays at the airport: hotels inside the terminal
- What if we could choose our fellow passengers?
- All the articles of Maria Crespo
Socialize, you are not alone