21/04/2010
Travel disruptions cause worry for those with a fear of flying
by Sarah Howard
The volcanic eruption of the Eyjafjallajokull volcano last Thursday in central Iceland has caused mass flight disruption across the UK and Europe. Whilst the cancellations and postponing of flights has proved a big headache for travellers and cost the airlines a reported $1.7 billion, spare a thought for those with a fear of flying.
Flying for those with a severe phobia is challenging at the best of times, but for many sufferers, their anxiety has now been worsened by the disruption, despite recent safety assurances from NATS and the government.
Clinical psychologist Robert Bor comments in his Reuters blog that whilst the ash cloud itself is lifting, ''the emotional dust cloud generated could even take months or longer to clear, as people struggle to make sense of the vulnerability that they have experienced and hardships they have endured.''
Those that have been stranded may feel helpless, compounding their fear of air travel further; whilst those who are planning holidays may feel that they are unable to fly.
Methods for addressing an anxiety to fly include taking benzodiazepines or attending cognitive behaviour therapy. For a long term solution, many people opt for fear of flying hypnotherapy, which helps a patient understand and tackle the reasons why they are afraid. In just a few sessions, patients can feel confident to make travel arrangements and undertake a flight with ease.
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