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Fear of travel
My husband is extremely scared of flying though he has been a cabin crew with Qatar Airways in the past. But now even if we book flights he never boards. He is having anxiety attacks what to do
Answers (15)
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He has height phobia.kindly connect with psychotherapist asap
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It sounds like your husband is experiencing severe flight-related anxiety, possibly stemming from past experiences or unresolved fears. Gradual Exposure Therapy combined with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can help him regain confidence and reduce anxiety. As a psychologist, I can guide him through this process with compassion and tailored support.
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Systematic desensitisation can work together with exposure therapy…
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Consult a professional
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Hi
Next Steps
exposure therapy
cognitive restructuring
Health Tips
hi
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Fear of travel, also known as hodophobia, is an anxiety disorder where individuals experience intense fear or distress when thinking about or engaging in travel. This fear can stem from concerns about accidents, getting lost, unfamiliar environments, or lack of control. Symptoms may include rapid heartbeat, sweating, dizziness, nausea, or panic attacks. Triggers can vary, such as traveling by plane, car, or train, or even being away from home. This phobia can disrupt personal, professional, and social life. Managing it often involves therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), relaxation techniques, and, in some cases, medication to reduce anxiety symptoms.
Next Steps
What Should a Patient Do Next?
1. Consult a Professional: Seek help from a psychologist or psychiatrist to assess the severity and underlying causes.
2. Try Therapy: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is highly effective for addressing irrational fears and anxiety.
3. Consider Medication: In severe cases, anti-anxiety medications or antidepressants might be prescribed.
4. Learn Relaxation Techniques: Practices like deep breathing, mindfulness, or meditation can reduce travel-related anxiet
Health Tips
Helpful Tips
Start Small: Begin with short, local trips to build confidence.
Plan Ahead: Create detailed travel itineraries to reduce uncertainties.
Use Distractions: Listen to music, podcasts, or read to divert focus during travel.
Travel with Support: Bring a trusted companion for reassurance.
Challenge Negative Thoughts: Replace fears with rational, calming thoughts.
Stay Healthy: Get adequate rest, eat well, and avoid caffeine before traveling.
With consistent efforts and support, overcoming travel fears is achievable.
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Hi, Consult a psychologist.Addressing the root cause is important.A trauma, stressful events during the job, abuse,etc can be possible reasons.
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Consult
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Thanks for reaching out.
I know it can be confusing for you to understand the reason behind his anxiety as he was once in a profession which required him to fly. There can be a no. of reasons as human behaviour is influenced by a lot of things. I suggest you to consult a Psychiatrist first and based on that you can decide your next move. Also therapy can be very helpful in this.
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Reach out
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Challenge negative thoughts: Write down your worries and analyze whether they are based on facts or assumptions.
Practice mindfulness: Engage in deep breathing exercises or meditation to manage an
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treatment is available
Health Tips
consult
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Hey, I understand this anxiety is impacting your life. Let's work together to address it. We'll explore CBT, exposure therapy, and relaxation techniques. I'll support you every step of the way.
Next Steps
1. Schedule a therapy session: Book an appointment with a therapist specializing in anxiety and aviation-related phobias.
2. Keep a journal: Encourage your husband to track anxiety levels, triggers, and coping mechanisms.
Health Tips
1. Breathe deeply: Encourage slow, deep breaths during anxiety spikes.
2. Positive self-talk: Encourage positive affirmations to counter negative thoughts.
3. Support network: Encourage open communication with friends, family, and you.
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Ms. Neha Sachdev
Psychologist
11 yrs exp
Delhi
Hi
Since he was a cabin crew before, he must have had some past experiences that he would have suppressed during his flight and is now surfacing. He probably knows the realities of a flight mechanisms and what n how a cabin crew thinks, which is making him nervous. There must be underlying unidentified issues.
Have an elaborate talk with him to know what the realities issues are. Ask questions like-
What was ur past experience like?
What were the things that scared you?
What were the good part of travelling?
What do you think what is the main issue? Is it boarding or something else??
He might be able to identify his fear.
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Please consult a psychologist
There are techniques which would help him to cope with fear.
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Dr. Seema Aggarwal (PhD)
Counselling Psychologist
11 yrs exp
Bangalore
Hi..
Consult Clinical Psychologist .
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Ms. Hema Sampath
Counselling Psychologist
18 yrs exp
Bangalore
Book an appointment with a therapist on behalf of him..
Next Steps
Consult a psychological Counselor for a therapy.
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Mr. Sandeep Kumar
Psychologist
14 yrs exp
Chandigarh
Hi, Your husband may be experiencing a phobia or PTSD related to flying, which can develop even after prior exposure. Encourage him to seek help from a therapist specializing in anxiety or phobias.
Health Tips
A helpful tip is to practice deep breathing or mindfulness exercises to manage anxiety while gradually addressing the fear in controlled steps.
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Ms. Farheen Moulana
Psychologist
4 yrs exp
Bangalore
Hi, I am sorry to know that your husband is struggling with this. It is not uncommon for people to develop fears or phobias even if they have experience in the field. Please encourage your husband to connect with a professional psychologist as better solutions can be provided with a detailed discussion to know about the underlying triggers that may be causing anxiety.
With the help of effective coping strategies and few therapies like exposure therapy and CBT we can help him overcome the fear of flying.
Next Steps
Connect
Health Tips
Be non judgmental in your approach with him, effective communication, provide education about the available therapies and learn about coping strategies, connect with support groups
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Ms. Pooja Gupta
Counselling Psychologist
8 yrs exp
Delhi
Hi,
It's important to approach your husband's fear of flying with empathy and understanding. Since he has a background as cabin crew, his anxiety may stem from a variety of factors, including past experiences or heightened awareness of flight risks. Encourage him to seek professional help, such as therapy or counseling, which can provide him with coping strategies tailored to his specific fears. Additionally, exploring relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing exercises or mindfulness, may help him manage anxiety when flying. Gradual exposure to flying, starting with short flights or even visiting an airport, can also ease his fears over time. Support him by being patient, listening to his concerns, and reassuring him that it's okay to seek help.
Next Steps
consult with a Psychologist
Health Tips
seek help
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Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.