If you're terrified of flying to the extent that you have to travel by sea, road or rail to avoid it, then there are ways to help you conquer your fear. We are afraid of flying when we are irrationally alarmed by the possible consequences of flying and therefore uncomfortable or willing to do so. Fears can produce physical as well as emotional symptoms such as sweating palms, dry mouth and a racing heart beat, and even hyperventilating, vomiting or losing all sense of control. Fear of flying is often a learned fear - many people were confident flyers once upon a time. If you can remember a trigger, then it might help you get over your fear.
Fear of flying is mainly irrational.
It's not the result of you looking at statistics, weighing up the pros and cons and coming to a sensible conclusion. Plus, your imagination can play back scenes of horrific accidents and worst case scenarios that intensify your fear and phobia. Overcoming your fear You can practise some self-help techniques such as breathing exercises or meditation, both before and during your flight. Or, try visualisation, where you imagine yourself on the plane, exposed to the sounds and sights that scare you or make you panic. When you feel the familiar dry mouth, nervous tummy feelings, close your eyes and breathe slowly in through your nose, out through your mouth.