Manage Common Phobias: Agoraphobia and Aviaphobia  

Both agoraphobia (fear of not having another panic attack in a crowded place) and aviaphobia (the fear of flying) are condition which change people’s life to such an extent that they will no longer travel by plane or leave their house for fear of the consequences they may have to face. 

Agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder which affects mainly persons who already suffer from panic attacks. The fear of not being struck by another panic attack in an environment from which they will not be able to escape or where they will not receive any help is so big for agoraphobics that they will eventually refuse to leave the house alone. They reject any contact with the outside world for fear of not being considered crazy. 

However, avoiding getting out of the house unaccompanied is not the best solution to overcome agoraphobia. In fact, isolation is not a solution at all. The most suitable thing to do is admit the problem and seek specialized help.  

Agoraphobia can be treated by psychotherapy, a therapy in which the patient is asked to talk about his fears and try to understand that they are not rational. Exposures to the situations which provoke the anxiety are also very effective in treating this condition. Patients are advised to spend more time in society, outside the walls of their homes. Family and friend can accompany them in order to give agoraphobics the feeling of safeness they need. Gradually, they will leave aside their anxious feelings and will feel more confident in leaving the house alone. 

Medication and relaxing techniques can also be used in treating this condition. While the role of antidepressants is that of giving the patient more confidence in himself, the relaxing techniques such as imagery, meditation and deep breathing are designed to calm him. 

Aviaphobia or the fear of flying is as serious as agoraphobia. Even though it does not prevent the patient from leaving the house it does prevent him from leaving the ground. This refusal on embarking on a plane may also have severe consequences upon a persons’ life, as jobs may be lost, families may be kept apart and vacations cancelled. 

Just like agoraphobia, aviaphobia can be treated by acknowledging the effects that condition has on one’s life. After understanding that they are facing a problem whose consequences may not only trouble them, but also cause inconveniences to the ones dear to them it is time that patients should do something to free themselves from it. 

First of all they should look for books and articles about the fear of flying and see how others have managed to get over it. Fear is a common feeling. It is normal to be afraid or at least reluctant to something you do not do very often, yet, this should not prevent you from doing that thing. 

Specialized therapy may also be employed to treat aviaphobia. When undergoing this type of treatment patients are asked to visualize a flight or are even asked to step on the plane to make the situation seem real. By facing the feared circumstances, patients usually overcome their fear or at least feel more at ease with the idea of flying. 

None of the above mentioned phobias or any other anxiety disorder should rule one’s life, especially when they can be treated with so little effort.