| join now | shop | freebies & contests | help
     gURL.com  the Web    web search powered by Yahoo!


SHOUT OUT BOARDS

YOUR ROOM


HELP ME HEATHER

SEX ED BLOG



gURL GAMES

QUIZZES



COMIX

PHOTOS



POLLS

VIDEO



BODY IMAGE

SEX

  you are here  >>> FIND OUT > help me heather > sucky emotions  
 


 
  Dear Heather,

I'm deathly afraid of flying in planes. I think the only time I've been on a plane was when I came here from Sweden when I was a little baby. Ever since 9/11, I'm terrified of something awful happening. This summer, I'm supposed to go to Sweden and Norway, but I'm too scared to fly. What should I do?

AddThis Social Bookmark Button

 
 
 
Hi.

It sounds as though you have a phobia--a strong fear that is persistent and doesn't diminish on its own. The good news is that there are ways to treat your phobia before you need to travel this coming summer.

You might start by asking your parents if they will allow you to see a doctor about this. A doctor can be a psychologist, psychiatrist, therapist or your primary care physician, if a referral is needed. A mental health provider can help you learn better ways to deal with your fear, like using meditation or relaxation exercises to feel more in control of the situation.

Therapists often find it helpful to confront the situation head-on with their client by having them practice being in the situation that scares them. For example, if you were afraid of heights, you and your therapist might work up to climbing a steep set of stairs together. But since planes are not as accessible as staircases, your therapist might choose to help you to visualize the situation, taking you step-by-step through the process of flying virtually.

There are certain medications that have been found helpful in treating phobias, too, but this is something you'll have to discuss with your doctor after a thorough evaluation.

It may take a while for your phobia to be controlled--sometimes treatment takes weeks or months--so I'd suggest you begin to look into these options as soon as possible.

Good luck and have a great time abroad!

 
   
 
 

more sucky emotions

select another topic:

 
 
 

email this feature to a friend:
IM this feature to a friend (AIM only):
tell us what you think of this feature.

  CONNECT EXPLORE gURL.com BY TOPIC ABOUT gURL  
 
shout out boards
gURL newsletter


being yourself
beliefs
body image
brainylicious
dating
d.i.y.
fashion & style
friends & family
health
music, movies & media
school & careers
sex
sports
sucky emotions

contact us
what is gURL?
advertise on gURL
privacy policy
terms of service
help

 
  ADVERTISEMENT

   
   Also... Get your horoscope mailed to you every day!
   Sign up for gURL and Astrology.com's daily newsletter.

 

© iVillage Inc. 1995-2008. All rights reserved.