In about 30% of cases, people who are afraid of flying are not afraid of something happening to the plane. Their fears have to do with their bodies.
In about 30% of cases, people who are afraid of flying are not afraid of something happening to the plane. Their fears have to do with their bodies: What if I get sick on a flight? What if my heart can't cope?
Such people usually have panic attacks and are prone to hypochondria. The real causes are much deeper and can be treated with proper psychotherapy.
In about 30% of cases, people who are afraid of flying are not afraid of something happening to the plane. Their fears have to do with their bodies.
Neuroception is your nervous system's subconscious scanning for danger - it always wins over logic. The solution isn't more facts, but becoming aware of this automatic system.
Same turbulence, two different experiences - the difference is your nervous system state. State determines story, not the other way around. Change the state and the story shifts naturally.
The Polyvagal Ladder is a visual tool showing three nervous system states. You can't jump from shutdown to safety - you must climb one rung at a time using specific regulation techniques.
Interoception - your awareness of bodily sensations - is your "observation tower" for nervous system regulation. The key is to befriend and attend to sensations without judgment.
About the author
Pilot & Fear of Flying Specialist
Alex Gervash leverages his 31-year background as a commercial pilot to provide a masterclass in aviation safety and how turbulence explained can de-escalate flight anxiety. With 18 years of psychology expertise, Alex integrates EMDR therapy and somatic experiencing into his unique flight fear treatment, specifically targeting the physiological triggers that transform a nervous flyer into a calm passenger. Having successfully treated over 16,000 individuals for airplane phobia and aviation anxiety, he also developed the SkyGuru app, which has enhanced flight comfort for more than 200,000 users worldwide. Alex is a dedicated trauma therapy specialist who bridges the gap between technical flight knowledge and the subconscious roots of human panic.