Fear of Air Travel
in the Wake of the Terrorist Attacks on the U.S.
After the recent terrorist attacks using commercial airliners, many
Americans who travel for their work are finding they are afraid of
flying. The following are some points for employers to keep in mind and
communicate to their employees:
- First and foremost, in light of recent events, it's perfectly normal
to be afraid of flying right now.
- Employers/managers should be patient with their traveling
employees' fears. Consider alternatives such as teleconferencing,
video conferencing, on-line meetings, travel by car, bus or rail.
- Following are some strategies travelers can employ once they do
decide it's time to resume air travel:
- Accept your feelings of anxiety-don't fight them-but do
resist negative thinking. Don't dwell on thoughts or images of
the worst.
- Take something to keep you occupied-a book, laptop,
magazine, some work, etc.
- If you need to travel by air, don't delay too long getting
back into the air. It won't get any easier, and may get harder
as a result of avoidance.
- Breathe slowly and deeply. Repeat something reassuring to
yourself, such as, "I must relax, I'll be okay, I've done
this many times before."
- Give yourself extra time at the airport, especially now, so
you won't feel rushed and flustered.
- Keep in touch with loved ones frequently while traveling, to
allay their anxieties.
- Finally, if the fear persists despite your best efforts, seek
professional help. A call to the EAP is a good place to start.
- Managers may make a formal or informal management referral to the
EAP to help an employee deal with fears that are persistent and that
impact their job performance.
© 2007 CIGNA Behavioral Health
Self-Care Strategies | Helping Children Cope | How
Companies Can Help
Stress At Work | Stress
Reactions | Fear of Flying | PTSD
Resources for Providers
Survivor Guilt | Traumatic
Loss | Mourning | Stages
of Grief
|
