Episode 368: How to Overcome Anxiety About Flying

Episode 368: How to Overcome Anxiety About Flying

Author: Robert Duff, Ph.D. September 29, 2023 Duration: 29:16

Hello, friends! I hope everyone is doing well.

In today's episode, we take a deep dive into a pressing concern from a listener who's experiencing heightened flight anxiety, especially after a recent panic attack. Having flown multiple times without issues, the sudden resurgence of this anxiety, coupled with the responsibility of traveling with her two kids, has intensified her worries. We discuss the nature of panic attacks, the paradox of fearing anxiety itself, and the importance of anchor thoughts. By understanding the physiological similarities between anxiety and excitement, one can redirect their focus to positive anticipations. We also emphasize the pitfalls of safety behaviors and the significance of relying on support systems, even those onboard. Lastly, we highlight the importance of self-compassion, preparation, and recognizing one's resilience in facing such challenges.

Additionally, we touched upon the value of grounding techniques like box breathing, the potential of distractions, and the concept of transforming anxiety into excitement using anchor thoughts. We also explore the idea of viewing each phase of the flight as milestones rather than triggers.

As always, if you have questions or topics you'd like discussed on the show, please send them to duffthepsych@gmail.com. Be sure to check out the show notes for this episode at http://duffthepsych.com/episode368.

Links mentioned:

Pilot walks you through the sounds of a plane

Mel Robbins discusses her strategies for overcoming plane anxiety


Robert Duff, Ph.D., is a neuropsychologist who finds most self-help advice too sanitized to be useful. On The Hardcore Self-Help Podcast with Duff the Psych, he cuts through the fluff with a direct, science-backed approach. Each episode is built on the premise that real improvement requires honest, sometimes uncomfortable conversations. Duff brings his background in neuroscience and clinical psychology to interviews with a wide range of fascinating guests, dissecting topics from mental health struggles and relationship dynamics to the latest brain research. Listeners consistently note his skill at asking pointed questions that get to the heart of an issue, then translating complex psychological concepts into language anyone can apply. This isn't about quick fixes or vague positivity; it's a practical, evidence-based look at how our minds work and how we can work with them better. The tone is conversational and grounded, like getting actionable advice from a knowledgeable friend who isn't afraid to tell it like it is. Whether exploring anxiety, habits, or the science of motivation, this podcast delivers substance without the jargon, making professional insights accessible for everyday life. You'll find the discussions are both deeply informative and surprisingly relatable, a combination that has built a dedicated audience for Duff's unique perspective.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Hardcore Self-Help Podcast with Duff the Psych
Podcast Episodes
Episode 364: PTSD with Psychosis & Body Dysmorphia Cured by Loss [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:06
Hello, friends! I hope you're treating yourselves well. In this episode, I dive into two compelling listener questions that touch on complex emotional states and mental health diagnoses. First up, we discuss what it mean…
Episode 362: PMDD Treatment & Dealing with Scary Ex [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:47
Hello, everyone! I hope you are doing super well. As always, I really appreciate your attention. A special thank you to everyone that has left feedback for me about the show. Very helpful. In this weeks episode, I tackle…
Episode 358: Binge Eating and Goal Setting [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:06
Hello, friends! I hope you're all doing fantastic. In today's episode, we delve into the following awesome listener questions: Our first question comes from a listener who has been dealing with a challenging relationship…