JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – As millions of Americans take to the skies for Labor Day weekend, mental health experts are addressing a growing concern: flight anxiety.
The bustling scenes at Jacksonville International Airport mirror airports nationwide, where approximately 25 million adults struggle with the fear of flying, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
“I mean, who likes flying?” Ezra Wagner said, a traveler heading to Thailand.
Wagner described the challenging aspects of air travel, noting, “Just the stuffy feeling of not being able to move. You are stuck on a flight for a long time.”
Jacksonville Licensed Mental Health Counselor Melissa Brown emphasizes that there are effective strategies to manage flight-related stress.
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“The number one thing I recommend for you to do when you’re experiencing flight anxiety is to focus on the facts, opposed to your feelings,” Brown said.
She pointed out that anxiety often stems from how our minds process the flying experience rather than the actual risks involved. To combat these feelings, Brown recommended creating what she calls a “peace pouch.”
“Make a peace pouch where you have items with you while you’re flying, while you’re travelling that target your five senses,” she said.
Travelers can ease their anxiety by packing:
Calming scents
Favorite snacks
Soothing music
Other comfort items that engage the senses
These simple tools can help passengers maintain composure during their flight and make the travel experience more manageable, especially during busy holiday periods like Labor Day weekend, when airports are particularly crowded.
The goal is to transform what could be an overwhelming experience into a more controlled and comfortable journey, allowing travelers to reach their destinations with less stress.
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