Expert shares advice on calming flight anxiety following deadly plane crashes
Veronica Vaiti is the co-founder of Bhava Therapy Group. She encourages people not to feel alone if they have a fear of flying.
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Experts spoke with News 12 about how to handle flight anxiety following the deadly crashes near Washington, D.C. and in Philadelphia.
Veronica Vaiti is the co-founder of Bhava Therapy Group. She encourages people not to feel alone if they have a fear of flying.
"Flight anxiety is very common. A lot of people experience it and to certain degrees," Vaiti said.
The licensed social worker said the recent tragedies may have even increased it.
"When we see news stories highlighting these horrifically, heartbreaking tragic accidents what happens is another phenomenon called frequency bias," Vaiti said. "When we see something that is impactful in any way, it then increases your sensibility and perception that this is more frequently to occur."
Information from the National Safety Council said commercially scheduled air travel is one of the safest forms of transportation. However, if flyers still have your hesitations, Vaiti said she is available to help.
"One of the quickest ways to ease and manage anxiety is through our breath," she explained.
She said grounding and positive thoughts also help.
"Where you put your focus, you find your life," Vaiti said. "So, if I'm going on a trip on Monday and I'm only focusing on the potential to crash--- that's going to wig out my body. But, if I'm going on a trip on Monday, I can think about, 'Wow, what are the experiences I'm going to have?"
For more information about the Bhava Therapy Group, visit this website.
