Yes, anxiety is considered a disability. Anxiety disorders such as panic disorders, OCD, PTSD, and phobias are regarded as disabilities. People with anxiety as a disability can qualify for Social Security disability benefits.
For example, deep breathing or meditation during take-off, landing or turbulence can reduce your symptoms of anxiety. You can also learn to “talk back” to negative thoughts about flying when they arise.
Many nervous flyers find that the loud noises of the plane trigger anxious thoughts. You may find it helpful to bring along earplugs to reduce these sounds. You can also bring headphones and listen to your favorite music or a relaxation guide to help you feel calmer.
Aerophobia usually doesn't have a specific cause. It's very rare for aerophobia to stem from a traumatic experience on a flight. Specific triggers might include: News stories about terrorism, crashes or violence on airplanes.
The FAA's regulations require airline pilots to undergo a medical exam with an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) every six months to five years, depending on the type of flying they do and their age. Aviation Medical Examiners are trained to determine the pilot's mental health and fitness to fly.
Psychological problems can onset at any time during a pilot's career making it important procedures are in place to identify pilots with mental health conditions or impaired brain function.
Pilots are trained to handle all sorts of nerve-racking situations, but that doesn't mean that they don't get scared—especially in these real instances, told by the pilots who experienced them, of serious in-flight fear.
Reading a book or listening to a good podcast can refocus your mind and attention. Distracting yourself from the fact that you are flying can be a great way to keep calm if you're a nervous flyer.. Time tends to pass much more quickly when adequately distracted.
Customers with Panic Disorder on Board an AircraftPlease consult with your physician whether you are fit for travel in advance, and what should do when you have a panic attack while on board. Please be sure to bring the medicine that is effective when you have a panic attack while on board.
Pharmacological treatmentThese drugs are usually taken shortly before a flight. They include: Anti-anxiety medication, such as diazepam (Valium) or alprazolam (Xanax). Motion sickness medication, such as dimenhydrinate (Dramamine).