How can one overcome the fear of flying?

Q: I travel quite often but fear flying. A week before the travel I develop anxiety and think about all bad situations like air crash and emergency landing. What is the best way to get rid of this fear of flying?

A:What you are expereincing is a phobic anxiety related to flying and this gives you both anticipatory anxiety before you have to fly, and then during the flight panic attacks. This is an anxiety disorder caused by chemical changes in your brain and some psychological factors. For its treatment cognitive behavioural therapy, relaxation exercises and medications are effective, you should consult a psychiatrist.