Fear of flying expected to escalate

By Leslie-Ann Holt

After the events of Sept.11, when people across the country watched commercial jets crash violently into the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and a field in Pennsylvania, business for airlines has decreased dramatically and the fear of flying has become a widespread phobia.

The main thing that seems to have people more concerned than ever is the fact that these were suicide hijackings. A hijacker willing to die for a cause is vastly more threatening than one with a list of demands to be met.

While some can choose not to fly, there are others who have no choice, such as business people and students who need to return home for the holidays. This problem may hit home for Santa Clara students in the near future.

The Counseling Center has already set up support groups for individuals who need help coping with aspects of the events of Sept. 11. In addition, Dr. Michael Weiler of the Counseling Center is considering the possibility of creating a support group specifically for those who are afraid to fly.

"I think when everyone travels at Christmas time this will be on their minds again," Weiler said. Some people will be retraumatized by the fear of being in planes."

"As Christmas comes closer maybe we'll organize a group for people who are anxious about flying. There's bound to be more anxiety, so I'm sure we'll have something toward the end of this quarter."

He stressed that it is perfectly normal to have a fear of flying.

"It's normal on a campus that there's a few people who have a phobia of flying, and this is just going to exacerbate that," he said.

Though students may be apprehensive, many say they will still go where they need to go, even if it means getting on a plane.

"I was never crazy about flying, but that was more because of the mechanics of the airplane," senior Christy Krueger said. "I will still fly, though. I won't be completely at ease, but I hope that security will be heightened because of all of this."

While not all students are vocalizing their fears about flying, students who would like to speak to someone about the phobia can contact the Counseling Center at (408) 554-4172.