Air India Crash Aftermath How The Mental Health Wounds Still Linger (Credits: Pexels)
The ill-fated Air India flight AI 171 Boeing 787-8, bound for London’s Gatwick Airport crashed into the BJ Medical College hostel building in Ahmedabad seconds after take off. All 242 passengers and the crew on board were killed, except one person who was nestled in seat number 11 A and jumped off through the emergency exit as soon as he sensed trouble. Along with this 29 others on the ground also died, including 5 MBBS students.
As we continue hearing more tragic news from different parts of the country and the world, most people are finding themselves in the midst of a wave of anxiety as soon as they think of travel. Flight anxiety is already a common issue amongst flyers. The unfamiliar surroundings, altitude and more contribute to the anxious thoughts. And now the news of the Air India crash has added to the mental health troubles of travellers and their loved ones.
Several mental health experts are coming in to help people in such a mental health crisis. They have mentioned that many of their clients are experiencing panic attacks. For some people, this can directly affect and trigger flight anxiety also known as aerophobia or aviophobia.
Experts have also mentioned that this impact or sense of fear that people feel now before boarding a flight is more than ‘just nervousness.’ A tragic incident like this can lead to a range of physical, emotional and behavioral responses.
If you are also someone who is looking forward to boarding a flight or is feeling uneasy with the news updates recently, here are few grounding techniques you can use to calm down your nervous system:
- Hold an ice cube in your palm for a little while
- Press your feet firmly into the ground or lift your heels while seated
- Splash your wash with cold water
- Practice calming affirmations along with box breathing
- Carry a comfort item with yourself to get a sense of ease
- Limit social media or news consumption
