For instance, if I'm afraid to fly, should I force myself to fly anyway?

CNN: Phobias

Many people afraid to fly actually have panic disorder, which is an anxiety disorder characterized by unexpected and repeated episodes of intense fear accompanied by physical symptoms.

CNN: Seeing crash reports can worsen flying phobia

Asking a Jets fan to pull for the Giants or Patriots is like asking someone afraid to fly to join you on a 15-hour flight to Dubai and making them wait five hours on the tarmac.

WSJ: How Jets Fans Can Keep Busy on Sunday