Don’t be Afraid of Your Phobia

Sometimes our phobias are easy to pinpoint. If we’re attacked by a dog as a kid, for example, it’s easy to see why we’d be skittish as adults. Sometimes they have no rhyme or reason – they just appear, ready to torment and frighten us until we develop common symptoms like feelings of panic or dread, automatic and uncontrollable thoughts, an overwhelming desire to flee, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, trembling.

What’s the difference between a “normal” fear and a phobia? When it’s a true-blue phobia, the fear is persistent, excessive and irrational. Let’s say you go camping; you’re afraid of snakes, so you keep a close eye on the ground as you step through the grass. Most would consider this normal. But let’s say you’re sitting at your house and you’re so afraid of snakes that you don’t want to open any cabinets or even step in your backyard. That could indicate something more serious.

Many people can deal with phobias without any type of intervention – it’s more of an inconvenience than anything else. But for others, phobias can affect quality of life and trigger physical symptoms, like anxiety attacks or insomnia. When this happens, it’s time to seek professional help. Fortunately, there are methods and treatments to help people deal with their fears. Simply having a phobia doesn’t necessarily warrant psychological help, but if it’s starting to affect your life negatively, then it’s something to consider. According to mental health experts, phobias are one of the most treatable mental conditions.

Some of the most common phobias, according to research: natural disasters or elements, like water and lightning; animals or insects, like spiders; flying; and blood, injuries, or injections.