Understanding Phobias

Further to my last post, I would like to let you know more about phobias. Phobia can best be described as a number of symptoms, that when exposed to certain objects or situations, bring on this effect of unreasonable but lasting fear. These objects usually pose little or no danger but the proximity or thoughts about these things can cause intense anxiety for the sufferer. Most adults who suffer from this anxiety associated with phobias recognize that the fear can be excessive and unreasonable but they do not know how to overcome it.

What are some of these phobias? Some people have an intense fear of animals including mice, dogs, snakes and spiders. This is probably the most common type of phobia.

Another phobia is that of your environment like the fear of heights, the fear of falling, the fear of storms and the sound of lightening and the fear of water. For some sufferers, the fear such as going into public places, leaving the safety of their house, getting into an elevator, flying on a plane or simply going into any confined area is very real. These are just a few of the phobias – there are several others.

Some of the symptoms for the sufferer include heart palpitations, excessive sweating, anxiety and distress, shaking, difficulties in maintaining normal breathing and some people experiencing dizziness and fainting. Any phobia to the sufferer causes anxiety, some may even say terror.

Everyone can experience some type of phobia. Usually they appear in our teenage years and adulthood but can occur at any age. Children suffer from specific phobias but these usually disappear as they grow. One of their main fears is often being afraid of the dark.

The exact cause of any phobias is unknown but it may be a learned behaviour or as a result of witnessing a related event. If we take snakes for example, most of us have been taught to avoid or run from them and this is our learned behaviour. This fear has been passed down to us by our parents.

Phobias can be treated. Although phobias are not always easy to treat, ask your medical practitioner for advice. The treatment can involve a combination of therapy and medication.

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