Weird Phobias and Fears

From time to time, everybody will feel anxious, fearful or uneasy. It may be your first day in a new job, going on a long trip or maybe visiting the dentist. It may mean sweaty palms, feeling shaky or your heart pounding, but some anxiety can be good for you in that it will help you maintain focus. However, when your anxiety becomes so serious that work becomes affected, leads to avoidance of specific situations or prevents enjoyment of life, then you may be suffering from a full blown anxiety disorder.

Now, anxiety disorders cannot be classified as just an example of “nerves.” It is impossible to overcome an anxiety disorder simply by using willpower alone, nor can the symptoms be ignored. Anxiety will be apparent for most of the time, causing normal everyday tasks to be unbearable or in some cases avoided altogether. Some situations may cause so much intense anxiety that fear will render you immobile, rigid with trepidation. Although these instances will be terrifying, it is important to remember that help should be sought because the condition is TREATABLE.

These phobias, the most common mental illnesses amongst women, and in second place amongst men over 25, fall into three main sections.

Specific or Simple Phobias. The most common, focussed upon specific objects.

Social Phobia. Extreme anxiety when socialising or in public situations.

Agoraphobia. Fear of being alone in public places, with perceived no way out.

Specific or Simple Phobias induce a strong and intense dread of a specific thing or situation, which is, in fact relatively safe. Although the sufferer is fully aware that it is an irrational feeling, the very idea of confronting the situation can often lead to a panic attack or severe anxiety. Examples of this type of phobia include fear of dogs, insects or snakes, driving a car, heights or fear of flying.

Social Phobia can produce a fear of being embarrassed in company, and can be related to feelings of low self esteem and the development of an inferiority complex, creating an environment where social and work interaction becomes impossible. This should not be confused with shyness, as shy people do not necessarily feel anxious or fearful in social gatherings, nor do they go out of their way to avoid them.

Other ways that Social Phobia may manifest itself may be:

• finding blushing as extremely embarrassing

• fear of public speaking

• fear of eating out

• fear of talking on the phone

• exaggeration of minor errors

Agoraphobia causes great anxiety in people when in situations or places that are difficult to escape from, such as a lift. In extreme case, a sufferer may be so panic stricken that they are unable to leave home.

There Is Hope however, and the following should be remembered.

• With proper treatment, phobias can be overcome • A phobia is a diagnosable illness that is taken seriously by professionals

• Accurate diagnosis vital to eliminate other illness possibilities • Comply with laid down treatment

• Behavioural therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy are very effective

Behavioural Therapy majors on changing particular actions,using various techniques such as deep breathing and exposure therapy which involves the sufferer being exposed to the situation that causes the problem, so that coping skills can be attained.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) teaches the sufferer to react differently to the triggers of their anxiety attacks, and to change their way of thinking to prevent or reduce their symptoms