* Information on Phobias *

the fears we don't face become our limits - robin sharma

what is a phobia?

a phobia can be classified as a type of anxiety disorder which involves an intense fear of a specific object or situation that is disproportionate to the actual risk it carries. It is common for sufferers to acknowledge that their fears are irrational, unreasonable, and exaggerated; however, in spite of this, they are unable to control their feelings. The anxiety is so overwhelming when confronted with the source of the fear, the person is unable to function properly.

types of phobias;

there are hundreds of phobias present in society today that people experience. These phobias range anywhere from claustrophobia which is a fear of confined spaces to something like mephobia, which is a fear that you will become so awesome that humanity is unable to handle it and as a result everybody dies (yes this exists). a good source to find out about any type of phobia is http://phobialist.com.

symptoms may include;

*an immediate feeling of intense fear,anxiety or panic when exposed to or even thinking about the source

*sweating

*difficulty breathing

*pain or tightness in chest

*nausea

*numbness

*disorientation and confusion

*hallucinations

Causes may include:

*Negative experiences

Many phobias develop as a result of having a negative experience or panic attack related to a specific object or situation.

*Genetics and environment

There may be a link between your own specific phobia and the phobia or anxiety of your parents — this could be due to genetics or learned behavior.

*Brain function:

Changes in brain functioning also may play a role in developing specific phobias.

Treatment may include;

*Exposure therapy

focuses on changing your response to the object or situation that you fear. Gradual, repeated exposure to the source of your specific phobia and the related thoughts, feelings and sensations may help you learn to manage your anxiety. For example, if you're afraid of elevators, your therapy may progress from simply thinking about getting into an elevator, to looking at pictures of elevators, to going near an elevator, to stepping into an elevator. Next, you may take a one-floor ride, then ride several floors, and then ride in a crowded elevator.

*Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

involves exposure combined with other techniques to learn ways to view and cope with the feared object or situation differently. You learn alternative beliefs about your fears and bodily sensations and the impact they've had on your life. CBT emphasizes learning to develop a sense of mastery and confidence with your thoughts and feelings rather than feeling overwhelmed by them.

*Medications

Generally psychotherapy using exposure therapy is successful in treating specific phobias. However, sometimes medications can help reduce the anxiety and panic symptoms you experience from thinking about or being exposed to the object or situation you fear.

*Self care

breathing exercises and meditation can also aid in overcoming fears. diets abundent with vitamins and minerals can also decrease anxiety.

How can family and friends help?

*Take their phobia seriously

It can sometimes be difficult to understand why a person has a phobia of a particular situation or object, especially when their phobia seems irrational. However, it is really important that you take their phobia seriously and understand that it can cause them severe anxiety, panic and distress, and can affect their daily life. You may not understand why they are so afraid of something, but the anxiety and fear they feel is very real.

*Ask about their personal experience

You can try to find out about their personal experience of living with a phobia. You could ask them how their phobia affects their life and what things can make it better or worse. Listening to their experience might help you to empathize with how they feel.

*Dont apply pressure

While avoiding a situation can make a phobia worse over time, it can be extremely distressing if someone is forced to face situations when they are not ready.

Try not to put pressure on your friend or family member to do more than they feel comfortable with, or force them to face their phobia. It is really important to be patient with them and work at a pace they are comfortable with.

*Support them to seek help

If you think your friend or family members phobia is becoming a problem for them, encourage them to seek appropriate treatment by talking to a therapist.

Discussion Questions

1.Have you or anyone you know of experienced phobia?if so, what kind of phobia do you/they experienced?

2.Do you think we should take peoples phobias seriously even if they sound irrational? Please give reasons to support your answer.

3.Is there anything new you learned from this post? Anything you would like people to know about phobias?