2) Social - An overload of self-consciousness and a belief that social situations may lead to humiliation define this phobia. Sufferers will do anything to avoid this particular form of scrutiny, leading to isolation and other problems. This condition surpasses shyness, which is a common problem and usually can be overcome with some minor encouragement. A person who suffers from social anxiety may flee an important meeting or avoid going to an important social engagement.
3) Fear of open spaces (agoraphobia) - While many believe this is just a fear of merely leaving the house, it goes much deeper. It is actually a fear of having no escape or of being in a situation where there is no rescue. This can manifest itself as a fear of using public transportation, being in enclosed spaces or simply being alone in public places. This is a phobia that builds on prior situations that caused extreme anxiety, causing the afflicted to avoid the situation that prompted it. That can mean taking a roundabout way to work or being confined to the home.
How does it feel?
Phobic reactions produce reactions of terror, uncontrolled panic and dread when confronted with the source of your phobia. It will usually reach a point where sufferers can’t function and instead focus on escaping or avoiding the source of fear. It can manifest itself in physical symptoms, including rapid heartbeat, sweating, panting, difficulty catching your breath, panic and overwhelming anxiety. This can occur even if sufferers realize the reaction to the phobia is unreasonable and attempt to control it.
Phobia Treatments
There are several ways that medical professionals can help you with your phobia.
1) Cognitive-behavioral therapy - This involves picturing yourself in proximity to the object, activity or situation that’s causing your problems. In some cases, it may involve actually experiencing the situation, for example, taking a plane trip if you have a fear of flying. This can be done as an individual or in group therapy. Confronting the issue is called exposure therapy. Another type of cognitive behavior therapy is systematic desensitization. This is a series of situations that helps you work through an issue. It starts with visualization of the anxiety-producing situation, progresses to minor exposure, and then progresses with more and more exposure. The goal is to get to the point where sufferers can be exposed to the phobia alone and without a major meltdown.