Unlike the briefly anxious moments that many people experience when faced with a problem or situation, phobias are sometimes debilitating, to the point where retreat seems the only option. That can be a problem with work or life because interactions govern most situations in life.
Categories of Phobias
There are many types of phobias. Some people don’t like public speaking. Others may be nervous in a room full of strangers. They may be worried about being in large spaces, can’t stand flying or may dread seeing snakes. The categories are endless, but they are very real to the person suffering from them.
Because most of us don’t encounter snakes on a daily basis, a phobia concerning reptiles isn’t of much concern. But if the phobia involves meeting new people or public speaking, it can be a major problem and lead to job loss, relationship conflict or social ostracism.
There are three main categories of phobias:
1) Specific - As the name implies, this is an unreasonable fear of something specific, usually a situation or object that is disproportionate to its actual danger. A specific phobia can embrace more than one object or situation or work in combination (for example, if you have a fear of clowns and square dancing, square dancing clowns). Types of phobias can involve situations like flying, natural occurrences (thunder), animals (a fear of large dogs) or even a fear of injury (knives or blood).
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.
2) Medication - Anti-anxiety drugs are used in combination with cognitive-behavioral therapy to produce better coping skills. There are side effects with some medications, and not everyone will be able to tolerate it. Another problem is if the person becomes psychologically dependent on the medication.
3) Talk therapy - Calling a helpline or merely confiding in someone can unburden you from the isolation and psychological anxiety associated with suffering from a phobia. This can be done with a professional psychologist but may be done with a doctor, nurse, clergyman or even a trusted friend. Keep in mind that one conversation typically isn’t enough to declare yourself cured.
4) Distractions - Taking a moment away from situations that exacerbate anxiety can be a powerful tonic. It gives you a moment to gather yourself, meditate and focus on the positive things that can help you overcome this momentary condition. This does not mean self-medicating with alcohol or drugs, which actually can increase the anxiety. You might even use a prop, such as a rubber band affixed to your wrist. Snapping the rubber band can remind you of the times you overcame your fears and allow you to push on.
Many people are reluctant to seek professional treatment for help with their phobia. They believe they can overcome it on their own or believe that the symptoms are too trivial to bother with a trip to the doctor. While understandable, this reluctance may be standing in the way of conquering fears and causes needless suffering.
Talk to your doctor and see what kind of treatment may benefit your condition. You may be surprised at the kinds of help that are available.