Phobias are created in the mind. People aren’t born with them. In fact, babies are born with only two fears:
- the fear of falling
- and the fear of loud noises.
Phobias and fears are not something we are born with, but something we have learnt to do very well.
Phobias and Fear can limit your life. Would it be amazing to be rid of them?
Common Phobias and Fears
- Agoraphobia
- Dogs
- Escalators
- Lifts
- Driving
- Spiders
- Water
- Heights – Acrophobia
- The dark
- Crowds
- Buttons
- Public Speaking
- Presenting
- Heights
- Exams
- Competitions
- Tests
- Clowns
What happens with Phobias and Fears?
A phobia is an intense fear of something that, in reality, poses little or no actual danger. If you have a phobia, you probably realize that your fear is unreasonable, yet you still can’t control your feelings. Just thinking about the feared object or situation may make you anxious. And when you’re actually exposed to the thing you fear, the terror is automatic and overwhelming.
The experience is so nerve-wracking that you may go to great lengths to avoid it — inconveniencing yourself or even changing your lifestyle. If you have claustrophobia, for example, you might turn down a lucrative job offer if you have to ride the elevator to get to the office. If you have a fear of heights, you might drive an extra twenty miles in order to avoid a tall bridge.
Understanding your phobia is the first step to overcoming it. It’s important to know that phobias are common. Having a phobia doesn’t mean you’re crazy! Phobias affect us physically and emotionally. Some of the signs are:
Physical signs and symptoms of a phobia
- Difficulty breathing
- Racing or pounding heart
- Chest pain or tightness
- Trembling or shaking
- Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
- A churning stomach
- Hot or cold flashes; tingling sensations
- Sweating
Emotional signs and symptoms of a phobia
- Feeling of overwhelming anxiety or panic
- Feeling an intense need to escape
- Feeling “unreal” or detached from yourself
- Fear of losing control or going crazy
- Feeling like you’re going to die or pass out
- Knowing that you’re overreacting, but feeling powerless to control your fear
