Facing Your Fear: Overcoming a Phobia

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A quickened heartbeat, clammy hands, rapid breathing; if you experience these symptoms every time you get on an airplane, see a spider or go to the doctor for a needle, you might have a phobia. As the most common mental issue faced, phobias affect all types of people, from all walks of life. Fortunately, they are treatable and curable.

While this kind of all-consuming fear is shared by 10 per cent of the population, most sufferers don't take steps to address the issue. Whether you or a loved one suffers from a mild or major phobia, support is available. The information that follows will uncover common fears, root causes and the most-used treatment options available. Remember: When it comes to phobias, knowledge—about triggers, coping techniques and support—is your first and best line of defense.

What is a Phobia?

Phobias are exaggerated, irrational and excessive fears that occur when you encounter, or think you will encounter an object or situation you're afraid of. They differ from regular fears because, though the sufferer is aware of the fear, he or she can't control or cope with the situation and becomes physically and mentally powerless. You might be afraid of spiders, but will easily squash one that crawls into your bed. A person with arachnophobia—the fear of spiders—however, would experience nausea, panic and intense anxiety at the mere thought of a spider in the bed.

There are two main categories of phobias.

• Specific phobias. These are the most common and include things like airplanes, dogs or a situation such as going on a date. People with specific phobias are intensely fearful and anxious when they deal with a particular situation or come upon an object that they are scared of.
• Social phobias. These are based on the fear of being humiliated in public. People who experience social phobias avoid public speaking, parties and even talking on the telephone. If left untreated, a person with a social phobia can withdraw and experience severe social problems.

Because phobias are categorized as an anxiety disorder, other mental health problems are closely related. Often, people experience panic disorders along with their phobia. Depression, alcohol use and substance abuse are also common with severe phobias.

Causes of Phobias

Some phobias can be traced to traumatic events early in life. If you were bitten by an animal—or were constantly warned that they were dangerous—you might develop zoophobia, the fear of animals. Maybe you witnessed an event that caused panic attacks or extreme fear in a loved one as a child. If you saw your parents become anxious or panic around certain objects or events, you too may have developed the same fears.

The origins of most phobias, however, are unknown. The sufferer may not have had any exposure to others' phobias and may simply be inherently anxious. While discovering the root of the problem can help with treatment, for many people the source of a phobia is unclear.

Signs and Symptoms

People with phobias not only experience intense fear, but also tend to avoid the object or situation that causes panic and anxiety. This can become extreme and interrupt daily life. Those affected by cynophobia—the fear of dogs or rabies—might stop taking walks to avoid coming across an animal. With social phobias, most sufferers have an extreme fear of being watched, judged or embarrassed. If it becomes severe, they may withdraw from public life altogether and become a recluse.

The object or situation that causes the fear doesn't even need to be present to create a panic response. Sometimes, the simple thought causes a reaction. Physical responses include:

• Anxiety reactions. These include sweating, trembling, rapid heartbeat, nausea, worry or terror.

• Panic attacks. These can cause difficulty breathing, dizziness, chest pain, chills or hot flashes, intense fear and a feeling of losing control.

• Alcohol or substance abuse. These will mask anxiety or other mental conditions such as depression.

Treatment Options

The majority of people with phobias don't seek treatment. This is unfortunate since there are a variety of treatments available that have a positive success rate.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). A form of psychotherapy that teaches sufferers to stop their phobic inner dialog by challenging irrational behaviors and tracking thoughts, feelings and actions. Little by little, the affected person is exposed to the object of their phobia and taught how to better manage reactions.

Relaxation exercises.Help the sufferer learn to stay calm when encountering the phobic object or event. Treatment involves deep breathing, muscle relaxation, meditation and positive affirmations.