Phobias
The basic definition of the word phobia is the persistent and intense irrational fear (or morbid fear) of specific objects, activities or situations that affects the quality of life of the sufferer. It affects the quality of life of those suffering from various kinds of phobias because it makes them want to avoid exposure to the objects, situations or activities that they might otherwise enjoy.
The causes of phobias are usually due to some traumatic event or tough life experiences. Normally, these events or experiences are suppressed, forgotten or repressed so that the person has not reached the root cause of this fear. This kind of fear can follow a person for years as they avoid contact with the things they fear the most. While this seems like a good solution for the short-term, it actually creates long-lasting issues that usually lead to anxiety or even panic disorder.
Normal response to fear puts the body on the defensive and is referred to as the flight or fright response in the psychological arena. When this response occurs for what appears to be no reason, or seems irrational it becomes a clinical phobia issue. There are three classifications of clinical phobias according to the mental health industry: Social, specific and agoraphobia.
- Clinical social phobia is where a person becomes anxious about and during social situations. This can mean they fear going to events or parties or even going to the grocery store. This leads to avoiding social situations like eating out in a restaurant.
- Specific fears like flying, water, spiders (arachnophobia), snakes and other objects are included in this phobia classification. A lot of people fear some of these animals and objects, but to a much lesser degree. It is common for people with these fears to avoid them.
- Agoraphobia is a general fear of being away from home or other safe space. The fear of open areas/spaces, embarrassment in social situations and the fear of germs (can be associated with and/or complicated by OCD) are included in the scope of this phobia category. In some cases of this disorder panic attacks may occur.
Some phobias occur in some mental illnesses, but when they are experienced outside of mental illness they are considered disorders. Most of these fears/disorders can be dispelled through self-help techniques as opposed to expensive therapy sessions.
There are actually methods used that can completely eliminate phobias and give you back your life so you can really live it as opposed to existing, barely functioning and living in fear. Fear leads to panic and anxiety which tends to hold you back and keep you from having the life you deserve at home and in the workplace. It is up to you to make the change and enjoy better relationships and become more productive.
You lose a lot of the quality of your life when you live in fear. You can stop phobias in their tracks and move forward with your life instead of allowing them to hold you back. Whether you fear spiders and snakes or social interactions or leaving home, you can overcome and enjoy life to its fullest.
