A phobia is an intense fear of something that, in reality, poses
little or no actual danger. Common phobias and fears include closed-in places,
heights, highway driving, flying insects, snakes, and needles. However, we can
develop phobias of virtually anything. Most phobias develop in childhood, but
they can also develop in adults.
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! It also helps to know that phobias are highly treatable. You can
overcome your anxiety and fear, no matter how out of control it feels.
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