Oct 18, 2023
Have you ever wondered why humans feel fear? Why do we get scared at the sight of small little spiders even if we know it is a type of spider that is unable to hurt us. Fear evolved as a survival mechanism for early humans. It served as a form of protection for those individuals from the many dangers surrounding them.
Phobias are an intense type of anxiety disorder which involves irrational and persistent fear. For example, some common phobias are of spiders, snakes, and heights. These fears, although not always rational, can be derailing. This blog will address what phobias are, how they develop, and some ways to manage them such as through targeted phobia therapy.
What are Phobias?
Phobias are complex fears which can result in strong symptoms of anxiety. In order to understand that complexity it is important to know the definition of phobias, their prevalence, and some common types of phobias.
What are some common types of phobias?
There are many different types of phobias based on the different scenarios which cause anxiety symptoms for individuals. Below is a list of some of the most common phobias:
- Acrophobia: Fear of heights
- Arachnophobia: Fear of spiders
- Agoraphobia: Fear of situations where escape might be difficult
- Claustrophobia: Fear of confined or enclosed spaces
- Ophidiophobia: Fear of snakes
- Cynophobia: Fear of dogs
- Astraphobia: Fear of thunder and lightning
- Hemophobia: Fear of blood
- Trypophobia: Fear of clusters of small holes or bumps
- Mysophobia: Fear of germs or dirt
- Nyctophobia: Fear of the dark or night
- Aerophobia: Fear of flying
- Dentophobia: Fear of dentists or dental procedures
- Entomophobia: Fear of insects
If you or someone you know is struggling with a specific phobia, it's important to seek support from a therapist. With proper anxiety treatment, you can improve your mental health, decrease anxiety symptoms, and face your fears.
How Prevalent are Phobias?
Phobias are more common than we might think. About 12.5% of U.S. adults will experience a phobia at some point in their lives. This makes phobias one of the most prevalent mental health conditions. These anxiety disorders can develop early in life and persist without the proper anxiety treatments or therapies.
How can We Define Phobias?
Phobias are a type of anxiety disorder characterized by an excessive and irrational fear of specific objects or situations. These unreasonable fears can lead to avoidant behavior which impacts daily routines and mental health. Common phobias include claustrophobia (fear of enclosed spaces), arachnophobia (fear of spiders), and acrophobia (fear of heights). These phobias can range from mildly to severely disruptive based on the individual and his or her specific phobia.
Phobias:Nature vs Nurture
There have been ongoing debates and research about the nature of phobias. These studies have worked to understand if these anxiety disorders are created through lived experiences, passed down through genetics, or both.
What Causes Phobias?
There are a variety of factors both genetically and environmentally which can play a role in the development of these anxiety disorders. For phobias to develop, a combination of various factors are often at play. Some of these factors are explained in further detail below:
1.)Genetics: A study showed that identical twins with 100 percent of the same DNA are more likely than fraternal twins who only share half of their DNA to develop specific phobias. This demonstrates that genetics can play a role in the development of these anxiety disorders.
2.) Family History: Phobias can be passed down through generations. This is sometimes through hereditary factors such as genes. The development of the anxiety disorders can also be due to learned fears. For example, if someone in a parent or grandparent was afraid of large bodies of water, they may have taught to later generations.
3.) Environmental Factors: While genetics can play a role in the development of phobias, so can lived experiences. The environment around us can play a large role in the development of certain anxieties. For example, if a person is attacked by a dog when they are a child, they may develop a fear of the animal. These fears, if left untreated, can continue to create anxiety symptoms throughout adulthood.
4.) Neurobiology: The brain and its structures can contribute to the development of phobias. The amygdala is a structure in our brains which helps us process emotions. It can be especially crucial in responding to stimuli and can lead to heightened reactions to triggers. That can contribute to the anxiety symptoms which surround phobias.
How can you handle your phobias?
Phobias can have a large effect on your day to day life. They may feel as though they prevent you from feeling as though you are living your life to the fullest and can have a negative impact on your mental health. It is possible to treat and overcome phobias with a specialized anxiety treatment plan and help from a therapist. The steps below can help you with overcoming your phobias:
1.) Understanding Your Phobia: The first step in overcoming a phobia is to gain a deep understanding of it. This includes recognizing the specific object, situation, or activity that triggers your fear and understanding the thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations associated with it.
2.)Seek Professional Help: Consult a mental health professional, such as a therapist or counselor specializing in phobias and anxiety. They can conduct a thorough assessment, provide a diagnosis, and develop a personalized anxiety treatment plan tailored to your needs.
3.) Exposure Therapy: Exposure therapy is a highly effective approach for phobia treatment. It involves gradual and controlled exposure to your fear in a safe and supportive environment. Over time, this exposure helps desensitize you to the fear response and reduce anxiety symptoms.
4.) Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Cognitive-behavioral therapy is widely used in the treatment of phobias. It involves the belief that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected. So, by altering our thought patterns, we can bring about positive changes in our emotional responses and behaviors. CBT focuses on identifying and addressing the irrational thoughts and beliefs that contribute to the intense fear and anxiety associated with the stimulus.Through CBT, individuals work closely with a trained therapist to identify negative thought patterns. They can then question and change those beliefs and patterns.
5.) Relaxation Techniques: Relaxation techniques like deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or mindfulness meditation can help you manage your anxiety symptoms associated with the phobia.
6.) Medication: In some cases, medication may be prescribed to help manage the symptoms of phobias. This is typically considered when fears and phobias are severe or significantly interfere with daily life. Medications like anti-anxiety drugs or antidepressants may be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
7.) Self-Help Strategies: Alongside professional treatment from a therapist, you can employ self-help strategies. These include educating yourself about your phobia, practicing relaxation exercises at home, and gradually exposing yourself to the phobic stimulus in controlled situations. This can improve your mental health when faced with your phobias.
8. )Support System: Share your phobia with supportive friends and family who can provide encouragement and understanding. Their support can be valuable in your journey to overcome the fear.
9.) Set Realistic Goals: Set achievable goals for yourself as you work toward overcoming your phobia. Start with small steps and gradually increase the level of exposure as you become more comfortable.
10.) Celebrate Your Progress: Acknowledge and celebrate your progress, no matter how small. Each step you take toward facing your phobia is one step closer to achieving your long term goals.
Remember that phobia treatment is not one-size-fits-all, and what works best for you may differ from someone else's experience. It's crucial to be patient with yourself and seek professional guidance from a therapist to navigate the process. With the right support and strategies, it is possible to overcome phobias.
Conclusion
Phobias come about from a combination of both genetic and environmental factors. These anxiety disorders can have a negative impact on mental health and one’s overall quality of life. Phobias can be overcome with a variety of strategies and help from a trained therapist.
Find a therapist near you today to start on your journey of overcoming your fears.
