|
A Phobia is
an intense dread of a certain situation or an object.
What to look for
Phobias are anxiety disorders. Three main types of phobias exist:
Specific phobias
- a fear of an individual object or situation
Social phobia -
fear of social situations in which you may be scrutinised
Agoraphobia
- fear of being away from home
If you feel compelled to
avoid an object or situation in which you feel threatened or fearful you may have a
phobia. You may understand that you fear is irrational and extreme but you can’t stop
feeling this way and the pressure of knowing this may make you more anxious.
The most common type of
phobia from the list above are specific phobias. They can include such objects or
situations as parties, school, dentists, driving, water, flying, snakes, fat, age, high
places, and enclosed spaces. Even though a phobic person will acknowledge that their fear
is extreme, this knowledge does not lessen their fear. It is usually not the object or the
situation that they are fearful of, it is the possible outcome.
A person with agoraphobia
can be fearful of three main things…
fear of leaving home,
of being alone, and
of being in a situation
where one cannot suddenly leave or obtain help.
A person with social phobia
has a fear is of being humiliated, examined or condemned in public. They avoid public
speaking, parties, and any social event. Possible physical side effects may be blushing,
palpitations, sweating, tremors, stuttering, or faintness. A person whose phobia is left
untreated may become withdrawn, depressed, and socially incapacitated.
CAUSES
Some specific phobias can
be explained by early traumatic events, but the majority have no obvious cause. Most are
thought to be produced when an underlying fear is displaced onto an unrelated object.
Agoraphobia may develop in
response to repeated panic attacks. Social phobia may develop in childhood, but the cause
is unknown.
Traditional Treatment
Depending on the severity
of the person’s phobia, the condition can usually be treated so that the person can
eventually be able to live normally and be able to control their fears.
For specific phobias,
treatment by systematic desensitisation therapy is highly successful. This usually happens
step by step and in the safety of a known and safe place. The person will be able to
eventually accept the ‘fearful object or situation’ if exposed to it gradually.
Treating social phobia
usually involves slow exposure to social situations. The person may become actively
involved in role playing and rehearse their actions and reactions. Individuals are taught
to lower their anxiety and are encouraged to be less self-critical.
The best treatment for
agoraphobia is to gradually move out into the places and situations that trigger anxiety.
It must occur slowly and gradually and in the company of a professional therapist or a
trusted friend. The person will gradually reduce their anxiety upon being exposed to
triggers.
Alternative Choices
Phobias are difficult to
treat by yourself. Always seek the help of a professional person.
Aromatherapy
- Studies have shown that essential oil of
lavender
(Lavandula officinalis) can bring relief
from anxiety. A popular blend is 2 drops each of lavender and bergamot, 1 drop of petitgrain and 2 drops of ylang ylang put into a warm bath or vaporised
in a burner. You can also put the blend of oils onto a handkerchief and use while you are
out.Studies have shown that essential oil of lavender (Lavandula officinalis) can bring relief
from anxiety. A popular blend is 2 drops each of lavender and bergamot, 1 drop of petitgrain and 2 drops of ylang ylang put into a warm bath or vaporised
in a burner. You can also put the blend of oils onto a handkerchief and use while you are
out.
Herbal Therapies - Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) tea or capsules may ease
anxiety. Do not use this herb for long periods of time, as it may become addictive in
certain individuals. Also use under Professional supervision. Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) tea or capsules may ease
anxiety. Do not use this herb for long periods of time, as it may become addictive in
certain individuals. Also use under Professional supervision.
Relaxation -
Numerous
relaxation techniques, including yoga and meditation, can help reduce the anxiety that
surrounds phobias. Numerous
relaxation techniques, including yoga and meditation, can help reduce the anxiety that
surrounds phobias.
Personal Care
By taking one small step at
a time, most phobic people can eliminate their fears.
Prevention
Do regular deep breathing
and relaxation exercises, especially when anxiety starts to rise.
Regular exercise helps
burn up adrenaline, which accompanies panic attacks.
Avoid alcohol,
barbiturates, and anti-anxiety drugs whenever possible. Also avoid caffeine.
When to seek further
professional advice
|
