Fears and phobias are a common--up to a fifth of people suffer to some extend. For some people they are no more than a 'nuisance'. Maybe their fear or phobia is related to something they only occasionally come into contact with. Perhaps the fear is usually 'manageable'.
For other people the fear or phobia is an every day nightmare that stops them from doing most ordinary things. The words 'fear' and 'phobia' are often mixed up, as if meaning the same. The difference really is in degree of suffering.
Fear or phobia?
Most of us have an odd fear for one thing or another. Most of the time we can manage those fears. A fear of snakes is hardly a problem in the UK. We can perhaps deal with a fear of heights by letting someone else climb the ladders!
Aphobia is characterised by a marked and persistent fear. You will know that you are reacting completely over the top. Just thinking about whatever makes you react may cause anxiety attacks symptoms. You are desperate to avoid it or you worry endlessly in anticipation of being exposed to it.
What causes such dreadful fears?
It is likely that several factors play a role. You may have suffered from fears, anxiety and/or phobias from childhood. It may be that you have gone through a particularly stressful time lately. You may have suffered a traumatic event. It could have been a combination of any or all of these.
Were you often fearful as a child?
Did you suffer from anxiety as a child? Was that because of what was happening at home? All of the stuff I mentioned earlier may have been happening even then for you. It could also be that you have always been very sensitive without any obvious reasons. Some people appear to be 'natural' worriers. However, there could be physiological reason for that.
Seearticle: Nutritional therapies for mental disorders in the Nutritional Journal.
Have you been going through a stressful time lately?
'Life' can throw some very several challenging events at us. Maybe you have had to cope with several of these in a short space of time. No wonder then that you have found yourself fearful of just about everything.
Your brain is responding as if there is a sabre tooth tiger on your tail! Ancient part of your brain is constantly scanning the environment for anything that could endanger your survival. It does this in an attempt to protect you. The good news is that you can do something about it.
Have you suffered a particularly traumatic event?
Traumatised?
Have you suffered a severe blow? You might think now that you have developed an 'irrational fear' around it.
Your brain is now responding not any different from someone with a phobia. It really is possible to be cured of that phobia. See also: healing trauma.
A traumatic event causes a huge crisis. You may have experienced something that is completely beyond the 'norm'.
An accident, witnessing someone being injured, a violent death, a traumatic birth, been in a war zone, receiving bad news in a shocking way, can set off symptoms like those of a phobia. This may happen when you are confronted with any reminders of the incident.
How to recover from a phobia
There are several ways to cure your phobia. A hypnotherapist or human givens therapist could help.
The Linden Method is also effective. Charles Linden developed the programme after he cured himself completely from a dreadful problem with anxiety. He really understands what you are going through and has the solution, which is backed up by doctors and psychologists.
