Specific phobia is one of the most common types of anxiety disorder and leads to anxious complaints regarding specific objects or situations. Popular phobia gives a reader a glance at everyday phobia, a phobia that keeps people from doing what they like doing; flying, heights, spiders, or public speaking phobia. But, yes, a change is possible and one can move from fear to freedom with the help of the right planning and attitude. In this article, the author reveals how to ease any phobia; it is important to understand that fighting a phobia is possible with the right help and guidance.
Understanding Phobias
A phobia is a form of anxiety disorder that involves – an exaggerated and unwarranted fear of something or someone. Specifically, while general anxiety relates to excessive, uncontrollable worry that is not focused on any particular object or event, phobias are phobic reactions that are caused by certain stimuli and therefore can lead to the adoption of avoidance behaviours that compromise daily functioning.
The origin of phobia can also be due to the following: It may be born with this condition from a genetic background, it might have experienced something traumatic in the past, or it may have been conditioned to act in a certain manner.
The Impact of Phobias
Having a phobia is a living nightmare because it or rather affects how you live your life in a big way. It is also quite ironic that an individual will shun some events or objects that cause fear in his/her everyday life. For example, fear of flying averts one’s chances of travelling while fear of public speaking may hamper his/her promotion to higher positions at work. Also, since the anxiety from phobia is rather persistent, the agitated individual might show symptoms of physical stress including accelerated heartbeat, perspiration and dizziness.
Step 1: how to identify and acknowledge your phobia
The first thing one has to do to put an end to a phobia, no matter what it might be, is to accept that he or she has one. All the same, be completely aware that your fear Is genuine and all right even if it appears cranky to other people. You may ask about the time when the fear started, and it is useful to think about any that would have initiated the fear. It is quite essential in planning how best to effectively handle your phobia depending on the specific area that has affected you.
Step 2: Educate Yourself
A lot can be said and done when it comes to fighting phobias and this in a way begins with Knowledge. Some quick tips include: Informing yourself about your special kind of phobia; also acquiring knowledge of the stimuli and symptoms. One way to disarm a phobia is to demystify the phobia, that is, educating oneself about the cause of the phobia, and how it works. Furthermore, they should read other people’s stories of how they defeated the same phobia, using the cases described to get inspiration.
Step 3: Gradual Exposure
Therapies centring on exposure are considered as one of the most useful methods for overcoming phobias. In this process, a person deliberately comes in contact with stimuli that cause the dreaded experience, initially for brief periods and progressively increasing the time or extent of exposure. A person should begin the exposure by doing mere observing then as time passes go for more full-on exposure to what you are observing.
For instance, if a person has a phobia of flying, then one should start by bringing in pictures of airplanes then moving to visiting an airport and finally taking a flight that takes a short duration. These steps can be summarised as the attempt to make the patient immune to the fear, which is achieved by trying to untangle their brain and help it associate the object or situation that is feared with safety.
Step 4: A common treatment technique known as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Phobias can be treated with great efficacy with the help of CBT known as Cognitive-behavioral therapy. CBT deals with the process of replacing the negative perception and the actions that may arise from fear. A professional can assist with recognizing self-defeating patterns and examine them to reconsider those thoughts for reasonable and constructive ones. Yes, it has been observed through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy that one can alter his/her thinking process and come up with better ways of handling situations that evoke fear.
Step 5: Relaxation Techniques
Asthma is also associated with anxiety which causes some physical symptoms that can be managed through relaxation exercises like breathing, meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation techniques. These techniques should be exercised regularly, which effectively lowers the anxiety levels in an individual and brings about a state of relaxation when in the process of exposure. Moreover, routine exercises such as Mindfulness will assist in adjoining your consciousness to the present moment so as not to allow your thoughts to drift into the realm of fear.
Step 6: Practice Self-Compassion
Remember to be courteous to yourself in the process of ridding yourself of your phobia. Admit to yourself that it is not easy to confront fear and accept the fact that everyone feels anxiety and experiences relapses at a certain point in life. Self-care entails being kind to yourself with affirmations and positive words about the progress you are making as you practice social media safety. Please do remember that getting out of a phobia is a self it, it is a self-battle and must be done at, for, with and by the sufferer.
Conclusion
It is entirely possible that they can have some impact on your day-to-day life, but they do not have to control your life as a whole. Learning about your phobia, knowing what you are up against, and using methods like gradually getting exposed to the particular object, Cognitive behavioural therapy and relaxation, help one overcome any type of phobia. Exercise and take care of the body and if things get unbearable seek help from a professional health care provider, build a strong support network and also be kind to yourself. Self-help enables you to take charge of yourself and overcome your fear to wake up again to life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The most conventional treatment regime for phobias is CBT which is occasionally accompanied by exposure therapy. These therapies assist in the replacement of negative perception by developing sensible methods, which assist the individuals to overcome the frightening stimuli.
Indeed, everyone can help reduce or even erase their worries and fears if they receive the proper therapy and treatments. This is generally a process that involves the use of therapy, exposure to fear in a progressive manner, and strategies for managing it.
The period it takes to conquer the phobia also depends on the degree of the phobia involved and the person involved. A whole-year program yields positive results, and many people start noticing changes within the first few months; however, more profound changes may take time.
Was this helpful?
