Fear is a natural response to danger, but when fears become so intense that they disrupt daily life, it may indicate a phobia. Phobias can trigger overwhelming fear of animals, objects, social situations or inability to cope with certain circumstances for no apparent reason.
In some cases, phobias can induce such intense fear that it significantly impairs individuals. Phobias rank among the most prevalent mental illnesses and include:
Agoraphobia
Agoraphobia is the fear of being in situations where escape or help is challenging. This often includes fear of open or crowded places, such as shops, elevators or busy streets.
People with agoraphobia may go to great lengths to avoid these situations, sometimes confining themselves to home unless accompanied by a friend or family member. This disorder can severely hinder daily activities.
Social phobias
Social phobias make people dread being observed or embarrassed during social activities. It goes beyond normal nervousness and is characterised by irrational fears, leading people to avoid situations that trigger anxiety.
Common social phobias involve fear of public speaking or performing, but even routine activities like eating or playing can cause fear. Social phobia can significantly affect daily life and interpersonal interactions.
Specific phobias
Specific phobias involve fear of particular objects or situations, such as animals, heights, flying or enclosed spaces. Most specific phobias develop in childhood and may fade naturally over time. If they persist into adulthood, treatment is often necessary. The impact of specific phobias on daily life depends how frequently the feared object or situation is encountered.
Indicators and symptoms
People with phobias may exhibit the following symptoms:
• Unrealistic or excessive worry, dread or terror about an otherwise harmless object or situation
• An uncontrollable fixation on the fear and its object
• Physical reactions typical of fear, such as racing heart, sweating, shortness of breath, and shaking
• An overpowering urge to escape the situation
Individuals with phobias are generally aware that their fears are irrational, yet these people may still go to great lengths to avoid the feared object or situation. When this behaviour significantly disrupts daily life, seeking treatment is advisable and helpful.
Treatment
Phobias are often successfully treated. Common forms of treatment include behavioural therapies, such as exposure therapy, cognitive-behavioural therapy and EMDR.
At Sun Inside, you can get the help you need to overcome your phobia. Treatment will be tailored to your specific phobia as well as your preference for a specific form of treatment.