Ways we can help with fears and phobias

Most common fears or phobias:

• Fear of heights
• Fear of flying
• Fear of public speaking
• Fear of animals
• Fear of death
• Emetophobia (Fear of vomiting)
• Fear of Imagined/Future events
• Social phobias

What is fear?

Fear is a natural, powerful and primitive human emotion.  Fear alerts us to the presence of danger or the threat of harm, whether the danger is physical or psychological.  

Sometimes fear stems from real threats, but it can also originate from imagined dangers. Fear can also be a symptom of mental health disorders (panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, phobias or PTSD)

‍Symptoms of Fear:

• Chest pains or rapid heartbeat
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea
• Sweating
• Trembling
• Upset stomach
• Overwhelm
• Feeling out of control
• Upset

What is a phobia?

A phobia is an overwhelming and debilitating fear of an object, place, situation, feeling or animal.  Phobias are more pronounced than fears.  They develop when a person has an exaggerated or unrealistic sense of danger about a situation or object.

If a phobia becomes very severe, a person may organize their life around avoiding the thing that is causing the anxiety.

Symptoms of Phobia:

• Rapid heartbeat
• Nausea
• Sweating
• Shortness of breath
• Trembling or shaking
• Unsteadiness, dizziness or lightheadedness
• Upset stomach
  

Fortunately, we were not born with fears and phobias, this is learned behavior from childhood.  By breaking down neural pathways and creating new ways of thinking and being, we can help you break free and live a happy life.